The Risk and Emergency Management Division is currently working to update and revise the Tribe’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is designed to prepare for natural disasters that may affect the Tribe and its lands. The plan may also look at areas which are not necessarily within the boundaries of the reservation but hold important cultural values wherever they are. 

“This and all other emergency plans we maintain are designed to limit the damage which natural disasters may cause to the Tribe’s economic and cultural values, of all kinds,” explained Emergency & Risk Manager, Donald Brockus with the Human Resources Department. 

“We want to protect people, buildings, and recreational facilities and past plans have been geared to do that,” Brockus said. “We can also work to protect cultural values ranging from bear root patches to wikiups outside the boundaries.”  

“It is important in order to develop a complete plan that we have as much participation as possible from tribal members,” he said. “Non-member employees will have opportunities to share information, but tribal member input is needed to be sure we have our priorities straight.” 

Why is the Hazard Mitigation Plan update especially important now?

Teresa Bagdol, Risk Specialist with the Tribe Human Resources Department, feels that incidents and hazards are dynamic and ever evolving and having an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan and implementing it actively prioritizes life safety and takes the “un” out of unprepared, she explained. 

“Learning from the past helps us to better prepare for the future so that history doesn’t repeat itself,” Bagdol said. “With an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan we can take lessons learned from past hazardous incidents and address concerns for what could occur and apply best practices in the here and now.” 

Over August and September, the Tribe will ask for help from the membership to ensure they produce the best plan possible. It is important to note that by national averages, every dollar spent on planning and prevention saves three dollars in disaster recovery expenses.  Planning and prevention also serve to protect assets that cannot be replaced, which is why the Risk Management team wants to hear about cultural values and include those in the plan. 

“If you see us at the Tribal Fair or other events, please take a minute to stop and share your wisdom and experience to make this a living breathing document that serves the Tribe and its people well,” Brockus said.  

“The life experience and voice of each person who chooses to provide feedback and contribute to the Hazard Mitigation Plan is so valuable and truly personalizes it,” Bagdol said. “We thank you for your help.” 

 

Hazard Mitigation Plan

What is hazard mitigation? 

Hazard mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural disasters. One goal is to reduce the risk posed by future natural disasters. Another is to use structural and nonstructural measures to minimize the damage that hazards can cause. 

Why is it important? 

Hazard mitigation is vital because it helps save lives and protect property. Focusing on proactive measures can greatly improve the safety of our community. Effective hazard mitigation helps minimize disaster impacts. It also reduces the risk of loss and damage to people and property.  

Hazard mitigation strategies can help you protect valuable assets. These proactive steps help communities withstand and recover from emergencies. This helps them build a safer environment for everyone.  

What is a hazard mitigation plan (HMP)? 

A HMP is a community-driven, living document. It helps communities find and address potential risks from natural disasters. It outlines strategies and actions to minimize the impact these hazards have on our community’s assets and well-being.  

The HMP is also a key part of accessing some of the pre- and post-disaster mitigation funding that FEMA provides. These programs include the Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant. This grant has provided the Southern Ute Indian Tribe with ongoing Direct Technical Assistance. This support helps the tribe advance some of its potential projects. 

Why is Southern Ute updating its HMP, and what does the update entail? 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s last HMP was developed in 2013. The tribe’s Risk and Emergency Management team is updating its HMP to refocus our preventive and planning strategies for the future. The JEO Consulting Group and FEMA are helping the tribe complete this work. The update is a key step in making our community stronger against hazards.  

The update process involves assessing current risks, evaluating how effective existing measures are, and adding new strategies to better protect our tribal members. The HMP update aims to record and use the latest information and best practices. This will help the plan safeguard lives and property while fostering a safer, more resilient community.  

How can tribal members get involved? 

We invite members of the tribe to take part in a brief survey to share their thoughts and concerns about potential hazards and to help find steps we can take to mitigate those risks. The feedback we receive will help us build a plan that supports our community’s values, priorities, and goals. A thoughtful and holistic plan is the first step in gaining access to vital FEMA mitigation funding. 

By taking part in updating the HMP, tribal members will have the chance to: 

• Share their experiences with past hazard events. 

• Find tribal assets that are vulnerable to hazards. 

• Help decide how we might use mitigation projects and activities to address the effects of the natural disasters and hazards in our community. 

Future events and updates 

Throughout this process, the Risk and Emergency Management team will host community events and meetings. These events give members of our community a chance to learn more about the value of hazard mitigation and the tribe’s HMP. They will also be able to ask questions and talk about ideas with fellow community members. 

Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for announcements about upcoming events and more ways to get involved.