For Immediate Release from Emergency Management – Carol Buck

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information, Contact Carol Buck (715-468-4730)

Washburn County Updates The Hazard Mitigation Plan

(Shell Lake, WI) Washburn County, like the rest of Wisconsin, is vulnerable to a variety of disasters. Wisconsin has incurred disaster-related damages totaling nearly $3 billion in the last three decades, with almost half of that occurring in the 1990’s alone. These losses can be reduced through mitigation activities. It is estimated that for every dollar spent on mitigation, up to $6 in future damages can be avoided. Hazard mitigation breaks the cycle of damage and repair.

Mitigation actions reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. These preventative actions can be simple, such as elevating a furnace in a basement that sometimes has water on the floor. Mitigation can also have a comprehensive approach, such as relocating buildings out of the floodplain or strengthening critical facilities to prevent wind damage and provide stronger shelter.

To better prepare Washburn County to manage its vulnerability to disasters, Carol Buck, Washburn County Emergency Management Director, is leading a whole-community initiative to update the hazard mitigation plan. The goal of this project is to update a FEMA-approvable plan that serves as a roadmap outlining potential cost-effective hazard mitigation activities, some of which may be eligible for future grant funding.

The plan is designed to assess the risks and vulnerabilities the county faces from natural disasters and to highlight mitigation strategies that could reduce future losses. As part of this planning process, Buck is assembling a workgroup to review and guide the planning activities. The workgroup is reviewing initial background information about Washburn County and has begun identifying strategies that might help.

Buck stated, “I am very excited about this part of the planning process. The input from the workgroup can have long-lasting impacts, making Washburn County safer and more disaster resistant.”

FEMA has recognized the importance of community members’ involvement in the process, and Buck would like to ensure that all interested community members have an opportunity to provide input on the plan. If you are interested in more information or would like to provide input into the plan, please contact Carol Buck at (715) 468-4730.