The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management’s approach to preparing for disasters recently received an official stamp of approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and State of Washington Emergency Management Division for its Kitsap County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020-2025.

“As chair of the Emergency Management Council, I am proud of this important accomplishment,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe. “I personally appreciate the leadership of KCDEM Director Lis Klute and the work of her team. This is good for all of Kitsap County.”

The mitigation plan reflects the strategies of not only Kitsap County, but its partner cities Poulsbo, Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Bainbridge Island.

The nearly 330-page document is the culmination of the efforts of county departments, local city jurisdictions, fire and utility districts, and school districts, laying out a regional strategy through mutually beneficial and cost-effective projects that respond to a range of hazards — from natural disasters to international threats.

KCDEM introduced a new outreach campaign, “Put a Big Foot Forward Towards Risk Reduction,” to help citizens and local agencies prepare for and recover from any emergency or disaster that impacts Kitsap County.

“None of us really needs reminding we live in an area at risk from earthquakes, volcanoes, significant weather and rapid growth. But it helps to know the whole community is working collectively to do what we can do to help reduce the risk,” said KCDEM Director Lis Klute.