Franklin Co. adopts new emergency preparedness plan

CHAMBERSBURG - The Franklin County Commissioners recently passed a resolution adopting the county's 2019 hazard mitigation plan, according to a news release. 

The plan helps define the threat environment for all emergency preparedness and planning efforts in the area, and supports the goals and objectives identified in the state's hazard mitigation plan. It compiles information on natural and man-made hazards and risks prevalent in the county, and includes actions that could be implemented ahead of disasters to reduce potential loss and damage. 

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John Theirwechter, director of the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services, said all the work for this project was done in-house, even though many counties use outside agencies to prepare or update these types of plans. He added the team did an "outstanding job." 

"Not only did we end up with a superior product, we also deepened our relationship with the municipal stakeholders,” Theirwechter continued. 

The 15-month long process was led by the department of emergency services, and involved a team of county, municipal, school district and local industry leaders, as well as members of the general public. The release states all 22 local municipalities participated in the project. 

“The Department of Emergency Services did a great job of engaging all municipalities, ensuring that this plan will help to improve preparedness for each of them, as well as for our county overall,” said Commissioner Dave Keller.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires counties formally update their plans every five years. In addition, every mitigation grant program sponsored by the agency requires applicants to have a federally-approved plan. 

Franklin County's hazard mitigation plan was approved by both FEMA and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. It will then be adopted at the local level with each municipality passing a resolution stating the adoption of the plan. 

For more information on the hazard mitigation plan, contact Jacob Crider, the emergency management coordinator, or Bob Povlich, the plan's planning coordinator, at 717-264-2813. The updated plan can be viewed at franklincountypa.gov.