Input sought on Madison County emergency planning

County leaders are updating Madison County’s emergency plan and they are seeking input from local citizens.

A survey is being conducted to help develop the county’s emergency plan. Citizens are asked to visit http://796044.polldaddy.com/s/madisoncountypdm to participate in the survey.

According to leaders of the area’s pre-disaster planning committee, county-level hazard mitigation plans serve several purposes.

“First, they enhance public awareness of the threats that disasters pose and potential strategies for minimizing negative impacts,” organizers said. “They also promote inter-jurisdictional coordination among officials from such diverse sectors as fire, police, emergency management, housing, energy, transportation, business, and others likely to be involved in disaster preparedness and response. Additionally, the plans help shape and improve local mitigation policies while acting as a guide for implementation. Finally, upon plan approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), they allow local jurisdictions to remain eligible for federal funding of disaster mitigation projects.”

The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission is working with a variety of Madison County and city stakeholders to review current plans, compile information, and develop hazard mitigation strategies.

This process will result in an updated plan in the summer of 2013. For more information, visit www.negrc.org and click on the link labeled "Planning,” followed by "Pre Disaster Mitigation Planning.”