Answer:
This plan seeks to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce the impacts of natural hazards
in Hamilton County. The rising costs and apparent increase in the rate of occurrence of
natural disasters has led to the need to identify additional ways to reduce the County’s
vulnerability to natural hazards—before the next disaster actually occurs.
Disasters can exact a heavy toll. In the past, natural hazards in Hamilton County have caused
injury and loss of life, severe property damage, interruption of the delivery of vital goods and
services, disruption of local economies, and harm to the natural environment. Natural hazards
are an inevitable fact. Human ingenuity can do nothing to stop a tornado or winter storm
from occurring. Planning for natural hazards and implementing mitigation measures,
however, can reduce the impact of such events when they do occur. Monetary losses can be
reduced. Personal injury and loss of life can be reduced. The economic and social impact on
the community as a whole can be reduced. The purpose of this plan, therefore, is to outline a
strategy with specific programs and policies that can be implemented by Hamilton County
and local units of government within Hamilton County to reduce the impact of natural
hazards on people, structures, and the natural environment
