BANNER_HazMitPlan_4thEdition

COMING SOON: Fourth Edition of the Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Thurston Region

TRPC is embarking on the fourth update of the regional Hazards Mitigation Plan. Several workgroup meetings will be held, and other opportunities for public engagement will be advertised on this website. Communities are required to update their plan every five years to maintain eligibility for federal mitigation grant programs. To join workgroup meetings, provide public comment, or learn more about the update process please contact Paul Brewster at brewstp@trpc.org or (360) 741-2526.

What is Hazard Mitigation?

Earthquakes, landslides, severe storms, floods, wildland fires, volcanic events, and other less common hazards can cause lengthy disruptions and are costly to communities, the state, and the federal government. Hazard mitigation breaks the disaster cycle by identifying and implementing sustained actions that eliminate long-term risks to life and property. 

The third edition of the Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Thurston Region was released in 2017 and resulted from a multi-jurisdictional process to develop a mitigation strategy to reduce the risks of the most destructive hazards that threaten the region. This plan specifically addresses communities and local governments within Thurston County. 

What's the difference between preparedness, response, and mitigation?

Using flood as an example…

PREPAREDNESS 

Activities such as planning or staging of supplies or personnel in anticipation of an emergency. Preparedness involves rescue training, maintaining equipment, and procuring supplies — knowing that response efforts will be necessary in the future.


RESPONSE

Actions taken during an emergency to protect life and property such as sandbagging, performing rescue or evacuation operations, pumping water to protect assets, or providing emergency shelters to displaced residents.


MITIGATION

Actions that reduce the demand for preparedness and response activities by minimizing the impacts of flooding. Mitigation activities may include elevating or removing structures in areas that periodically experience flooding. Mitigation can also regulate future development in areas that are prone to flooding.

Contact Us

  1. Paul Brewster
    Senior Planner
    brewstp@trpc.org

    Thurston Regional Planning Council
    2411 Chandler Court SW
    Olympia, WA 98502
    Ph: 360-956-7575