DRU/Hazard Mitigation Planning Process

Public Participation in Hazard Mitigation Planning
Clarion University
CLARION DRU/HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS
View Press Release: Press Release - Hazard Mitigation Plan

A disaster-resistant university (DRU) hazard mitigation plan is a plan that identifies actions a community can take to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property damage that results from natural and human-caused hazards. It is a component of comprehensive planning that can help create a safe and sustainable community.

Although the plan is being developed by the university, participation in this plan is still required by groups within the university and surrounding community under the provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

Regulatory Requirements

Per 44 CFR §201.6(b), the planning process shall include:
"(1) An opportunity for public comment on the plan during drafting stage and prior to plan approval...
(2) Input includes neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies having authority to regulate development including businesses, academia and other private and non-profit interests..."
Per §201.6(c)(1), the plan must document "the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved."

Implementation

Clarion University will begin this process by forming a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee, which includes various groups, including:

EHS Director
Public Safety Manager
Facilities Operations Manager
Public Relations Manager
Risk Manager
FEMA recommends that this Committee obtain official recognition (i.e., from the President or Council of Trustees). The Committee should then periodically communicate the status of the planning process to the following stakeholders:

• Students,
• Faculty,
• Staff,
• County emergency management agency,
• County or township/borough planning agency,
• Neighboring community, and
• Other interested parties.
  

This communication can take a variety of forms, including:

• Postings on university web site;
• Development of a "blog";
• Presentations to other campus communities;
• Public meetings at the university;
• Press releases to the media; or
• Mailings (e.g., newsletters or other informational packages).
• Whatever steps are taken in the communication process, they should be documented (along with any stakeholder comments) in the Clarion University Hazard Mitigation Plan. On all public correspondence, the Committee chairperson will be identified as the contact for more information regarding this process.

Please consider participating in the Clarion University Study by clicking on the link below to go to the survey. For additional information, contact:

David Tedjeske
Director of Public Safety
Email: dtedjeske@clarion.edu

Click here to go to Survey