Jacksonville property owners who have property that has been flooded in the past, or which could be in danger of flooding in the future, are being invited to an open house on the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program.
Following large disasters, North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA work with communities to reduce or eliminate the impacts to people and property from natural hazards; a process called hazard mitigation. After federally declared disasters, FEMA provides designated funds for hazard mitigation projects. Meanwhile, NCEM works with local governments to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and develop long-term strategies to protect people and property during such events.
The Mayor and City Council have voted to authorize the Mayor to take steps to participate in the program. The vote was taken at the November 20, 2018 City Council Meeting.
Examples of hazard prevention efforts are:
· Raising up flood-prone properties,
· Buying homes found in high hazard areas,
· Giving help in updating local hazard prevention plans,
· Showing businesses ways to lower risks, and
· Promoting good growth and building practices outside of high hazard areas
The City of Jacksonville session will host an opportunity for one-on-one discussions and a group presentation on the Hazard Mitigation program that could help provide opportunities for lowering risks to property owners.
The open house is 5-7PM, Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Jacksonville City Hall for the informational session.