Required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan “is the representation of the jurisdiction’s commitment to reduce the risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards.” Also, the plan must meet the requirements of Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. The plan provides a profile of the most common natural hazards in the region. The plan also includes social vulnerability indicators for identifying populations at greatest risk from the effects of natural hazards. Finally, the plan identifies mitigation actions to save lives and to prevent major property damage and other losses caused by natural disasters.

The FEMA approved Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties was completed in June 2021 as the first fully multi-jurisdictional plan for all four counties. The 2020 Lowcountry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved for a period of five (5) years, effective to June 27, 2026.

In addition, the plan has received a 2021 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO).

For any questions or additional information, please contact Maleena Parkey, PhD, Principal Planner at mparkey@lowcountrycog.org . 

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Previous Plans:

2015 Beaufort County Hazard Mitigation Plan
2015 Lowcountry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan