DARKE COUNTY — The Darke County Hazard Mitigation Committee has completed the Hazard Mitigation Five Year Planning Process.

A series of four planning meetings were held between December 2017 and April 2018. Darke County is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to review and revise its plan to reflect progress in local mitigation efforts and changes in priorities in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.

The purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. It has been demonstrated that hazard mitigation is most effective when based on an inclusive, comprehensive, long-term plan that is developed before a disaster occurs.

The initial draft of the 2018 Plan Updates can be reviewed online after Oct. 4 at the Darke County Emergency Management Agency website at https://www.darkecountyema.org/links.html or can be viewed at the Darke County Emergency Management office located at 5183 County Home Road. Individuals can call 937-548-1444 to schedule an appointment to review the initial draft of the 2018 plan updates.

Comments, suggestions or questions regarding the plan updates are encouraged. Comments or questions can be submitted or emailed to the Darke County EMA at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]. Comments, suggestions or questions will be accepted by the Darke County Hazard Mitigation Committee through Oct. 19.

A public meeting will be held to answer questions regarding the updated plan at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Darke County EMA Room, 5183 County Home Road, Greenville. The public is invited to participate and attend.