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Hazard Mitigation
Hazard Mitigation is defined as any action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards. Local jurisdictions (Municipal or County, as appropriate) are required to have a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). In Maine, HMPs are maintained at the County level and incorporate all municipal mitigation considerations. The current Cumberland County HMP was completed in December, 2005.
Every five years the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires an update to local HMPs. As such, the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has contracted with the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District to lead the effort. Each municipality in Cumberland County is required to participate in the process and to endorse the final product in order to gain FEMAs approval of the updated plan. With the approval comes renewed eligibility for all municipalities to compete for valuable mitigation grant funding.
Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency has prepared this website to inform the public, local and county officials of the preparation and update of the Cumberland County Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with revised state and federal requirements. An approved Hazard Mitigation Plan is a prerequisite for certain types of disaster assistance grants.
Requirement §201.6(c)(1): [The plan shall document] the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved.
Requirement §201.6(c)(4)(iii): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] discussion on how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process.
Each municipality will receive a copy of the completed plan to keep on file at the municipal office. A notice will be posted at each municipal office advising the public of the availability of the plan for review. Municipalities with websites may choose to post the plan on their website. The plan will be posted on the CCEMA website and members of the public will be welcome to submit comments, suggestions or feedback on the plan to CCEMA, as well as to volunteer to be involved with hazard mitigation efforts. CCEMA will continue its efforts to coordinate with volu nteer community groups.
At the time of the 5-year review and updating of the plan, CCEMA will notify the public of the plan review and updating process and will invite public comment and participation in the process.