FEMA Approves JSU Hazard Mitigation Plan, Designates JSU as Only Disaster Resistant University in State

08/06/2012

The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) according to a letter dated August 2, 2012. This plan designates JSU as the only Disaster Resistant University in the state of Alabama. The designation is a result of a FEMA grant that supports hazard mitigation plan development for universities. According to FEMA, hazard mitigation is defined as sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and their property from hazards. The hazard mitigation planning process consisted of:

• Public involvement through a series of meetings;
• Identification of hazards that could affect the University;
• Assessment of the University's vulnerability to these hazards in terms of the number of structures and people affected;
• Identification of mitigation actions that can reduce the risk from these hazards;
• Development of an implementation strategy identifying roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, the plan was reviewed by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and received no comments during the feedback period. During the FEMA approval phase, JSU's plan was compliant with all federal standards with no revisions required.

The JSU Hazard Mitigation Plan grant is headed by Mr. Clint Carlson, Vice President for Business and Administrative Affairs.A broad-based team supported Mr. Carlson with the plan's development in addition to JSU's FEMA consultant, alumnus, and current doctoral student in JSU's Emergency Management program, Mr. Royce Woodruff.

A final period of plan review will be held in November 2012.