BISMARCK, N.D. (NDDES) – Representatives from the N.D. Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) will host a North Dakota Hazards Planning Discussion and Open House meeting Nov. 9 in Valley City, presenting the state’s efforts to update its Enhanced Mitigation Mission Area Operations Plan (MAOP) to the public.

Community members are invited to share their disaster stories, hazard concerns and ideas to protect against hazard risks. The meeting will run from 6 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 345 12th Ave. NE in Valley City, North Dakota. Kid-friendly activities will also be provided, including a coloring activity table.

Mitigating hazard risks means protecting lives and properties from the impacts of hazards. States update their hazard mitigation plans every five years to meet federal requirements and to be eligible for grant funding that can be used for projects to help protect communities from hazard events. North Dakota’s Enhanced Mitigation MAOP serves as a roadmap for communities and their residents mitigate the effects from having their homes, businesses and lives impacted by disasters. The State’s hazard mitigation plan represents an effort to collaborate with local community and tribal groups to create a vision for preventing future disaster losses.

In 2019, FEMA approved North Dakota’s current hazard mitigation plan for meeting the federal criteria for an “enhanced” plan, which signifies the State’s strong commitment to hazard mitigation. By having an Enhanced Mitigation MAOP, North Dakota is eligible for increased federal grant funding to mitigate its communities’ risks. North Dakota was the first state in FEMA Region 8, and the 12th state nationwide, to achieve this “enhanced” status.

North Dakota Hazards Open House Discussion, 6 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. CST Thursday, Nov. 9 in Eagles Club, 345 12th Ave. NE, Valley City, North Dakota.