The Central Shenandoah Hazard Mitigation Plan is a regional plan to protect our communities from natural disasters and other threats before they strike. Developed through a partnership of 5 counties, 5 cities, 11 towns, and 4 special districts, this plan identifies the hazards facing our region—including flooding, drought, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and critical infrastructure failures—and outlines actions to reduce their impact.

Once approved by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), projects identified in this plan will become eligible for federal grant funding.

What This Plan Does

Developed under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, this plan empowers community leaders to:

• Assess risks and vulnerabilities from both natural hazards and human-caused threats
• Create strategies that save lives and reduce damage to property and infrastructure
• Build resilience so our communities can recover more quickly after disasters
• Access state and federal funding for both prevention and recovery efforts

The CSPDC launched the planning process in July 2024, and over the two years that followed, the project was shaped by four steering committee meetings, individual consultations with each participating locality, and public surveys that drew input from more than 450 residents.

On May 20, 2026, FEMA officially approved the updated Central Shenandoah Hazard Mitigation Plan. Additionally, the plan met an optional requirement—the High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) requirement—which unlocks an additional funding category specifically for addressing dam failure risk.

Originally adopted in 2005, this plan represents the third comprehensive update and reflects nearly two years of collaborative work. The planning process included four steering committee meetings, public surveys that gathered input from over 450 residents, and individual consultations with each participating locality. This community-driven approach ensured that local knowledge and diverse perspectives shaped our strategies.

The result is a roadmap tailored to our region's unique characteristics—from mountainous terrain and karst topography to National Radio Quiet Zone regulations—that will help us build a safer, more prepared region for generations to come.

Use the following drop-down menus to access individual chapters and plan appendices.