William Parrish, MHS, FEMA Programs, Michael Baker Jr. Inc., 801 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite 110, Glen Burnie, MD 21093, 410-424-2322, bparrish@mbakercorp.com

Michael Baker Jr. Inc. was awarded a contract to assist the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services (OES) in developing and submitting to FEMA for approval a standard state hazard mitigation plan. The plan involved an assessment of the risks to West Virginia from natural hazards like floods, winter storms, tornadoes, and wild fires on a statewide basis, and strategies to help reduce the risks and the effects of these hazards on life and property, including public infrastructure. In addition to OES, over 100 different agencies participated as stakeholders in the final mitigation plan.

Based on extensive research of past disaster events and their effects on life and property, an assessment was made of the risks to West Virginia's residents and infrastructure from natural hazards. Projections of future risks to the State's critical infrastructure were also made, and maps of areas vulnerable to specific hazards were created using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Using the results of the research and future projections, the various hazards were ranked by their frequency and consequences, and a priority listing was developed. With the assistance of the stakeholders, activities to reduce hazard risks are identified and prioritized, and strategies will be developed for their implementation. Each strategy included a description of the agency responsible for its implementation, potential funding sources, and a schedule for it to be completed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will

• Understand the importance of planning to the reduction of losses to life and property from natural hazards such as floods, fires, tornadoes;
• Be able to identify the essential steps in the hazard mitigation planning process;
• Know where to obtain funding and technical assistance to support community hazard mitigation planning and project implementation.

Keywords: Hazards, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Michael Baker Jr. Inc., Consulting Engineers
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of Michael Baker Jr. Inc.