1. TIPS for Getting Started on your Hazard Mitigation Plan…

2. Getting Organized n Seek political support –Commitment for time and resources n Multi-jurisdictional pros and cons –Economies of scale –Less individual control n ID potential participating jurisdictions

3. Continue Getting Organized n ID potential planning team –Members and roles –Lead at staff level (i.e., plan author) n Develop a work plan and schedule n Determine multi-jurisdictional approach –direct, proxy, indirect, etc

4. Writing the Plan n Goal: –clear –useful –living document n Concise is nice

5. Organize Plan by 5 steps n Establish planning process n Assess risks n Develop mitigation strategy n Maintain plan n Adopt plan See Toolkit sample Table of Contents including its Figure List with maps and tables

6. Heart of the Plan n Active participation by jurisdiction –It’s your plan! n Best readily available risk info n Strong mitigation strategy

7. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel n Identify existing plans, studies, etc –Comprehensive plan, flood studies n Coordinate and tap resources –Fed/state/local agencies, academic institutions

8. Identifying Your Hazards n Natural vs manmade n Multiple events vs individual effects –Hurricanes vs flooding, winds etc n Floods n Winds n Earthquakes n Other –Extreme cold/snow/ice, landslides, wildfire

9. Electronic… n If available, use GIS n If contractor, make sure you get electronic copies that you can update in future –Examples: Word docs (not pdf), GIS files n For State/FEMA review, submit print and electronic copies.

10. Check out FEMA R2’s Hazard Mitigation Plan Toolkit n “One-stop shopping” n Guidance, aids and samples n Computer hyperlinks provide instant access n Organized by 5 plan requirement steps