While we cannot always stop hazards from happening, we can act now to lessen the impact of those hazards. That’s the focus of the City of Marysville’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. If you live or work in Marysville, now’s your chance to review and comment. 

The draft plan focuses on what the Marysville community can do to become more resilient to disasters. This would lessen the impact of disasters on lives, property, businesses and the environment.

Four long-term goals guide the city’s mitigation efforts:  

1. Reduce hazard-related threats to life, safety, and public health.
2. Strengthen critical infrastructure and key facilities to better withstand the effects of hazards and threats.
3. Enhance preparedness and response capacity while addressing the specific needs of the community.
4. Align priorities across departments, agencies, and private entities for coordinated efforts toward a sustainable and resilient community.

The draft plan was developed over the last several months by the city’s Emergency Management division with participation from city staff across departments and numerous partner agencies, along with public input from public meetings and an online survey. Modeling and mapping were used to inform risk assessment and identify community strengths and capabilities. 

After identifying local natural and human-caused or technological hazards along with their potential impacts, an action plan outlines specific mitigation actions and proposes how to implement them over the next five years.  

Public review and comment on the draft plan is open through Wednesday, Dec. 3. Access the plan and provide your comments at www.marysvillewa.gov/HMP or contact Sarah LaVelle, Emergency Preparedness Manager, at preparedness@marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8096.