WHAT is hazard mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the risk to life, property and the environment from natural hazards. In the City of Santa Monica, some of these natural hazards include: earthquakes, landslides, fires, winter storms, and tsunami.

WHAT is the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan? 

• The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is a new requirement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which must be satisfied for jurisdictions to remain eligible for hazard mitigation funds and public assistance following disasters.

• In order to remain eligible for these funds, the city must complete its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by November 2004.  

• Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Santa Monica qualified for disaster assistance funds which were used for repairs and retrofits to several facilities throughout the city.  Some of these projects include the Miles Playhouse, several public parking structures, the Pergola at Palisades Park and significant improvements to the sewer system.

WHO prepares the plan?

• The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is being developed by a committee--made up of local public safety officials, city department representatives, the American Red Cross and other local agencies--which began working on the plan in July 2003. 

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

• To meet FEMA requirements, we must incorporate input from additional local agencies, organizations and individuals.   

HOW can you help? 

• Urge your favorite community organization to participate in development of the plan.

• Contact the City of Santa Monica's Emergency Services division by calling 458-8686.

• Watch for new information being posted in the near future on the city's website at santa-monica.org to stay informed of our progress and coming events. (Click on the "Local Hazard Mitigation Plan" link at the bottom of the page.)