Regional planner urges Charleston to keep FEMA hazard-mitigation plan current

Bailey of the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) presented the FEMA Master Mitigation Plan update to the Charleston Town Council, explaining MAG's regional role and the renewal requirement. Bailey said the plan emphasizes pre-disaster actions that reduce future damages and that MAG will work with towns to identify infrastructure and building vulnerabilities.

Bailey noted that Charleston has relatively low risk for communication failures and major fires but flagged some road and localized risk areas where mitigation work could be proposed to FEMA. "Every 5 years we must renew this plan," Bailey said, adding that MAG can request FEMA funding for prioritized local projects and offers an outreach program for elderly residents who may need evacuation or shelter support in an emergency.

The presentation included a risk map and an explanation of how identifying issues early can improve the town's eligibility for mitigation grants. Council members did not vote on the plan at the meeting; MAG indicated it would continue coordinating with town staff on next steps and any applications for FEMA support.