Emergency Management

Welcome to the Town of Florence’s Hazard Mitigation Planning webpage. This page is designed to provide residents and stakeholders with information about the Town's Hazard Mitigation Plan , which outlines strategies to reduce the risk and impact of disasters in our community. This plan was developed as part of a multi-jurisdictional effort organized by Pinal County.

A planning team comprised of representatives from cities and towns within Pinal County’s Planning Area meet regularly to review and update the existing Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The jurisdictions and communities which participate in this planning process include Pinal County, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence, Kearny, Mammoth, Maricopa, and Superior.

This planning effort is performed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K), which requires all local, county, tribal and state governments to have a FEMA approved hazard mitigation plan to be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act. This plan focuses on the Florence region’s most prevalent and serious natural hazards and provides a strategy to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with those hazards. The key elements of hazard mitigation planning include:

Hazard Identification: The first step in Hazard Mitigation Planning is identifying potential hazards that the community faces. In Florence, we face a variety of natural and man-made hazards such as floods, wildfires, extreme heat, severe storms, and hazardous material incidents. Identifying these hazards helps us prepare for potential disasters and take the necessary steps to mitigate their impact.

Risk Assessment: The second step in Hazard Mitigation Planning is assessing the risks associated with each hazard. We analyze historical events, conduct risk assessments, and use scenario analysis to predict the probable impact of a disaster. This helps us understand the potential consequences of a disaster and plan accordingly.

Mitigation Strategies: The third step in Hazard Mitigation Planning is developing strategies to reduce the impact of potential disasters. In Florence, we have developed a variety of strategies, including:

• Developing and enforcing building codes and standards that improve the resilience of our infrastructure and homes.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive emergency management plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all agencies involved in disaster response and recovery.
• Conducting public education campaigns to raise awareness about potential hazards and how residents can prepare for them.
• Developing plans for floodplain management, wildfire response, and hazardous material incidents.

Plan Implementation: The fourth step in Hazard Mitigation Planning is implementing the strategies identified in the plan. This involves establishing partnerships with other agencies, securing funding, and monitoring our progress.

Plan Review and Update: The fifth and final step in Hazard Mitigation Planning is reviewing and updating the plan on a regular basis. We conduct regular assessments of the community's risks and identify new hazards that have emerged. This allows us to adjust our strategies and ensure that our community remains resilient.

We encourage residents and stakeholders to review the 2022 Pinal County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. If you have any questions or concerns about the plan, please contact the Florence Fire & Medical Department at (520) 868-7609.

Thank you for visiting our Hazard Mitigation Planning webpage. Together, we can build a more resilient and prepared community.