Frequently Asked Question

The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a regional document that identifies possible natural disasters or hazards that could impact our area. It is required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. This document guides efforts at mitigating hazards – that is, this document tells us what hazards we are likely to see and how we can prepare for them. Projects are generally focused on government actions, such as improving infrastructure, buildings, or other facilities and engaging in education campaigns.

At this time, the plan includes the following hazards:

  • Drought
  • Earthquake
  • Extreme Temperature
  • Flood
  • Hurricane/Tropical Storm
  • Karst/Sinkhole
  • Landslide
  • Tornado/Wind
  • Wildfire
  • Winter Weather

The Roanoke Valley – Alleghany Regional Commission’s Hazard Mitigation Plan will include the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke, the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem, and the Towns of Buchanan, Clifton Forge, Fincastle, Iron Gate, Troutville, New Castle, and Vinton.


We are currently looking for public input via survey from February 3rd through March 10th. Two public input meetings will be held Monday February 24thin (ALLEGHANY LOCATION) from 4 pm to 6 pm and Tuesday February 25th.in (ROANOKE CITY LOCATION) from 4pm to 6pm. Inclement weather dates are March 3rd and March 4th respectively. The final document is expected to be delivered to FEMA and VDEM by August 2025. Adoption of the document will follow FEMA and VDEM review and approval.

You can provide input through the public input survey open February 3rd through March 10th or at a public input meeting Monday February 24thin (ALLEGHANY LOCATION) from 4 pm to 6 pm and Tuesday February 25th.in (ROANOKE CITY LOCATION) from 5pm to 7pm.

The Steering Committee for the Hazard Mitigation Plan is composed of locality staff representatives, including emergency managers, planners, stormwater engineers, and others. The Western Virginia Water Authority has also been invited to participate. Additional agencies represented include the VDEM and VDOF.

Glossary

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.


Community Rating System (CRS)

A voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.


Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000)

This act requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal grant assistance.


Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

A United States government agency that helps people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA's mission is to improve the nation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards.


Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

Official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.


National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI)

A United States government agency that manages and archives environmental data. NCEI's data includes information about the climate, oceans, coasts, and the Earth's surface.


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

A United States government agency that studies and predicts changes in the weather, climate, oceans, and coasts. A branch of the Department of Commerce.


National Weather Service (NWS)

A United States government agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings. The NWS is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is a branch of the Department of Commerce.


Roanoke Valley – Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC)

One of 21 Virginia Planning District Commissions established by the General Assembly to promote regional cooperation between local governments. RVARC members include the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Franklin, the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem, and the towns of Clifton Forge, Vinton, and Rocky Mount.


United States Geological Survey (USGS)

A science bureau within the United States Department of the Interior. The USGS provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change.


Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)

A state agency that works to protect Virginia residents from disasters by developing state disaster management plans and providing assistance to local governments.


Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA)

The Authority provides water service to over 69,000 customer accounts and wastewater service for more than 60,000 accounts in the City of Roanoke, the Counties of Roanoke, Franklin and Botetourt and the Towns of Boones Mill and Vinton. The Authority also contracts to operate the water and wastewater system for the Town of Fincastle and the Craig-Newcastle Public Service Authority.

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