The Marion County Office of Emergency Management is requesting feedback from residents to assist in updating the county’s Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. A public survey, the Natural Hazard Risk Questionnaire, is now available and takes only a few minutes to complete. Responses will play a key role in shaping a safer and more resilient strategy for disaster preparedness in the county.
The updated mitigation plan aims to reduce the loss of life and property by identifying community-specific disaster risks and vulnerabilities and outlining long-term strategies to mitigate them. Historically tied to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and later expanded by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, hazard mitigation planning is a critical tool for minimizing the impact of both natural and man-made disasters, such as severe storms and flooding.
By participating in the survey, residents not only help identify potential risks but also ensure the updated plan complies with state and federal standards. Alignment with the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) and approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is essential for Marion County to qualify for disaster assistance and grants, such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
The information gathered through this process will guide updates to local policies and infrastructure needs while bolstering public safety measures. Additionally, the Office of Emergency Management reminds residents that local storm shelters can be registered through their office, and county-level addressing and mapping services are available through the E911 Addressing Office.
Marion County residents are encouraged to complete the survey within the next 30 days. The questionnaire is accessible through the Marion County Emergency Management Facebook page.