FAQs
What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan?
The Hazard Mitigation Plan is Boulder County’s roadmap for reducing damage from hazards like wildfires, floods, and severe wind events. It identifies the greatest risks we face and outlines practical actions to reduce future impacts. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a strategic document NOT regulatory.
Why is this plan being updated?
Risks to hazards change over time. New development, climate patterns, infrastructure needs, and lessons learned from recent events all influence how we prepare. The plan is updated to stay current and effective. The plan must be reviewed and approved by FEMA every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation funding.
How often is the plan updated?
The plan is reviewed annually and fully updated every five years. The previous Boulder Hazard Mitigation Plan was updated in 2021.
Why does FEMA approval matter?
Approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allows Boulder County and participating local governments to remain eligible for certain federal and state mitigation funding programs.
What is hazard mitigation?
Hazard mitigation means taking action before a disaster happens to reduce damages and lessen impacts. Examples include wildfire fuel reduction, flood drainage improvements, strengthening infrastructure, and improving emergency alerts.
What is the difference between a "natural hazard" and a "disaster" ?
A natural hazard is a natural event or process, such as a flood or wildfire, that has the potential to produce harm or undesirable consequences to a person or thing. When a natural hazard interacts with people or property and causes serious damage or disruption, especially more than the community can handle easily on its own, it's a disaster.
How does this affect my neighborhood?
The plan helps determine which risk-reduction projects are prioritized and where future funding is directed. That could mean wildfire mitigation, drainage improvements, or infrastructure upgrades.
What hazards does this plan address?
The plan examines hazards the following natural hazards:
- Dam/levee incident
- Drought
- Earthquake
- Extreme Heat
- Flood
- Hail
- Lightning
- Severe Wind
- Tornado
- Winter Weather
- Wildfire
- Geologic Ground Hazards: Deposition, Erosion, Expansive Soils, Ground Subsidence
- Mass Earth Movements: Avalanches, Debris Flows, Landslides, Rockfalls
What kinds of projects could come from this plan?
Mitigation projects that when implemented will lessen the risk to natural hazards and lower the cost of response and recovery. These projects may include wildfire fuel reduction, flood control improvements, infrastructure upgrades, evacuation planning improvements, emergency alert enhancements, and community preparedness programs.
Will this change zoning or land use regulations?
No. This plan does not change zoning or development regulations. It is a non-regulatory document focused on improving community resilience and reducing disaster risk and vulnerability.
Will this create new taxes?
No. The plan itself does not create new taxes. It is a non-regulatory document that identifies potential projects and funding opportunities, including outside grants.
Will this change my insurance rates?
The non-regulatory plan does not directly change insurance rates. However, reducing community-wide disaster risk can improve long-term resilience and recovery outcomes.
Why should I get involved?
Your experience and priorities help shape which mitigation actions are pursued. Community input directly influences project prioritization and future investments.
What happens to my survey responses or comments?
All input is reviewed by the planning committee and summarized in the final plan. Public feedback helps refine mitigation strategies and identify community priorities.
Can I suggest a specific project?
Yes. You can submit ideas through the Mitigation Idea Board or contact form. Specific, location-based suggestions are especially helpful.
What is the difference between “risk” and “vulnerability?
Risk is the potential for damage or loss created by the interaction of natural hazards with assets, such as buildings, infrastructure or natural and cultural resources. Vulnerability describes who and what could be harmed including the people, homes, infrastructure, or systems that are more exposed or less able to withstand those impacts.
How does this plan consider vulnerable populations?
The plan evaluates how disasters affect different groups and prioritizes actions to protect those who may face greater challenges during disasters and recovery.
What can I do now to reduce my own risk?
Create defensible space, prepare an emergency kit, sign up for alerts, develop an evacuation plan, and stay informed about local hazards. Learn more about preparedness here: Boulder County Office of Emergency Management