CCME Hosting Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting

Earlier this week, the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency hosted the first of two Hazard Mitigation Planning meetings. Cocke County, Newport City, and Parrottsville City oficials have now begun the update process for the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Plan helps the county and its jurisdictions better prepare for natural disasters, like the one last September. The meetings will help create a long-term strategy to reduce the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

The first of these meetings was Wedneday evening (3/26) with TEMA representatives on hand. The second meeting is set for May 6 at 9:30am at the Emergency Operations Center, located at the Cocke County Fairgrounds. The public is invited to attend and will be able to ask questions regarding the new 2025-2030 Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reviews and approves state and local hazard mitigation plans. Those plans are required as a condition for states and communities to receive certain types of disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. This is a process that has to be done every five years.