The Christian County Emergency Management Agency is inviting residents to learn more about efforts to reduce damage from severe weather and other hazards across the county.

The Christian County Hazard Mitation Planning Committee will meet Tuesday, June 16th, at 2 p.m. at the Taylorville Fire Station Training Room, located at 202 North Main Street in Taylorville. Officials say the meeting will focus on projects and activities aimed at protecting residents, property, and critical infrastructure from both natural and man-made hazards.

EMA Director Jeff Stoner says severe weather continues to have a major impact on Christian County. Since 1999, the county has been included in eight emergency and major federal disaster declarations. During that time, hazard events have been linked to at least eight deaths, 33 injuries, and more than $208 million in verified property and insured crop losses.

Stoner says the goal of the county's hazard mitigation planning process is to identify preventative measures that can be taken before disasters occur, helping to protect public health and reduce financial losses.

The committee began work in January to update Christian County's All Hazards Mitigation Plan. Officials note that the meetings are open to the public.

Unlike emergency response plans, which focus on actions during and after a disaster, the mitigation plan is designed to identify steps communities can take ahead of time to lessen the impact of future hazards. The plan also helps participating jurisdictions remain eligible for federal mitigation grant funding.

Examples of mitigation projects commonly pursued in Illinois include construction of community safe rooms, acquisition of flood-prone properties, drainage improvements, infrastructure upgrades, installation of backup power systems, and development of public education materials.

Residents interested in learning more about the county's mitigation efforts are encouraged to attend the June 16th meeting.