Fire Chief Urges Public to Comment on Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Fire Chief John O'Neal is inviting Manassas Park residents to comment on the regions Hazard Mitigation Plan by calling him directly or e-mailing him.

He can be e-mailed at j.oneal@manassasparkva.gov or call his office at 703-335-8845.

“The purpose of the plan is to reduce repetitive losses from natural disasters like earthquakes, severe storms and landslides,” O'Neal said. “Manassas Park has been very disaster resistive over the years."

Even so, there is often damage from severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the summer. Tornadoes and snow or ice accumulations from winter storms have also posed problems for Manassas Park residents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires any jurisdiction that may request aid in a disaster to review its Hazard Mitigation Plans every five years. The Regional Plan will affect jurisdictions throughout Northern Virginia.

On behalf of the region, FEMA gave Arlington County a grant to hire a consultant to help update its plan. The city is actively working with the consultant and adding its recommendations to the plan.

A copy of the plan can be found on the city's website.