Iredell and Rowan Counties are updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan to better prepare the communities for natural disasters and reduce risks to lives and property.

The plan includes specific strategies and needs for each municipality and a comprehensive countywide approach, working to ensure every community’s unique characteristics are addressed.

The purpose of the Iredell Rowan Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is stated within the draft as:

• Complete update of existing plans to demonstrate progress and reflect current conditions.
• Increase public awareness and education.
• Maintain grant eligibility for participating jurisdictions.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal legislative requirements for local hazard mitigation plan.

Hazards that Rowan and Iredell counties are vulnerable to are listed in the draft as thunderstorms, winter storms, tornadoes and hailstorms as well as human-caused hazards such as material spills.

The deadline for input is Friday, Jan. 31. Both the draft plan and the online feedback submission form, along with instructions on filling it out, can be found on the Rowan County website at rowancountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1676.