Steps to prevent injuries and deaths, while maintaining vital services for Whiteside County residents, when floods and severe storms hit will be discussed when the Whiteside County Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee meets at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015. The meeting will be in the Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, and is open to the public.
This Committee began work in July 2014, to identify projects and activities that can protect County residents and property from storms and other natural disasters. This work is aimed at taking action before severe weather occurs.
“Emergency plans are directed at responding after a storm or natural disaster hits. This is the first time in Whiteside County that we are developing plans to reduce or eliminate damages caused by specific types of storms and other natural disasters,” said Sergeant Seth Janssen, Whiteside County Emergency Services & Disaster Coordinator.
Resolving drainage problems, retrofitting water supplies and other critical facilities to better withstand natural disasters, and building storm shelters are examples of the kinds of projects that might be included in the plan. Developing public information materials and conducting drainage studies are examples of other activities that might be included in the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
“All of the municipalities who participate will become eligible for all of the storm damage money, for which they are due following a Federally declared disaster. In addition, participating jurisdictions can also become eligible for Federal/State grant money for mitigation projects,” added Sergeant Janssen.
He can be reached at 815-772-4044, extension 209.