MULTI JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (MJLHMP)
Introduction
Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with state, tribal and local governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), creating the framework for state, local, tribal and territorial governments to engage in hazard mitigation planning to receive certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. Requirements and procedures to implement hazard mitigation planning provisions may be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Stafford Act Title 44, Chapter 1, Part 201 (44 CFR Part 201).
Since the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 amended the Stafford Act, additional laws have been passed that help to shape hazard mitigation policy. These revisions are included in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act (SRIA) of 2013, the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016.
Riverside County is the fourth largest county (by population) in the state of California and the tenth largest in the United States. At 7300 square miles, Riverside County is also a geographically large and very diverse county ranging from deserts, mountains, lakes, and rivers, and encompassing both rural and suburban communities.
Identifying risks involves gaining awareness and input from other jurisdictions, stakeholders and members of the community. This document provides a general outreach strategy that includes traditional communication mechanisms as well as the concepts of community outreach, enhanced communication, public participation, and collaboration with partners. Throughout the MJLHMP process other outreach strategies may be identified and employed.
Though the Emergency Management Department is the lead agency in the development, updating and maintenance of the MJLHMP, the MJLHMP is a County of Riverside plan.