The City of Redmond, in partnership with the University of Washington’s School of Urban Design and Planning, has developed a new draft hazard mitigation plan. The next steps in the process are to provide a public comment period, finalize the plan and seek approval from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

The draft plan is ready for public comment on the city’s Web site at www.redmond.gov (Click on the hazard plan link under “What’s New” on the right side of the screen). A comment form is also available to complete online and send to the city’s Office of Emergency Management. The comment period ends on Monday, Sept. 7.

The UW School of Urban Design and Planning performed a risk assessment to establish rankings of hazards based on a model they developed with input from the city.

They then identified the severity and frequency of hazards, as well as vulnerable populations, buildings, systems and natural environments.

From there the team analyzed the city’s capabilities (such as emergency management, building codes, incentive programs, education and regulations) and developed new strategies to reduce risk. This work was developed into the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan.

For more information about the plan or questions about hazard mitigation, contact Tom Osborn, Office of Emergency Management at (425) 556-2276 or tosborn@redmond.gov.