Carthage, Il. Hancock County is in the process of updating the Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard
Mitigation Plan. According to Jack Curfman, Hancock County ESDA Coordinator, the current plan,
adopted in 2018, will be expiring in 2023. “The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
requires that each jurisdiction has an approved Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan to be eligible for several
funding streams, “. Curfman went on to say, “By beginning the process now, we will not have any lapse
in coverage.” The county has received a grant from FEMA, through the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency (IEMA) to hire University of Illinois Extension to work with the planning Committee to update
the plan.
The first of four planning meetings is scheduled for August 23, 2022, at 4pm. The meeting will be held at
the Hancock County Emergency Management Office at 1006 Wabash Ave., Carthage, Illinois. According
to University of Illinois Educator Carrie McKillip, there will be four planning meetings as well as
opportunities for the public to provide input to the plan. “As part of the planning process, the
committee will work to provide several opportunities for public input into the plan. Public meetings and
online opportunities will allow residents of all jurisdictions in the county to weigh in on the best way to
reduce the impact of natural disasters on the county.”
McKillip also indicated that each incorporated jurisdiction in the county will have the opportunity to
participate in the process and submit projects for the plan. Additionally, McKillip mentioned that other
public and nonprofit organizations are also encouraged to participate. She explained that schools,
hospitals, health departments and social service agencies can all submit mitigation projects to reduce
the impact of disasters. It is also important to keep in mind that many mitigation activities do not cost
anything! By having a family or office emergency plan you can reduce the risk to your family and co-
workers. McKillip also indicated that Illinois Extension has many educational programs that can assist
the community, organizations, and families in becoming more disaster resilient.
For more information regarding the Hancock County Hazard Mitigation Planning Process, contact Jack
Curfman at esda@hancockcounty-il.gov or Carrie McKillip at mckillip@illinois.edu. For information
regarding Illinois Extension Programs, contact the Hancock County Extension Office at (217)357-2150 or
uie-abhps@illinois.edu .