Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with local governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in the area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. The Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in February of 2024.
The MJHMP identifies projects to mitigate the impacts of hazards identified in the plan. Project identification includes identifying all possible options to address planning objectives. Project identification is followed by a comprehensive evaluation of possible project options to identify viable, preferred options for the development of specific implementation strategies.
Since April of 2021, OEM has submitted 14 projects from the Santa Clara County Operational Area totaling more than $145,000,000.00 in Notices of Interest. Out of the projects, 4 are currently in progress. All submitted projects address the hazards identified in the Operational Area Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and increase resiliency within Santa Clara County, and beyond. The current projects under review include but are not limited to:
- Hazardous fuels reduction projects (wildfire)
- Planning projects (multi-hazard)
- Alert and Waring project (multi-hazard)
- Storm drain retrofit project (flooding)
- Microgrid project (multi-hazard)
