Lake County Receives Grant for Disaster Planning

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.— Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that Lake County will receive $37,500 from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to assist the county in developing a county disaster mitigation plan.

 

"Injuries are always more easily mitigated and lives more easily saved in any emergency when a solid plan is in place," Blagojevich said.  "Planning takes money, and with these funds, Lake County will be able to ensure that its disaster mitigation plan is effective at achieving both."

 

The grant will help Lake County develop a mitigation plan that is compliant with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.  A compliant plan will ensure that the county will be eligible for hazard mitigation funds for any disaster occurring after November 2004.  In addition, a compliant plan will make them eligible to compete nationwide for Pre-Disaster Mitigation project funds.

 

"Many disasters, such as floods and windstorms, are inevitable, but there are many things we can do in advance to lessen their impact," said William C. Burke, IEMA director.  "This grant will help Lake County develop an adequate disaster mitigation plan and be eligible for future disaster assistance."

 

Disaster mitigation includes actions to eliminate or prevent damages from such natural disasters as floods, windstorms and tornadoes, winter storms and heat waves.  Local governments use disaster mitigation plans to analyze all of the natural hazards they may experience and to search for appropriate and cost-effective solutions to eliminate those hazards.

 

IEMA receives funding for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).