Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans represent a jurisdiction’s commitment to protecting people and property by addressing risks to natural hazards. A multi-jurisdictional plan promotes collaboration among a region, which often share impacts of an event and are exposed to similar hazards.

The Five County Association of Governments (FCAOG) has successfully completed three hazard mitigation plans for the region, with the majority of the Counties, Cities, and Towns adopting the plan. The FCAOG supports the plan by coordinating jurisdictions, collecting and analyzing data, and drafting the plan for review by planning teams and the public. The draft plan is submitted to the State of Utah and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review and approval. The plan must then be adopted by jurisdiction’s council, commission, or other governing body.

Why mitigation?

Southwest Utah regularly experiences flooding, drought, wildfires, and severe weather. Hazards are difficult to predict, but based on human experience in the region, we understand that it is a matter of time until an event occurs again.

Natural Hazards cost communities billions of dollars, taking a toll on human life, economies, and property. Mitigation actions can support communities in spending less on response and recovery from a hazard by lowering the overall risks and vulnerabilities.

Who is involved?

Five key groups are involved in the planning process:

1. Five County Association of Governments organizes, supports data collection, drafts, and submits the updated plan document to the State of Utah.
2. Jurisdictions include the 5 counties and 37 cities and towns in the region. The plan must be adopted by the local governments for FEMA approval.
3. Local planning team support the development of a strategy specific to their community’s risks and needs, using data and analysis from the FCAOG and other sources.
4. Stakeholders contribute essential perspective and experience with natural hazards, influencing potential strategy and needs.
5. Public comment and engagement is engaged throughout the planning process, online and in the communities. Members of the public share first hand impacts from hazard events and help prioritize hazards and respective needs in the community.