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Fire chief invites residents to share local hazards, priorities

FILE PHOTO/HOPKINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

The town is in the process of updating its hazard mitigation plan and is seeking public input at a meeting on Aug. 4, according to the town’s fire chief.

“Community input is an important part of the planning process and helps guide future mitigation efforts,” shared Hopkinton Fire Chief Gary Daugherty in an email to the Independent. “The updated plan must be approved by FEMA to maintain the town’s eligibility for hazard mitigation grant funding.”

The chief is inviting residents, business owners and community members to attend the public meeting to help identify local hazard risks and priorities for reducing future impacts from natural disasters. It will be held Aug. 4 from 4-6 p.m. in the fire station’s second-floor training room, located at 73 Main Street. This will be a hybrid meeting, and attendees can join via Zoom.

In June, the town hired the Horsley Witten Group to assist with the development of the hazard mitigation plan. Hopkinton also conducted a hazard mitigation plan public survey. Residents had the option to respond anonymously, Daugherty stressed.

Communities must update their hazard mitigation plans every five years to remain eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

The plan includes four elements, one of which is public participation in the process. Another aspect is a risk and vulnerability assessment. The third factor is a mitigation strategy that explains who will act and the resources that will be used. Implementation and maintenance complete the process.

Daugherty urged residents to reach out to Joyce Emery, the HFD’s administrative manager, with any questions.

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

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Photo of the Day

Akiko “Aki” Hibbett celebrates her 102nd birthday last week at the Golden Pond Assisted Living facility. The celebration included a custom cake and live entertainment for family, friends and staff.