Community input crucial to Local Hazard Mitigation Plan updates

Our communities know all too well that natural disasters can strike at any time and officials want to make sure we’re prepared for the unexpected.

Every five years, updates are made to our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and for the first time, the plan will include all cities and jurisdictions throughout San Luis Obispo County.

A small crowd gathered at the Ludwick Community Center Tuesday and officials say community input is crucial to the process.

While fire is a hazard that hits close to home for many, the plan will look at a wide range of natural disasters, everything from tsunamis to agricultural pests.

“The Thomas Fire, that really got me motivated as a citizen and I stormed our local fire department,” said Emily Miggins of Los Osos.

Miggins volunteers with her local emergency services advisory committee.

“Fire is my number one, I am very concerned. Obviously, drought is related, climate change is related,” said Miggins.

The environmental scientist works closely with fire officials and feels like we could do a better job of getting the word out to citizens about updates to our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

“Estimated 250,000 residents in SLO County overall and we’ve had so far 94 responses to Wood PLC, which is the consultant,” said Miggins.

Obviously, the San Miguel Community Services District’s Fire Chief is keenly aware of our region’s wildfire threat.

“We are a part of a master mutual aid plan where our resources will help out in other communities in the county and also what they can help provide us in the event of a disaster,” said Rob Roberson, Fire Chief, San Miguel Community Services District.

Officials say these updates are about being proactive rather than reactive and fire and drought, earthquakes and evacuation are top of mind for the community.

“Any type of disaster that would overwhelm our resources in the district is one of the big concerns. We’ve had earthquakes in the past like in ’03 and things could happen in the district that would really cripple us,” said Roberson.

Community input is needed during this multi-jurisdictional effort to best identify the risks so we can develop a strategy to reduce those risks and lessen the hazardous impact.

Officials are hoping to have a draft out for public review by mid-July.