Essex County, NY. – Essex County invites residents, businesses, and stakeholders to review and provide feedback on its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). This plan, developed in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, identifies strategies to minimize risks and enhance the county’s resilience against natural disasters and other hazards.

The updated plan is in compliance with requirements outlined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). This legislation mandates that local governments develop and adopt a HMP to remain eligible for federal mitigation funding and disaster recovery assistance.

Why Review the Plan?

The Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as a roadmap for identifying vulnerabilities and implementing measures to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure in the event of emergencies such as floods, severe storms, earthquakes, and wildfires. By providing input, the public helps ensure that the plan reflects community concerns, incorporates local knowledge, and prioritizes actions that address the county’s most pressing risks.

Key Objectives of the Hazard Mitigation Plan Include:

  • Assessing hazards and vulnerabilities specific to Essex County.
  • Identifying and prioritizing cost-effective mitigation
  • Increasing public awareness and
  • Aligning with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Planning requirements, including compliance with Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 201.

 

How to Participate:

The draft Hazard Mitigation Plan is available for public review online at essexcountyny.gov or in-person at The Public Safety Building, 702 Stowersville Road, Lewis, NY 12950.  Public comments will be accepted from March 20,  2025 through April 20, 2025. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback via email to essex.oes@essexcountyny.gov

What Happens Next?

 

Following the public review period, the County will incorporate feedback into the final version of the HMP before submitting it to FEMA for approval. Once approved, the plan will guide future investments in mitigation projects and increase the county’s eligibility for federal grant programs.

 

“The safety and well-being of our communities is a top priority,” said Emergency Services Director Matthew Watts. “This plan is not just a requirement but an essential tool for reducing risks and ensuring we are prepared to respond to disasters. Your input is invaluable to making this plan as comprehensive and effective as possible.”

 

For more information, please contact the Office of Emergency Services at 518-873-3900 or by email at Essex.oes@essexcountyny.gov.

 

Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Essex County.