EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY		CONTACT:	Tom Osborn, 425-556-2276
May 4, 2009			Marta Gronlund, 425-556-2427

Update to Redmond's Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City of Redmond is working with the University of Washington's School of Urban Design and Planning on a new hazard mitigation plan.  The project team is seeking information from residents and business owners on their personal levels of preparedness, their concerns regarding various hazards and their preferred mitigation strategies.
 
The City is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, May 14, from 7 to 8:30pm at the Bytes Café in Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.  A survey on the City's website (www.redmond.gov/surveys) will collect public input until May 15.  Public comment can also be sent via email to studio67@u.washington.edu.
 
"The Puget Sound area, including Redmond, is vulnerable to several hazards including earthquakes, floods and severe storms," stated Robert Schneider, Redmond Emergency Preparedness Manager.  "The plan will develop strategies to reduce the risks posed to Redmond residents and businesses by these and other hazards." 
 
More information, including a neighborhood-specific risk assessment, will be available on the City website.  The risk assessment establishes rankings of hazards based on a model developed by the University of Washington along with input from City staff.  The model identifies the severity and frequency of hazards, as well as vulnerable populations, buildings, systems and natural environments.  Future stages of the project will include an analysis of the City's capabilities (such as emergency management, building codes, incentive programs, education and regulations) and the development of new strategies to reduce risk. The plan will be finalized in June.
 
Key Facts

• Redmond's Downtown is in an earthquake and liquefaction zone, where many of Redmond's older buildings are located.
• Residents can receive home earthquake retrofitting assistance through the Redmond Building Department's Project Impact program

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