Department of Emergency Management seeking public input on Multi-Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan

(Thursday, December 10, 2009) --- The Department of Emergency Management is updating the City's Multi-Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.  In order to ensure that the plan is as complete as possible the department is asking Oahu residents for their input as to what hazards natural or human caused they feel should be addressed.

“The multi-hazard plan identifies disasters that may impact the residents of Oahu; such as Flash Flooding, High Winds, Tsunami, Hurricanes, etc.”, said Melvin Kaku, director for the Department of Emergency Management.  “We have developed an on-line survey form that residents can quickly complete and submit via our website to give them a voice in the planning process.”

Oahu residents who would like to participate can access the survey form by going to the Department of Emergency Management website at www.oahuDEM.org and clicking on the Disaster Preparedness Survey link.    The survey is very simple and should take no more than five minutes to complete.  Data gathered from the survey will be used in updating the plan.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires governments to have a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as a condition to receiving federal preparedness and disaster assistance funding”, said Kenneth Gilbert the departments disaster preparedness officer. “An integral part of the plan's approval is public input.”

The survey period will end in February 2010 with the revision scheduled for completion by April. 

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Contact:

John M. Cummings III

Public Information Officer

Department of Emergency Management

(808) 723-8957  Office