JERSEY COUNTY MITIGATION PLAN

Having a mitigation plan is intended to increase awareness of hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities in order to reduce risks, focus resources, and communicate priorities to state and federal officials in the event of a disaster.

The Jersey County Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan received FEMA approval in May of 2021 for unincorporated Jersey County as well as the municipalities of Elsah, Grafton, and Jerseyville

Frequently Asked Questions about the Jersey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

What is the Jersey County Hazard Mitigation Plan?

The Plan evaluates damage to life and property from natural and man-made hazards in the County and identifies projects and activities that can reduce these damages. The Plan is considered to be multi-jurisdictional because it includes municipalities and institutions, such as schools and other institutions who want to participate.

What is hazard mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate any long term risks to life and property from a natural or man-made hazard. Every five (5) years the Plan is reviewed and updated providing information from the public and stakeholders in relation to progress and what mitigation activities took place and what new hazards are identified.

Why is this Plan being updated?

Updating the Plan fulfills state and federal requirements that provide these benefits:
✓ Funding following a declared disaster.
✓ Funding for mitigation projects and activities before a disaster occurs.
✓ Increased awareness about natural and man-made hazards and closer cooperation among the various organizations and political jurisdictions involved with emergency planning and response.

Who is updating the Plan?

The Jersey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee is updating the Plan with assistance from technical experts in emergency planning, environmental matters, and infrastructure. The Committee includes members from participating municipalities, from business and economic development, county and local officials, stakeholders such as NOAA, IDNR, FEMA, IEMA, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the American Red Cross.

How can I participate?

You are invited to attend all public meetings of the Planning Committee. We encourage the public to provide photographs, other documentation, and anecdotal information about damages you experienced with natural and man-made hazards in Jersey County. Surveys will be available at participating municipalities to gather information provided by you to be used in the update of the Plan. A draft of the updated Plan will be presented in a public forum for public comment.