West Cook News

Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) invites the public to review the 2024 Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is undergoing a mandatory five-year update.

The plan aims to enhance the county's preparedness and mitigation capabilities. Community involvement in this process is crucial. In 2023, Cook County experienced two major Presidential disaster declarations due to natural hazards, highlighting the need for this initiative.

There are two ways for the public to participate in this plan update. Stakeholder and public comments on the draft can be submitted through a feedback form available online. The draft of the 2024 Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan can be accessed via an online link.

"The 2024 Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is designed to help communities reduce the impact of natural hazards," stated EMRS officials. Public meetings will assist the county in identifying and prioritizing services, disaster-related projects, and capabilities needed during emergencies.

The federal government mandates that local and state governments have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan, as established by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, to qualify for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) funding. These programs are essential sources of federal funding for communities aiming to initiate mitigation projects proactively or seeking Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding following a presidential disaster declaration.

For more information about the Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, visit: https://www.cookcountyemergencymanagement.org/reducing-risk-response/2024-hazard-mitigation-plan-update