Participate in Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning

Tuesday,  May 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Senior Center

— from San Juan Communications —

The San Juan County/Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is currently developing a “Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.” DEM is seeking input from members of the island community about potential ways to reduce the risk of injuries and damage from natural hazards.

One example of a mitigation activity is a wildland fuels reduction project to reduce the threat to a neighborhood from a wildland fire. You can learn more by attending a meeting on the topic. Meetings will be held at these times, dates, and locations:

• Shaw Island: Saturday, May 13, 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Community Building
• San Juan Island: Sunday, May 21, 12 – 1:30 p.m. at the Skagit Valley College Community Room
• Lopez Island: Sunday, May 21, 4 – 5:30 p.m. at the Lopez Library meeting room
• Orcas Island: Tuesday,  May 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center

In March, DEM kicked off the planning effort by asking for your input on a survey about natural hazards and preparedness. That survey is still available and accepting your input at this link: Survey

In addition to the survey, DEM has prepared another web form for community members to send in their mitigation project ideas. Please consider attending the meeting on your island to learn more. Or if you are ready with a mitigation idea, you can submit it at this address: Submit Mitigation Data

If you have any questions about this, please call 370-0587.