Public Input Needed on Dealing with Natural Disasters

public meeting

Public Input Needed on Dealing with Natural Disasters

Capitol Region Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update Underway

Local planners are seeking public input on preparing for natural disasters at a series of meetings to be held throughout the greater Hartford area. Floods, high winds, winter storms, drought, and wildfires, impact area residents and businesses every year. These events damage property, cause power outages, block roads, and can cause injury and death. Meetings will be held in Coventry, Ellington, Hartford, Plainville and, Simsbury throughout May to discuss what can be done to minimize risks from natural hazards.

The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), along with each of the 38 municipalities in the Capitol Region, is in the process of updating its multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.  A Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is a tool that helps a community understand risks and take specific steps to reduce property damage, injury, and loss of life. This plan discusses the occurrence and consequences of floods, winter storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical storms, wildfires, earthquakes, and dam failure.  The plan identifies activities that communities can perform before natural hazards occur in order to minimize property damage, risk of life, and the costs that are shared by all.  This update will identify significant changes in risks, vulnerabilities, capabilities, and mitigation actions that have developed since adoption of the previous plan in 2014.

The Council of Governments is offering five opportunities for the public to attend an informational meeting where local residents and workers can learn about the plan, ask questions, and provide input.  Members of the public may attend any of the meetings, regardless of which community they are from.  The same information will be presented at each meeting.

  • Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 PM at the Ellington Town Hall (55 Main Street)
  • Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 PM at the Coventry Parks and Recreation Facility “Mill Brook Place” (near 1267 Main Street and across from Bidwell Tavern)
  • Tuesday, May 22 at 7:00 PM at the Simsbury Public Library (725 Hopmeadow Street)
  • Thursday, May 24 at 5:00 PM at the Hartford Public Safety Complex (253 High Street)
  • Tuesday, May 29 at 7:00 PM at the Plainville Public Library (56 East Main Street)

Additionally, all are encouraged to share their thoughts through an online survey here

Comments or questions can also be emailed to Lynne Pike DiSanto at lpikedisanto@crcog.org

For more information, please contact the Lynne Pike DiSanto of CRCOG at (860) 522-2217, extension 4211.