Public input sought on hazard mitigation plan

A windstorm in 2018 damaged this house in Lake Barcroft.

Are you more concerned about severe winter weather or tornados? flash flooding or wildfires?

The public is encouraged to take a survey to help policymakers update the 2017 Northern Virginia Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

The updated regional plan will identify local policies and actions for reducing risk and future losses from natural disasters and non-natural hazards, such as civil unrest or cyber-attacks.

The revised plan will meet federal regulations that require local governments to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. 

The brief survey asks residents to identify which potential hazards they are most concerned about, how such hazards could impact their community, and the best strategies for prevention. 

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management is drafting the revised Hazard Mitigation Plan along with similar agencies in Alexandria, Arlington County, Loudoun County, and 15 other jurisdictions.