Four Public Meetings Scheduled throughout the County Annapolis, MD (November 4, 2004) - New rules from the federal government require all states and local governments to have hazard mitigation plans approved by FEMA that are consistent with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). This is required to maintain eligibility for certain types of federal disaster assistance, such as pre-disaster and post-disaster funding. President George W. Bush signed the DMA 2000 on October 30, 2000. Mitigation is defined by FEMA as, "Acting before a disaster strikes to prevent permanently the occurrence of the disaster or to reduce the effects of the disaster when it occurs. It is also used effectively after a disaster to reduce the risk of a repeat disaster." Over the last year, Anne Arundel County has been drafting our All Hazard Mitigation Plan, and now seeks public comment and review. This plan is intended to identify feasible strategies to reduce the potential loss of life, human suffering, and loss of property from manmade or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, snow and ice storms, tornados, power outages, and public health emergencies. >> The draft mitigation plan We invite the residents of Anne Arundel County to examine this plan and provide feedback. To view a paper copy of the plan, call (410) 222-8040 to make an appointment at the Office of Emergency Management. Copies of the plan are also available in libraries around the County. Four public meetings have been scheduled throughout the County. The meeting dates and locations are as follows: Monday, November 8, 2004 - 7:30 p.m.
Pascal Senior Center
125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 7:30 p.m.
Western District Police Headquarters
8273 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD 21113 Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 7:30 p.m.
Eastern District Police Headquarters
3700 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 7:30 p.m.
Southern District Police Headquarters
35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, MD 21037 Individuals needing special accommodations should contact the Office of Emergency Management at least 7 working days prior to the event date at (410) 222-8040 (voice) or (410) 222-8747 (TTY/TDD). All materials are available in alternative format upon request. If you have comments on the draft All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, you may send them to: Steven Taylor, Emergency Management Planner, at: fdtay569@aacounty.org or by fax at (410) 222-8039. | 
