LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is seeking public input for consideration in updating the countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan is the framework used by the county to optimize preparedness before disasters occur in order to reduce the damage caused by disasters when and if they occur, according to Capt. James Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, which oversees OES.

Lake County OES has scheduled two public meetings to help prepare for the Hazard Mitigation Plan update as required by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.)

Members of the public are encouraged to attend either of the two scheduled meetings and present their concerns or other information about their communities or neighborhoods.

The current Hazard Mitigation Plan can be viewed on the Lake County Information Portal Web site at www.co.lake.ca.us, under Channel Menu/Be Prepared/Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The public meetings are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in the Lake County Jail Dining Hall, 4913 Helbush Drive, Lakeport; and Tuesday, Jan. 25, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the South Lake Fire District Station meeting room, 21095 Highway 175, Middletown.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the preparedness of their community and the accuracy of the Hazard Mitigation Plan update should attend one of the two public meetings.

Questions may be directed to Emergency Services Coordinator Jerry Wilson at 707-263-1813.

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