A hazard mitigation plan helps communities lessen the impact of disasters by identifying the risks associated with natural disasters. The plan also provides strategies for protecting people and property from events such as fires, floods, and earthquakes. Managing editor Tami Roleff says at its meeting last night the Yucca Valley Town Council gave the go-ahead for town staff to enter into an agreement with a consulting firm to update the townâs hazard mitigation planâŚ
If Yucca Valley were to be hit by another major earthquake, or a fire or flood, the town would need to have a hazard mitigation plan in effect in order to receive help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. FEMA also requires that plans be updated every five years, and so last night, the town council approved spending $15,000 to hire a consulting firm to revamp the townâs hazard mitigation plan.
Council members then heard from Hi-Desert Nature Museumâs Director Stephanie Ritter about the museumâs strategic plan. The museumâs plan is to install signs on Highway 62 and 247 directing visitors to the museum. Long-term goals for the museumâin addition to re-opening one more day per weekâare to acquire funding for capital improvements, and purchase new exhibit cases and a new diorama for the museumâs natural history wing.