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The City of Portland developed a Natural Hazard Mitigation Action Plan in an effort to reduce future loss of life and property resulting from natural disasters. It is impossible to predict exactly when these disasters will occur, or the extent to which they will affect the City. However, with careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations, and citizens within the community, it is possible to minimize the losses that can result from natural disasters.
The planning process began in Summer 2004 and is expected to be completed within one year. You can read more why the City is developing a hazard mitigation plan, federal requirements (Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000) in the links above.
A natural disaster occurs when a natural hazard impacts people or property and creates adverse conditions within a community. Natural hazards include: floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, extreme weather, and wildfire, and each has the potential to harm people or property. [i] This plan focuses on the natural hazards that could affect the City of Portland, Oregon. Portland’s topography, the presence of streams and its proximity to the Cascade Range and the Columbia Gorge play a large role in determining which natural hazards affect the City. Portland is subject to and has been affected by flooding, landslides, earthquakes, wildfires, windstorms, extreme winter storms, and volcanic eruption in the past. The historic impacts of these hazards have resulted in economic loss and damaged infrastructure in and around the City. Section Endnotes [i] Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2002. How-To Guide #2: Understanding Your Community’s Risks; Identifying Hazards; and Determining Risks. | |
