Questions and comments concerning hazard mitigation activities in Somerset County may be directed to:

Walter C. Lane, AICP/PP, Director, Planning Division

Lisa Werner, Director, Emergency Management Division

Since October 2008, Somerset County has had a Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, prepared in accordance with state and federal standards  and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The goal of the plan is to identify projects that can reduce damages from future natural hazards. The primary hazard in Somerset County is flooding, but other potential hazards that were analyzed included drought, extreme cold, extreme heat, snow, ice, hail, windstorms and tornadoes, among others.

The plan allows the county and its participating municipalities to be eligible for future mitigation funding from FEMA. It addresses a variety of potential natural hazards that could affect some or all of our residents. 

The study focused on existing and future buildings, infrastructure and critical facilities that might be impacted. Critical facilities include shelters and hospitals, and infrastructure includes power-generation facilities, water utilities, roadways, railroads and communication systems.

Federal regulations (44 CFR 201.6.d.3) requires that local hazard mitigation plans be reviewed, revised as appropriate, and resubmitted for approval on a five year cycle from the date of initial plan adoption in order to remain eligible for benefits awarded under DMA 2000.  The county's latest plan was  approved by FEMA on May 20, 2020 and will expire on May 19, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions for Municipalities

All-Hazards Mitigation Plan Mission Statement
Through partnerships and careful planning, identify and reduce the vulnerability to natural hazards in order to protect the health, safety, quality of life, environment and economy of the communities within Somerset County.