San Rafael, CA – What can be done to limit the impacts of natural hazards in Marin County? Local emergency response coordinators are seeking public feedback on the proposed projects focused on reducing the impacts of natural hazards. Anyone who lives or works in Marin County is invited to provide feedback so plans are inclusive of diverse perspectives.
Despite Marin County's sheer beauty, its land and population are at risk of natural hazards every day. Every few years, Marin and other local government agencies combine efforts on a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan that is in the process of being updated.Every few years, the County of Marin, 11 local cities and towns, and some special districts, update the Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). FEMA requires local jurisdictions outline mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts of natural hazards, including, sea level rise, earthquakes, wildfires, floods and more. A plan update can also increase community ratings used for the National Flood Insurance Program, which can result in lower flood insurance premiums for property owners.
Public input is critical to be sure the plan incorporates lived experiences from those who have had to adapt to natural hazards. To help the community provide informed feedback, an interactive map has been made available to help determine the potential impact of natural hazards near individual homes, workplaces, and other community resources.
After using the interactive map, we recommend the public look through the proposed projects. Do these projects reflect community concerns? Let us know by filling out the survey, available in both English and Spanish.
The Marin County Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), which coordinates the plan, is working with individual jurisdictions to get their proposed plans uploaded to the website as they become available. Community is asked to check back later if a city, town or special district is not listed.
This winter, the LHMP will be presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors for review, approval and adoption of the draft.
Community members can also visit the California Office of Emergency Services’ MyHazards webpage to take steps to reduce personal risks.