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Forsyth County briefs commissioners on Northern Piedmont Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and FEMA approval
Summary
Emergency management staff summarized the regional hazard mitigation plan update approved by the state and FEMA; the plan covers regional hazards including cyber threats, supports eligibility for mitigation funding, and will require county and municipal approvals.
Forsyth County Emergency Management Director August Vernon briefed commissioners on Sept. 8 about the 2025 Northern Piedmont Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a multi-jurisdiction regional planning document now approved by the state and FEMA.
Vernon said the plan covers seven counties in the region and includes municipalities within those counties. The plan has been updated every five years; the current cycle adds emphasis on man-made hazards such as cyber risk and civil unrest in addition to natural hazards. Vernon noted that the plan's appendices collect public comments and extensive data used to assess risks and resources.
Vernon said FEMA approved the regional hazard plan on Aug. 18. He explained that FEMA-approved mitigation plans are a prerequisite for mitigation funding, recovery reimbursements and other grant programs after disasters. He also described the economic rationale for mitigation, saying that every $1 invested in mitigation can save multiple dollars in recovery (the briefing cited a rule-of-thumb benefit figure).
Public participation informed the plan; Vernon said Forsyth County had among the higher numbers of public participants in regional meetings and surveys. The plan will be presented for local action by county and municipal governing bodies in the coming weeks; county staff recommended approval to maintain eligibility for mitigation funding and to continue resilience planning.
Ending: The briefing closed with commissioners thanking staff for the regional work and noting the importance of preparedness and continued public education.
