In an important development for Camden County, the Board of Commissioners has approved an update to the county’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
While the update received unanimous support, it was not without some concerns raised during the commission meeting last week.
The primary purpose of the plan is to reduce long-term risks to people, property, and the environment from various hazards identified in the county.
The updated strategy also allows Camden County to qualify for federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs.
These grants are vital for implementing effective mitigation projects that can significantly reduce the potential impacts of future disasters.
But what exactly is hazard mitigation? Simply put, it involves actions taken before disaster strikes to lessen the impact of future events.
This proactive approach is essential to breaking the destructive cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage that often follows natural disasters.
Whether it’s a flood, hurricane, or wildfire, taking steps ahead of time to mitigate these risks can make a community more disaster-resistant and sustainable in the long run.
A hazard mitigation plan is more than just a list of vulnerabilities and risks.
It’s a comprehensive evaluation that identifies the hazards a community faces, how likely they are to occur, and the specific actions needed to reduce potential harm.
The plan includes strategies for minimizing loss of life, injuries, property damage, and economic disruption in the event of a disaster.
It’s a roadmap for safeguarding communities and creating lasting solutions to disaster risks.
Why is this so important? Under the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), communities must have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan to remain eligible for FEMA’s funding programs.
Without an updated plan, Camden County risks losing access to crucial funding for disaster preparedness and recovery initiatives.
With the new plan in place, the county will not only qualify for these funds but will also be able to identify and implement projects to better protect the community from future hazards.
The planning process itself is thorough and well-structured. It includes identifying the most important risks to the area, assessing the vulnerabilities of local infrastructure and residents, and developing strategies to reduce those risks.
This involves everything from evaluating land use and development trends to mapping out hazard-prone areas and determining the best ways to minimize damage to people and property.
The goal is to create a more resilient Camden County that can withstand and recover more quickly from natural disasters.
In addition to the technical aspects, the planning process is also highly collaborative.
Stakeholder and resident participation are crucial for ensuring the plan accurately reflects the needs and priorities of the community.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has made in-person outreach challenging, Camden County has adapted by keeping residents engaged through online surveys, meetings, and regular updates.
The county has made notable strides since its initial participation in the 2017 Mitigation Plan for Four New Jersey Counties.
With the updated Camden-specific plan, local leaders and residents will work together to fine-tune risk assessments and identify effective mitigation strategies.
This partnership approach ensures that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of disaster preparedness in the county.
This update is just one part of the broader effort to strengthen the region’s disaster resilience.
With funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Camden County will receive $34,000, which will be combined with in-kind contributions from local staff and planning time.
This grant will help fund the update of the existing plan, allowing for a more detailed and focused approach to reducing hazard risks.
While no one can prevent natural disasters from happening, the steps Camden County is taking now will help reduce their long-term impact.
By continuing to update and implement this hazard mitigation plan, the county is ensuring a safer, more secure future for its residents—one that is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
As the plan moves forward, Camden County officials are committed to keeping residents informed and involved in the process.
They encourage everyone to stay engaged, provide feedback, and help shape strategies to make the community safer in the face of natural hazards.
With proactive planning, communities like Camden County can face the future confidently, knowing they’ve taken the necessary steps to mitigate risk and protect what matters most.
