Emergency Plans, Teams, Services
Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
LBCC developed this Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan in an effort to prepare for the long-term effects resulting from natural hazards. It is impossible to predict exactly when hazards will occur or the extent to which they will affect the college. However, with careful planning and collaboration among college departments, faculty and staff, students, and public agencies, it is possible to create a resilient campus that will benefit from long-term recovery planning efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines mitigation as “. . . the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters . . . through risk analysis, which results in information that provides a foundation for mitigation activities that reduce risk.” Said another way, natural hazard mitigation is a method of permanently reducing or alleviating the losses of life, property, and injuries resulting from natural hazards through long and short-term strategies. Example strategies include policy changes, such as updated administrative rules; projects, such as seismic retrofits to critical facilities; and education and outreach to targeted audiences, such students or faculty. Natural hazard mitigation is the responsibility of the “Whole Community” - individuals, private businesses and industries, state and local governments, and the federal government.
This natural hazard mitigation plan is intended to assist LBCC in reducing the risks from natural hazards by identifying mitigation resources,information, and strategies. It is also intended to guide and coordinate mitigation activities throughout the main campus and satellite locations. A risk assessment consists of three phases: hazard identification, vulnerability assessment, and risk analysis, as illustrated in the following graphic.
By identifying and understanding the relationship between natural hazards, vulnerable systems, and existing capacity, LBCC will be better equipped to identify and implement actions aimed at reducing the overall risk to natural hazards.
The previous NHMP was completed in 2017 and has since expired. LBCC is now collaborating with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to update college’s NHMP. The updated NHMP will return the college’s eligibility for disaster-related funding. Read the current draft report here.
Poor air quality, earthquake, extreme heat, flood, windstorm, winter storm . . . What natural hazards concern you? Is LBCC vulnerable to natural hazards? Let us here from you!