Unpredictable winter weather may have finally departed for the season leaving way for clear, blue skies.  The extended winter has left many of us longing for warmth and sunshine, eager to begin our summer rituals.  However, disaster could be looming just around the bend.

With record snowpack and temperatures expected to rapidly increase in the next couple of weeks, the National Weather Service reports that the rapid snowmelt has the potential to bring the Carson and Walker Rivers out of their banks.

It is perhaps ironic timing to remind communities of the significance of hazard mitigation planning.  Communities that have mitigation plans are better able to identify and articulate their needs to state and federal officials when funding becomes available, particularly following a disaster. Communities with mitigation plans in place can begin the recovery process more quickly when a disaster occurs.  Furthermore, by having established priorities ahead of time, states and communities are better able to identify technical and financial resources outside traditional venues.

FEMA’s Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program provides funding for both hazard mitigation planning and hazard mitigation projects.