Local Mitigation Plan on Hurricanes

Public and Private Sector Partner Agencies

Every year, the United States experiences several hurricanes spread across its states. In Atlanta Georgia, the situation is no different as the state has had its fair share of hurricane disasters, with the recent one happening about three days ago. Both the state, federal government and the local community have been at the forefront trying to mitigate the risk of the hazard and combat the effects that come along with it. Essentially, one of the key strategies towards improving delivery of disaster assistance to affected parties is reducing their vulnerability to damages from the hazardous event (WHO, 2007). Practically, a local disaster response planning committee on Hurricane applies to all state agencies, commissions, boards and other departments that may be assigned the responsibility of implementing the mitigation by the director of state’s Division of Emergency Department (FEMA, n.d). Other public agencies include the Small Business Administration (SBA) who are responsible for helping small businesses in the aftermath of a hurricane through loans for rebuilding their businesses (U.S. Congress, 2010). Along with that, since the storms largely affect the State of Atlanta Georgia, the local community also plays a significant role in the planning committee. Private sector agencies may include industries around the areas exposed to disaster and other entrepreneurial firms, contractors supporting government services at a fee, suppliers of building materials, independent agents committed to providing local mitigation with or without formal arrangements with the government.

Parts of the Plan on Hurricane Mitigation in Atlanta Georgia

The planning team must first identify the critical tasks or functions that all stakeholders should perform and assign responsibilities for each task or function. The planning team must collaborate with the heads of the organizations involved and ensure they play their part as expected. As the emergency operations plan begins, members must discuss the most practical format that will apply to the mitigation plan. Such may include the style of governance in the area the plan is to be implemented or results of the risk assessment procedure.

Participating Agencies that May be more or less involved in the plan

Participation by the state agencies is critical in the formulation of the project. Their primary tasks include conducting disaster site survey, assist in the processing of grant programs applications, and monitor the status of the projects from the beginning until the project is completed (“Disaster Management,” n.d). Among the participating agencies who may be less involved in the plan, may be the Small Business Administration, whose purpose is primarily felt in case a disaster happens and are required to grant loans.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) involved in Specific Areas of Plan Development

During hurricane mitigation plan, subject matter experts play an extremely important role. Mostly, the individuals solicited from state government will be needed for accurate information on hazard, risks, capabilities, and the right strategies to adopt to ensure proper management of hurricanes in the State. 

Actions Required in Emergency Management Concept

The implementation of the hurricane mitigation plan largely relies on the four phases of emergency management concept that include preparedness and mitigation, response and recovery.

Preparedness

Before the planning committee embarks on any project, they need first to research and review existing studies and previously recorded hurricane events in the State of Atlanta Georgia to understand the trends. This phase is highly significant in that it shapes the particular decisions and the right action to undertake.

Response

In this phase, the planning committee will start on formulating the right course of actions and will be expected to make decisions effective for the areas exposed to hurricanes. They will also need to consult with the relevant authorities, likely to influence the implementation of the project.

Recovery

The committee explains to the state and federal administrators all the details of the project. The committee will also acquire all needed permits, pay any fees, and consider the various responsibilities to be assigned to the members.

Mitigation

This is the time to hold meetings and prepare the most appropriate plan to be presented for funding. The committee might also check other potential projects that may require their address.

Possible Challenges

Despite their increased vulnerability to hurricanes, the local community in Atlanta Georgia may resist the mitigation program due to the economic burden that may be imposed on them. As it is, developing the structures requires a lot of money, which the state may not be in a position to finance.

Solutions

For the community to adopt the project, the planning committee must be committed to making them understand its benefits and the involved risks in case the project is not initiated. On the issue of project funding, the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant demands provision of funds to enable the implementation of risk management measures provided they are cost-effective and serve the interests of the community and nation.

Short-term and long-term recovery goals

Some short-term recovery goals for the community may involve identifying potential areas that may need an address to reduce the risk of hurricane hazards in the future. Long-Term recovery goals may include seeking the coordination of state agencies and organizations to develop, maintain, and implement storm management projects that are sustainable and not prone to the frequently occurring hurricanes in the area.

References

“Disaster Management.” (n.d). Wyoming Homeland Security. Retrieved from: http://hls.wyo.gov/Library/DisasterInformationReportsForms/DisasterDeclarationInformation/DisasterSequenceofEvents.pdf

FEMA. (n.d). IS-230.c – Fundamentals of Emergency Management. Department of Homeland Security: FEMA. Retrieved from: https://emilms.fema.gov/IS230c/FEMsummary.htm.

U.S. Congress. (2010). Congressional Record, V. 153, Pt. 7, April 18, 2007 to April 26 2007. Washington D.C: Government Printing Office.

WHO. (2007). Risk reduction and emergency preparedness. World Health Organization. retrieved from: http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/preparedness/emergency_preparedness_eng.pdf.