2020 LOWCOUNTRY Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan - Goals and StrategiesAccording to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for all counties in the State of South Carolina. The plan “is the representation of the jurisdiction’s commitment to reduce the risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards.” Moreover, it must meet the requirements of Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.The 2020 Lowcountry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is an update of the 2015 Beaufort County Hazard Mitigation Plan and the 2015 Lowcountry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan which includes Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. The result is the first fully multi-jurisdictional plan for all the counties in the Lowcountry region, including Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper. The plan provides a profile of the most common natural hazards in the region, including historic locations and past occurrence data, probability of future occurrence, and loss information. The plan also includes social vulnerability indicators for identifying populations at greatest risk from the effects of natural hazards. Finally, the plan identifies the mitigation actions to save lives and to prevent major property damage and other losses caused by natural disasters in the Lowcountry region. The plan was prepared by the Lowcountry Council of Governments (LCOG). [Submitter's Note: This StratML rendition includes the goals and strategies outlined in the plan.]Lowcountry Council of GovernmentsLCG_f0b975b2-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea00Maleena Parkey, PhDPrincipal Planner, Planning Department, Lowcountry Council of GovernmentsBeaufort CountyCity of BeaufortTown of BlufftonTown of Hilton Head IslandTown of Port RoyalColleton CountyTown of CottagevilleTown of Edisto BeachTown of LodgeTown of SmoaksCity of WalterboroTown of WilliamsHampton CountyTown of BrunsonTown of EstillTown of FurmanTown of GiffordTown of HamptonTown of LurayTown of ScotiaTown of VarnvilleTown of YemasseeJasper CountyCity of HardeevilleTown of RidgelandRisks from natural hazards are reduced_f0b976a2-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea00To serve as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards_f0b97756-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea00Structures, Utilities, Facilities & SystemsProtect Structural Projects, Utilities, and other Critical Facilities and Systems from Natural Hazards_f0b97800-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea001Facilities & ServicesContinue to protect critical facilities both public and private (roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, and others) and critical services (fire, rescue, medical, and others) from natural hazard threats._f0b978a0-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea001.1_1fadf8ea-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_1[To be determined]Buildings & EquipmentContinue to identify and schedule repairs and other improvements needed to ensure buildings are in adequate condition and with adequate equipment to function in the event of a disaster._f0b97940-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea001.2_1fadfa66-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_2[To be determined]UtilitiesInspect and assess utilities’ capability and vulnerability to ensure they can handle natural disasters._f0b97a30-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea001.3Utilities_1fadfb56-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_3[To be determined]Dams, Levees, Seawalls, Basins, Channels, Retaining Walls & Storm SewersEnsure integrity of dams, levees, seawalls detention/retention basins, channel modification, retaining walls, and storm sewers._f0b97b34-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea001.4_1fadfc32-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_4[To be determined]Communications InfrastructureDetermine adequacy of current regional communications infrastructure and address needed improvements._f0b97be8-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea001.5_1fadfd0e-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_5[To be determined]Education & AwarenessEnhance of Public Education and Awareness of Natural Hazards_f0b97c9c-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea002The PublicCommunications & EducationDevelop an ongoing public communications and education program including a website, pamphlets, informational packets, and articles in the local media._f0b97d46-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea002.1Local Media_1fadfdea-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_6[To be determined]InformationInclude information on how to respond to natural hazard threats including mitigation techniques, protective measures, and evacuation preparedness that businesses and homeowners can take._f0b97df0-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea002.2BusinessesHomeowners_1fadfed0-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_7[To be determined]TV, E-Mail & Social MediaIncorporate the use of local television channels, email, and social media, including Facebook ™ and Twitter™ to ensure that as many segments of the population as possible are reached._f0b97ea4-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea002.3TV StationsSocial MediaFacebookTwitter_1fadffc0-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_8[To be determined]Policies & StandardsImprove Policies and Standards to Reduce the Impacts of Natural Hazards_f0b97f80-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea003Plans, Codes & ZoningContinue efforts to revise, update, and improve plans, codes, zoning, and other mechanisms to address natural hazard mitigation, and expand on present policies to further protect the counties and incorporated municipalities (floodplains, repetitive loss areas, and others)._f0b98098-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea003.1_1fae00ba-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_9[To be determined]EnforcementContinue to enforce policies and ordinances for zoning, floodplains, flood damage prevention, stormwater management, building codes, beach renourishment, and others._f0b9816a-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea003.2_1fae01b4-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_10[To be determined]Flood InsuranceEncourage participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and work toward the lowering of the CRS rating._f0b98228-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea003.3_1fae02ae-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_11[To be determined]GrantsContinue to seek grant funding for hazard mitigation related projects and programs._f0b982e6-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea003.4_1fae03b2-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_12[To be determined]ConstructionConsider more rigorous standards for hazard-resistant construction, increased regulation of construction in hazard-prone areas as well as enhanced enforcement of existing regulations._f0b983ae-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea003.5_1fae04b6-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_13[To be determined]Emergency ServicesEnhance of Emergency Services through Sustained System and Technology Improvements_f0b9846c-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004PlanContinue to update the Emergency Operation/Response Plan on an annual basis including information on responsible parties and contact information._f0b98606-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.1_1fae05c4-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_14[To be determined]Equipment & TrainingMaintain sufficient and up to date equipment and training for EMS, police, fire, and other departments to ensure the prompt responses and the safety of residents._f0b986d8-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.2EMS DepartmentsPolice DepartmentsFire Departments_1fae06d2-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_15[To be determined]Systems, Planning & TrainingMaintain warning systems, evacuation planning, and emergency response training._f0b987a0-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.3_1fae07ea-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_16[To be determined]Evacuation RoutesMaintain safe and efficient evacuation routes – continue to cooperate with each other and SCDOT on highways connecting the counties._f0b9885e-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.4SCDOTCounties_1fae0902-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_17[To be determined]SheltersMaintain sufficient and safe shelters for potential needs - should be able to accommodate all members of the area’s population, including those with special medical or other needs. _f0b98930-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.5_1fae0a1a-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_18[To be determined]IT CapabilitiesMaintain the IT capabilities of local governments to ensure continuity of operations in the event of disaster, including supporting the use of centralized technology, located as far inland as possible, and developing a hosted (for instance, the “cloud”) storage system._f0b989f8-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.6Local Governments_1fae0b3c-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_19[To be determined]CoordinationCoordinate with the county and regional offices of the various state human services departments._f0b98ac0-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.7State Human Services Departments_1fae0c68-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_20[To be determined]Working RelationshipsMaintain and enhance working relationships among local governments._f0b98b92-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea004.8Local Governments_1fae0d94-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_21[To be determined]Properties & ResourcesProtect Properties and Resources_f0b98c64-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005ConstructionEncourage use of innovative hazard-resistant construction techniques/materials (reinforced, impact-resistant doors, storm-resistant windows, hurricane shutters, and others)._f0b98d72-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005.1_1fae0eca-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_22[To be determined]RetrofittingAdvise/assist property owners in retrofitting homes, businesses, and institutional facilities._f0b98e62-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005.2_1fae10d2-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_23[To be determined]Trees & BranchesMonitor and maintain trees and branches, in public areas, at risk of breaking or falling during hazards incidents (heavy rain, wind, storm etc.) and damaging property._f0b98f34-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005.3_1fae1226-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_24[To be determined]Flooding & Sea LevelUtilize currently available information and mapping to help determine the areas and magnitude of impacts from flooding and sea level rise._f0b99056-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005.4_1fae1366-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_25[To be determined]GrantsSeek grants for protective measures – include elevation and property acquisition for flooding mitigation._f0b991f0-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005.5_1fae14ba-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_26[To be determined]Floodplains, Habitat, Wetlands & ForestsEnhance floodplain protection, habitat preservation, wetland restoration and forest management._f0b993bc-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea005.6_1fae1622-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_27[To be determined]Vulnerable PopulationsAssist Targeted Vulnerable Populations_f0b99498-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea006OutreachUndertake outreach campaign to low-income, elderly, and Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations._f0b99588-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea006.1Low-Income PopulationElderly PopulationLimited English Proficient (LEP) Population_1fae1776-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_28[To be determined]TrainingPromote volunteer involvement in emergency preparedness and response through education training program._f0b99664-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea006.2Volunteers_1fae18d4-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_29[To be determined]Preparedness & ResponseContinue to provide emergency preparedness and response through Area Agency on Aging (AAA), local councils, and relevant agencies._f0b9974a-b36e-11eb-a10e-32edf782ea006.3Area Agency on Aging_1fae1a32-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6PLACEHOLDER_30[To be determined]_1fae1c80-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf62021-05-13https://cms.revize.com/revize/lowcountrysc/2020%20Lowcountry%20Natural%20Hazard%20Mitigation%20Plan%20(Revision%20per%20FEMA).pdf_1fae1dfc-b386-11eb-9c2b-daa66bbabdf6OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net