Crook County has taken a significant step towards enhancing its disaster preparedness by adopting a new Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) during the Board of Commissioners meeting on August 6, 2025. This updated plan, which has received approval from FEMA, is crucial for maintaining the county's eligibility for federal hazard mitigation grants aimed at reducing disaster risks and protecting lives, property, and infrastructure.

Emergency Manager AJ Crawford highlighted that the NHMP is updated every five years to ensure it reflects current risks and strategies. The latest update, which took nearly 18 months to complete, introduces several new hazards, including drought, which was not previously addressed. Other updates include air quality concerns related to wildfire smoke and extreme heat, as well as vulnerabilities associated with high hazard potential dams.

The plan now features a comprehensive vulnerability and capability assessment, which inventories community assets and identifies critical infrastructure needs. Notably, for the first time, the county fire and rescue services have their own addendum within the NHMP, detailing specific risks and priorities for mitigation.

The steering committee identified nine high-priority action items focused on flood, drought, and wildfire preparedness. These include expanding public safety education, improving irrigation efficiency, and updating FEMA flood maps. The adoption of this resolution allows the county to access federal mitigation funds and ensures compliance with FEMA requirements.

Following the county's approval, the city of Pineville and Cook County Fire Rescue will also adopt their respective addenda, paving the way for coordinated efforts in disaster risk management. The next required update to the NHMP is scheduled for 2030, ensuring ongoing commitment to community safety and resilience against natural hazards.