Oregon's current NHMP (2020) will expire on September 24, 2025. The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is leading the effort to review and update the plan and obtain FEMA's re-approval prior to that date. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is supporting us in this endeavor. We anticipate completing the final draft of the plan for FEMA's review by February 28, 2025.
The process of developing or updating an NHMP helps the whole community understand who and what is at risk, determine the most effective strategy and actions for reducing potential impacts, and understand what is needed to accomplish them. Natural Hazards Mitigation Plans must be reviewed, updated, and re-approved by the FEMA every five years to maintain eligibility for certain federal natural hazards mitigation funds.
FEMA revised its guidance for updating state natural hazards mitigation plans effective April 19, 2023. The Oregon NHMP will be reviewed and updated in accordance with these new requirements. They include (a) considering how climate change affects the probability and impacts of natural hazard events; (b) bringing socially vulnerable populations and underserved communities or their representatives into the planning process to understand how they are affected by natural hazard events; and (c) to strive for equitable outcomes.
Related Project: Risk Assessment Upgrade
As Oregon's risk assessment is the factual foundation of the Oregon NHMP, DLCD has been working on a separate project to upgrade it. The primary goal of the project is to “Develop and implement a public-facing comprehensive risk assessment tool in a geospatial environment that will respond to FEMA's new requirements for incorporating climate change, social vulnerability, lifelines, and equity." The initial results of this project will be used in the Oregon NHMP update.
Community Engagement
Community guidance is essential to create a robust, well-informed Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for Oregon. We have invited professionals not only in the areas of natural hazards and climate change, but also in several other areas such as equity, lifelines, and natural and cultural resources.
You are invited to participate too!
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