Cal OES has released its 2018
State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) which are now available
for public review and comment. The SHMP provides an evaluation of
California’s current and historical hazards and sets the
mitigation priorities, strategies and actions for the state.
States are required to review and revise an SHMP and resubmit it
for FEMA approval at least every five years to ensure the
continued eligibility for Stafford Act funding. The deadline to
submit comments is May 16.
Most importantly, an updated and revised SHMP is a pre-requisite
for obtaining vital funding from a variety of federal disaster
programs including: Hazard Mitigation Grants, Pre-Disaster
Mitigation, Flood Mitigation Assistance, Fire Management
Assistance Grants, and certain Public Assistance Grants. The SHMP
is an important tool in preparing California for the “new normal”
and is a vital component in the process of acquiring disaster
mitigation and recovery funds from the Federal government.
