Hancock County to begin updating Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Hancock County is updating the Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Jack Curfman, Hancock County ESDA coordinator, says the current plan, adopted in 2018, will be expiring in 2023.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires that each jurisdiction has an approved Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan to be eligible for several funding streams,” said Curfman in a press release. “By beginning the process now, we will not have any lapse in coverage.”

The county has received a grant from FEMA through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to hire University of Illinois Extension to work with the planning committee to update the plan.

The first of four planning meetings is scheduled for 4 p.m. August 23 at the Hancock County Emergency Management Office at 1006 Wabash, Carthage.

According to University of Illinois educator Carrie McKillip, there will be four planning meetings as well as
opportunities for the public to provide input to the plan.

“As part of the planning process, the committee will work to provide several opportunities for public input into the plan,” McKillip said. “Public meetings and online opportunities will allow residents of all jurisdictions in the county to weigh in on the best way to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the county.”

McKillip also indicated that each incorporated jurisdiction in the county will have the opportunity to
participate in the process and submit projects for the plan. Other public and nonprofit organizations are also encouraged to participate. She explained that schools,hospitals, health departments and social service agencies can all submit mitigation projects to reduce the impact of disasters. It is also important to know many mitigation activities do not cost anything.

By having a family or office emergency plan, you can reduce the risk to your family and co-workers. McKillip also said Illinois Extension has many educational programs that can assist the community, organizations and families in becoming more disaster resilient.

For more information regarding the Hancock County Hazard Mitigation planning process, contact Curfman at esda@hancockcounty-il.gov or McKillip at mckillip@illinois.edu. For information regarding Illinois Extension Programs, contact the Hancock County Extension Office at 217-357-2150 or
uie-abhps@illinois.edu.