Natick Residents Can Add Input With Hazard Mitigation Survey

NATICK, MA — Natick officials are underway in a project that could shape the way the town handles extreme weather events and other major issues in the future, and they're hoping to get feedback from residents throughout the process.

Local officials are working to update the 2018 hazard mitigation plan thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Natick will be working with Horsley Witten Group, who was the lead consultant on the 2018 plan update, and a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee is comprised of town staff from police, fire, public works, town administration, community and economic development, public health and sustainability departments.

Officials also want to hear from residents, however, which is why they launched a recent survey to get input on what they care about most.

"This plan is important because it helps the Town plan for projects that reduce the risk of injury or damage to property from future natural hazard events such as flooding, severe storms and drought," officials said.

"We need your help as we gather information for the plan. The information you provide in this survey will help us coordinate activities, identify projects, and position the Town for access to funding for implementation of actions."

The survey includes 17 questions ranging from concerns about future extreme weather events to insurance and how locals gather their information.

That survey can be found here.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires a municipality's hazard mitigation plan to be updated every five years in order to be eligible for "certain funding opportunities," town officials said.