4 D I SAS T E R R ECOVE RY TODAY.COM Plan Maintenance Process The plan needs to describe the methods to be used for the scheduling, monitoring, evaluating and updating of the plan within a five-year cycle. Incorporation of Existing Planning Mechanisms The planning entity needs to integrate all of the requirements of the Hazard Mitigation Plan into other planning mechanisms, such as capital improvement plans when appropriate. Continued Public Involvement Documenting and promoting mitigation efforts —prior to, during and after disaster recovery operations —have been effectively undertaken by federal, state and local entities. These efforts have proven valuable since they have increased public awareness and compelled communities to take positive actions. Best Practices The process by which the plan is developed will to a great extent determine its completeness and usefulness. Developing the plan may appear to be an extremely difficult task. It need not be if the following principles are applied: Take an All-Hazards Approach The causes of disasters can vary greatly, but the effects often do not. As a result, you should consider the similar effects caused by various hazards instead of having a unique plan for each type of hazard. Use Available Guidance and Planning Materials Sample planning materials are available through state and FEMA websites. These samples are general in nature, so your specific data and resources must be added and the contents tailored to address specific local circumstances. Use a Team Approach The most realistic and complete plans are prepared by a team that includes representatives of departments, agencies and groups which will execute the plan. The preferred organization is a team of teams: a planning group overseeing the overall effort, resolving major planning issues and ensuring that various parts of the plan are coordinated; plus smaller teams of individuals representing departments, agencies and sub-groups brought together to work on specific annexes. This approach helps ensure that the plan is comprehensive and realistic, with minimal duplication of effort. Multi-Jurisdictional Planning Single jurisdictional plans provide autonomy for the municipality but limit opportunities to collaborate with neighboring communities that may have the same challenges. Multijurisdictional planning is most effective when communities face the same threats/ hazards, operate under similar authorities “The process by which the plan is developed will to a great extent determine its completeness and usefulness.”
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