The City of University Place is in the process of creating a hazard mitigation plan. Hazard mitigation planning is the process of determining how to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property damage resulting from natural hazards. The planning process involves four basic phases:
- Organizing resources that include identifying and organizing members of the community as well as the technical expertise required during the planning process.
- Developing a risk assessment that includes identifying the characteristics and potential consequences of hazards.
- Developing mitigation strategies that contain prioritized mitigation goals, objectives, and actions to help avoid or minimize undesired hazard effects.
- Developing a method of implementing the plan and monitoring its progress.
A mitigation planning team is being created to include professionals from many areas of the City of University Place including: Emergency Management, Facilities Management, Risk Management, Development Services and Public Works. The City also encourages input from concerned community citizens by way of phone, fax and email.
The planning team will organize resources and will develop the risk assessment for hazards and risks in University Place. In the coming months, mitigation strategies will be developed along with methods of implementing and monitoring the plan. The resulting plan will be made available for examination in a public setting and linked to this website. Public comment and suggestions are invited and encouraged. At least one public meeting will be conducted prior to the plan's formal adoption in the spring of 2006.
For further information, comments, or suggestions please contact:
Sandy Garrett, Communication & Technology Services Director
City of University Place Community Services Department
Phone: (253) 460-2507
Fax: (253) 566-5658
Email: sgarrett@cityofup.com