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Residents Invited to Participate in Survey/Meetings for Update to Hazard Mitigation Plan

News Date: 
Thursday, May 30, 2019 - 09:00

This week’s storms along with severe weather forecasted in the coming days is a reminder to area residents of the kind of damage a weather event can cause. A number of natural hazards like flooding, snowstorms and even tornadoes impact Cook County.

That is why the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is updating the Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to prepare for natural disasters and their impacts. And they want residents’ input.

DHSEM is hosting a series of public meetings to share details about the planning process with residents. The meetings will be held:

 

DHSEM South Public Meeting I; Hazard Mitigation Plan Process

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Orland Park Public Library

14921 South Ravinia Avenue

Orland Park, IL 60462

 

DHSEM Central Public Meeting I; Hazard Mitigation Plan Process

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Dole Branch, Oak Park Public Library

255 Augusta Street

Oak Park, IL 60302

 

DHSEM North Public Meeting I: Hazard Mitigation Plan Process

Monday, June 10, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Skokie Public Library

5215 Oakton Street

Skokie, IL 60077

 

DHSEM South Public Meeting I: Hazard Mitigation Plan Process

Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Orland Fire Protection District

9790 West 151st Street

Orland Park, IL 60462

 

DHSEM North Public Meeting II: Hazard Mitigation Plan Review

Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Niles-Maine District Library

6960 West Oakton Street

Niles, IL 60714

 

DHSEM South Public Meeting II: Hazard Mitigation Plan Review

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Oak Lawn Public Library

9427 South Raymond Avenue 

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

 

DHSEM Central Public Meeting II: Hazard Mitigation Plan Review

Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, Oak Park Public Library

Veterans Room - Second Floor

834 Lake Street

Oak Park, IL 60301

 

DHSEM is also asking residents to take a 10-minute survey about natural hazards in Cook County. This voluntary and confidential questionnaire will assist DHSEM in identifying which hazards are of greatest concern to residents and businesses as well as which services the community may need during an emergency.

Survey questions include:

  • Please indicate those activities you have done to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
  • What might prevent you from leaving your place of residence if there was an evacuation order?
  • In an evacuation, would you or anyone in your household require special assistance?


Residents will have the opportunity to complete the survey at the public meetings. Please click here to access the survey. 

Survey responses will be collected through Friday, June 21, 2019.

The HMP is designed to reduce the impact of natural hazards with the goal of protecting the health, safety and welfare of all residents; and to mitigate damages to property and infrastructure by identifying cost-effective strategies intended to eliminate or reduce the negative impact of those hazards. The public meetings will help the County identify and prioritize the services, disaster-related projects, and capabilities the community may need during an emergency.

Currently, more than 100 of the County’s 134 municipalities and 30 townships have partnered with DHSEM on this important initiative.

The federal government requires local and state governments to have a FEMA-approved HMP to qualify for Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project grant funds. Updates to the plan are required every five years.

For more information about the HMP, future meeting locations and plan updates, visit www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org