On January 29th, the City of Salem hosted a public meeting, which discussed updates made to the Hazard Mitigation Plan and possible next steps, to increase city resiliency.
By MIa Amaral
A hazard is defined as a natural event or condition that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment. Mitigation efforts are integral to protecting people and infrastructure, and building community resilience for future hazardous events. To create an effective planning process, people must be brought together to cooperate on creating risk reduction strategies.
Interaction with natural hazards has the potential for damage and loss to both people and infrastructures. Creating and updating a hazard mitigation plan is integral for reducing loss of life and property, prioritizing investments, improving prebadeness, and increasing resilience.
Hazard mitigation strategies can take on many different forms, employing a wide variety of proactive techniques to mitigate harm. Flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, and earthquakes were all identified as major environmental hazards that concern the city of Salem.
A secondary public meeting will be held in April to review the Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft, with updated strategies from community feedback.
Mia Amaral is SAFE’s Programs Intern.