Washington County has received a grant to develop and update the current Hazard Mitigation Plan for Washington County and its jurisdictions. All Washington County residents are encouraged to complete this survey to help provide the Washington County Mitigation Team with community input for the plan. 

The Washington County Emergency Management Department "helps coordinate mitigation, preparation, response and recovery from man-made or natural disasters and non-day-to-day emergencies in Washington County," according to its website.

The executive board of the Washington County Emergencies Services Local Emergency Planning Committee will develop and implement the plan. The committee's planning area comprises all of unincorporated Washington County, all cities in the county and all Washington County school districts, including the U of A.  

Leslie Adams, director of nursing for the Pat Walker Health Center, shared why she believes all Washington County residents should care about the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

"We don't exist in a vacuum and need those who live and work in the county to help us determine how we need to alter our Mitigation Plan so we can plan future projects," Adams said. "For example, after the tornado that touched down in Springdale last year, should tornadoes have more of a priority over other issues, such as maybe flooding? Does that maybe prompt the need for centralized storm shelter(s) in the county or on campus?" 

The Hazard Mitigation Survey allows residents to provide their thoughts, concerns and possible mitigation projects for Washington County, including all jurisdictions. Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District is working with Washington County to update their Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was last updated in 2015. Those interested in viewing the Hazard Mitigation Plan from 2015 can do so at washintongcountyar.gov.