How Do I Apply Risk Assessment Results to Planning?

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Capitalize on Opportunity

There are a range of options to increase the general awareness of hazards in a community. It is important to communicate hazard risk to citizens, elected officials, and other stakeholders, as well as integrate hazard mitigation principles into local plans, policies, and codes. As previously mentioned, Colorado communities are encouraged to be “opportunistic” and proactive by conducting more frequent and routine assessments of local hazards as new information or resources become available. Planners should look for opportunities to better leverage, streamline, and integrate these planning resources. 

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Opportunistic Communities

Communicating risk to the community means developing a proactive strategy to outreach and education, and taking advantage of existing opportunities to “get the word out.” To increase the awareness of hazards in a community, consider piggybacking on the following opportunities:

  • Comprehensive Plan Update
  • Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
  • Statewide awareness weeks, such as “Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week”
  • Regular updates to appointed and elected officials
  • Redevelopment discussions following a damaging hazard event
Communication Tips

Once preparation of the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) is complete, following the procedures outlined earlier in the chapter Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, it is essential to use that information to the fullest extent possible. Begin by communicating the results of the HIRA and opportunities for mitigation extensively both internally and externally to the community. This will allow community members to understand and contribute to the development or refinement of mitigation actions to address identified risks. Although the risk assessment is a key component to any FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, the use of risk assessment data should not be limited to that effort. From an emergency management and hazard mitigation perspective, the HIRA should be used to formulate specific mitigation actions that respond to the risks identified. While these actions have traditionally focused on education and infrastructure projects, they should be expanded to land use programs, policies, and regulations.  

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