Richmond Fire Department

The City of Richmond is participating in an update process of a Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan which covers communities in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri. The goal of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is to reduce loss of life, property, human suffering, economic disruption, and disaster assistance cost from natural and man-made disasters. Participating jurisdictions are required to identify the hazards that would have the greatest impact on their community. Participation in this place update process will allow Richmond to be eligible to apply for certain FEMA grant funds, should funding be appropriated in the future for those grant sources.

In 2015, the City of Richmond identified the following hazards as having the greatest impact: Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Thunderstorms, and Severe Winter Weather. In order to address these hazards, Richmond developed goals and actions that will help the City incorporate mitigation strategies into their routine operations and their future plans. The following describes the mitigation activities proposed by Richmond:

• Ensure that systems are in place to communicate tornado warnings.

• Update plans to ensure that current resources and information is included for quick and effective response.

• Educate and raise awareness about the variety of roles and responsibilities needed before and after tornadoes.

• Increase public awareness and understanding about the hazards associated with thunderstorms such as lightning and winds.