About the Project
The Planning and Development Department is updating the Town of Barnstable’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan identifies and assesses potential impacts of natural hazards, including hurricanes, winter storms, flooding, coastal erosion, wildfires, and other disasters and which critical facilities, properties and resources may be impacted by these events. Planning and Development coordinates input from the public, municipal officials and other stakeholders to identify strategies and actions aimed at reducing the loss of or damage to life, property, infrastructure and natural, cultural, and economic resources.
Developing hazard mitigation plans allows the Town to:
· Increase education and awareness around threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities;
· Build partnerships for risk reduction involving government, organizations, businesses, and the public;
· Identify long-term strategies for risk reduction that are agreed upon by stakeholders and the public;
· Identify cost effective mitigation actions, focusing resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities;
· Align risk reduction with other state or community objectives; and
· Communicate priorities to potential sources of funding.
Ultimately, hazard mitigation planning enables action to reduce loss of life and property, lessening the impact of disasters.
The plan is prepared to comply with Federal Emergency Management requirements and allows the Town to access funding sources to aide with plan implementation.
How to Get Involved
During the planning process, questions about the community’s experience with natural hazards will be posted on the Town’s Barnstable iForum webpage at www.barnstableiforum.com. Visit the page and share your thoughts and experiences.
The Town will host a public meeting to collect your input on the identified risks and vulnerabilities and actions the Town can take to reduce risk and protect the people and property of Barnstable.
Related Resources and Projects
Community Rating System Project
New England Climate Assessment Project Risk Assessment
New England Climate Assessment Project Barnstable Case Study
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Barnstable
Expanded Floodplains for Barnstable
Mapping Coastal MA – Expanded Floodplains