Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) is updating the State Hazard Mitigation Plan as required by FEMA every five years. Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
Share Your Experience and Needs
Please discuss the questions below with Town/City Selectboard members, staff, and/or residents (for example, a 10-minute discussion during a Selectboard meeting). Then designate one person to share your responses with VEM using this online survey by April 28, 2023.
Questions for Towns and Cities
- Which individuals or groups within your community would be most harmed by or have the most difficult time recovering from a natural hazard event (such as flooding, ice, wind, heat, wildfire, etc)? We will refer to these as your “frontline community members."
- How does the Town/City get information about the needs and interests of its frontline community members? Please describe any opportunities for engagement offered specifically for frontline community members that you currently provide, or that you want to provide if resources are available.
- What have you already done to prepare for significant weather events in your community and protect residents from natural hazard impacts?
- What else would you like to do to protect your residents from natural hazard impacts?
- What would you need to make that happen?
- If funding is a need, what are the two biggest barriers to obtaining funding?
If you have questions about the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. contact State Hazard Mitigation Planner Caroline Paske or visit https://vem.vermont.gov/plans/SHMP.
