Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@collincountytx.gov

July 20, 2004

Collin County to conduct hazard mitigation town hall meetings

( McKinney , TX ) – As Collin County 's Homeland Security Department continues to develop a long-range Hazard Mitigation Plan, public input is requested. Town hall meetings will be conducted on August 11 th at noon and again at 6 p.m. in the Collin County Commissioners Courtroom on the 6 th floor of the county courthouse at 210 S. McDonald Street in McKinney .

Presenters will discuss natural hazards that occur in Collin County and possible mitigation strategies to reduce these hazards. These strategies may include an effort to evaluate the condition of dams within the county, identification of structures located in the floodplain, purchase of a mobile incident command vehicle, public education and awareness, and early warning systems.

Representatives from the Collin County Homeland Security Department will give a presentation and seek public comment.

Hazard mitigation is action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their effects. Hazard Mitigation Action Planning (HazMAP) is considered a cornerstone in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency efforts to reduce the country's vulnerability to disasters.

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