Pitkin County Emergency Management is facilitating a five-year update of the Pitkin County Hazard Mitigation Plan. This County update is a multi jurisdictional effort with Aspen, Basalt, and Snowmass fully participating. All Public Safety Agencies in the valley will be represented as well. The plan is designed to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural hazards. Among the potential hazards the plan address are climate change, wildfire,winter storms, land and rock slides, as well as seasonal flash flooding.
“We have to be prepared in the event of emergencies like these” said Pitkin County Emergency Manager, Valerie MacDonald. “We try to think through every possible emergency scenario, how we’ll respond to them and how we can avoid them altogether through proper risk assessment and pre planning”, MacDonald said.
A kick off meeting to discuss the process is set for Wednesday, June 7th, at the Aspen Fire Station, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend and offer input and feedback throughout the updating process. A second workshop is planned for September 14th, at the Pitkin County Library, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires Pitkin County to have a current Hazard Mitigation Plan to remain eligible for pre and post disaster mitigation grants.
Contact: Valerie MacDonald, Pitkin County Emergency Manager
valerie.macdonald@pitkinsheriff.com 970-379-6748