Residents, Community Stakeholders Also Encouraged to Complete Online Survey
BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton and Community & Economic Development Director Jennifer DeBoisbriand report that a final public listening session regarding the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan update will be held virtually next week. All Bridgewater residents and community stakeholders are invited to attend.
WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Virtual on Zoom, Meeting ID: 822 8500 1411, Passcode: 02324
WHAT:
The town, in partnership with the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC), is in the process of establishing its new Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), which will replace the existing plan from 2015.
A HMP assists in identifying a community’s natural hazard risks and determining how to best minimize and manage those risks in order to lessen the damage done to the community by severe weather or other emergencies.
Once common local natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities are identified by a core team of stakeholders from the community, long-term strategies are developed for protecting people and property from similar events. A HMP is a living document that must grow and adapt, keeping pace with a community’s growth and change as well as the changes to the climate and natural environment.
In addition to understanding hazards and identifying effective mitigation projects, the plan makes the town eligible for related federal and state grant funding; enhances coordination of hazard mitigation with comprehensive planning and zoning; results in more sustainable and disaster-resistant communities; and can reduce long-term impacts and damages to human health and structures as well as reduce repair costs.
The draft 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan update can be found here.
At the listening session, attendees will learn about updates to the plan, the identified hazards and risks, and associated strategies to prepare for those hazards. They will also be able to ask questions or offer comments.
Complete the Bridgewater Resilience Building (HMP) Survey:
Community members are also encouraged to complete a brief survey. The survey will ask for opinions on climate hazard concerns, infrastructure concerns, preparation and preparedness, opportunities to address potential natural or climate hazards, social barriers, resources and communication. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes.
Click here to complete the survey.
To learn more about the ongoing HMP project, click here.
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