Lakewood residents are invited to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan community meeting to be held on Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m. in the Executive Board Room at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave.

The LHMP, which must be updated every five years, is designed to strengthen community resilience by reducing vulnerability to damage and loss or disruption caused by natural or human-made hazards.

Residents with valuable firsthand knowledge of local hazards and vulnerabilities are encouraged to share their insights to help the city identify these issues.

The city can use the feedback to evaluate the risks posed by various hazards, identify community vulnerabilities and catalog available resources for risk reduction.

This information helps craft strategies to address the unique needs of the Lakewood community and to protect lives and property during disasters.

The LHMP serves as a critical guide for municipalities to improve community resilience. Municipalities are required to develop and periodically update their LHMPs, which must undergo review by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and receive approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Why you should get involved

Your participation in the planning process is essential, as it brings valuable perspectives and experiences to the discussion.

As members of the community, your firsthand knowledge of local hazards and vulnerabilities provides critical insights. Your input enables us to identify risks more thoroughly and craft strategies that address the unique needs of our community.

By working together, we can create a hazard mitigation plan that reflects our collective knowledge and resilience, helping us better prepare for future challenges and safeguard the well-being of all residents.

What is a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)?

A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is designed to strengthen community resilience by reducing vulnerability to damage, loss, or disruption caused by natural or human-made hazards. The planning process involves evaluating the risks posed by various hazards, identifying community vulnerabilities, cataloging available resources for risk reduction, and developing mitigation strategies to enhance the city’s resilience.

Why is the City of Lakewood updating the LHMP?

Updating the city’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) not only maintains the city’s eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation funding but also supports the development of a safer and more sustainable community. While it is impossible to completely eliminate natural and human-caused risks, the LHMP focuses on improving community safety.

By thoroughly assessing potential hazards and establishing a coordinated strategy to address them, the LHMP promotes stronger collaboration between the city, public agencies, businesses, service providers, and residents. These collective efforts aim to reduce the impacts of natural and human-induced hazards on the community.

How is Lakewood's LHMP being prepared?

The city has established a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), featuring representatives from numerous city departments, and is aided by essential stakeholders and technical advisors. Together, these contributors constitute the Project Team responsible for steering the overall development of the city’s LHMP.

What are the benefits of updating the LHMP?

Hazard mitigation planning offers numerous benefits to the City of Lakewood. By identifying risks and implementing proactive measures, such as infrastructure improvements and emergency preparedness initiatives, hazard mitigation planning helps protect lives and property during disasters. Moreover, investing in mitigation efforts can lead to significant cost savings by reducing damage and recovery expenses.

What hazards will the LHMP help protect against?

• Earthquake
• Air Quality
• Disease Outbreak
• Urban Fire
• Windstorm
• Extreme Temperatures
• Dam Failure
• Adversarial Events
• Power Loss
• Drought
• Hazardous Materials Release
• Mass Transportation Incident
• Flood

Follow Lakewood on social media for updates

It's a good idea to follow the City of Lakewood's Facebook, X and Instagram accounts now to stay informed of current news and helpful safety tips.

Facebook: @LakewoodCalifornia

X: @lakewoodca

Instagram: @lakewoodcity

And in an emergency, it becomes essential as we will post official information and updates on all three channels, as well as on our website.