This timely session focused on helping communities align with the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines and GEMA requirements—both of which are essential for PHMP approval and access to federal mitigation funding.
Invited speakers included Alex Park of GEMA and Olukayode “Kay” Olubowale of SWGRC, both of whom brought technical expertise and practical insights to the discussion. Their guidance helped clarify expectations and build local capacity for hazard mitigation planning.
The workshop addressed a wide range of critical topics essential to PHMP development, including:
- GEMA and FEMA guidelines and documentation for contract compliance
- Collection and identification of essential and critical facilities for the Hazus report
- Planning process steps and plan maintenance strategies
- FEMA’s Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool and multi-jurisdictional planning considerations
- Identification of natural and non-natural hazards
- Development of goals and actionable strategies for hazard mitigation
- Understanding the distinction between essential and critical facilities
- Completion of Worksheets 1–4 and frequency table calculations
- Plan update, adoption, and integration of required appendices (A–E)
- Access to official FEMA and GEMA web links to support PHMP preparation
This collaborative training effort reflects a shared commitment to enhancing community resilience across Georgia. By equipping local planners and emergency managers with the tools and knowledge to navigate complex planning requirements, the regional commissions and GEMA are fostering safer, more disaster-resilient communities.
For more information or to access PHMP resources, visit the official FEMA website at https://www.fema.gov
or contact your local regional commission.
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