Hazard Vulnerability Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The Challenge
The Huntingdon County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Planning Department required assistance in updating the County’s 2004 Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) and Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). The HVA and HMP needed to complement the existing County Comprehensive Plan and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), ensure maximum and efficient utilization of all County resources, minimize the loss of life and/ or injury to the population, protect and conserve resources and facilities during emergencies, and preserve mutual aid agreements.

The Solution
Delta began the hazard mitigation planning process by preparing a new HVA that met DMA 2000 requirements. This included an all-hazards inventory of natural, man-made, and technological hazards threatening the County and the risks they pose. A profile of each hazard was developed, including the hazard overview,history of occurrence, hazard characteristics, vulnerability evaluation, probability of occurrence, severity, and secondary risks posed.

After developing the HVA, Delta revised the existing HMP and its implementation strategy with input from local officials, other stakeholder, and the public. As part of the HMP, Delta assisted in developing an inventory of all the critical facilities located in Huntingdon County. This data was retained by the County EMA for use during disaster events.

A draft was submitted to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for review and comment, then to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region III for final review and approval.

The Result
As a result of this project, Huntingdon County and its municipalities received an HMP that meets the requirements of the DMA 2000, strengthening their comprehensive emergency management programs and making the jurisdictions eligible for pre-disaster mitigation project funding.