North Reading Finalizing Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

How should North Reading respond in order to limit the possible negative impacts of natural hazards?

That’s the question addressed by a hazard mitigation plan, an updated version of which North Reading is in the process of finalizing.

According to a draft of the plan, the plan is “part of an ongoing effort to reduce the negative impacts and costs from damages associated with natural hazards, such as nor’easters, floods and hurricanes.”

Local mitigation plans must be regularly updated in order for a town to remain eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation project grant funding, according to the draft introduction.

The primary goals for the plan are to “save lives and property,” “public awareness and education,” “regional collaboration,” ”disaster response” and “community planning.”

On Friday, May 15 from 6-8 p.m. at town hall, the public is invited to gather and provide further input for the plan. The plan will be finalized on May 27 for formal adoption.