(Pitt County, NC)— Pitt County is better prepared for disasters with the recent approval of its local hazard mitigation plan. This is a long-term strategy to reduce the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The plan identifies hazards and potential hazards in municipal jurisdictions and unincorporated areas of Pitt County. This creates a framework to help community officials make decisions that may ultimately protect lives and property. The approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan also allows Pitt County to retain eligibility for FEMA disaster funds over the next five years.
History shows that the physical, financial and emotional losses caused by disasters can be reduced significantly through hazard mitigation planning. The planning process encourages communities to integrate mitigation with day-to-day decision making regarding land-use planning, floodplain management, site design and other activities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reviews and approves state, tribal and local hazard mitigation plans, which are required as a condition for states and communities to receive certain types of disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. State mitigation plans must be approved every five years. Local and tribal mitigation plans must also be approved at least once every five years.
For more information on Pitt County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan visit www.PittCountyNC.gov/Planning or contact Pitt County Planning Director, James Rhodes at 252-902-3250.