Chico Times

Butte County is partnering with the five incorporated communities and numerous special districts to update their 2019 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The county is gearing up to address various hazards, including floods, drought, wildfires, and severe weather. As stated, "Floods, drought, wildfires, and severe weather are just a few of the hazards of concern to Butte County."

Having an LHMP in place is crucial for communities, as it forms the basis for long-term strategies to reduce disaster losses. According to officials, "Communities with a FEMA-approved LHMP are eligible to apply for both pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding and are better positioned to respond and recover when disasters occur."

The importance of hazard mitigation planning is underscored by the fact that "Some disasters are predictable and, in many cases, much of the damage can be reduced or even eliminated through hazard mitigation planning."

To involve the community in this crucial process, Butte County has organized Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) and Public Risk Assessment Meetings. The county is seeking input from the public to refine and enhance the risk assessment data. Residents are encouraged to attend either of the upcoming meetings on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Butte County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Oroville. The meetings are scheduled from 1:00-4:00 PM and 5:30-7:00 PM.

Further details and information about the Butte County Hazard Mitigation Plan update can be found on the Butte County website: [https://www.buttecounty.net/2024-LHMP-Development](https://www.buttecounty.net/2024-LHMP-Development).