North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Kaye Collins
Horry County Emergency Management is seeking the public input on the 2025 draft of the Horry County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan. This plan has been drafted in conjunction with all participating municipalities and utility providers throughout the county.
Every five years, Horry County updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan – a roadmap to help reduce the impact of disasters like hurricanes, floods, wildfires and severe storms.
The plan was created in partnership via the Mitigation Task Force. The Horry County Emergency Management Development has worked with many partners across the local and regional spectrum to develop it. It helps Horry County and participating jurisdictions stay eligible for federal disaster relief and grants that strengthen our communities.
The public is invited to read the draft plan and provide comments until Saturday, August 30, 2025. At the link below, you will find the draft plan, a StoryMap with background information on the plan update and the community survey and comment form.
Every five years, Horry County updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan, a roadmap to help reduce the impact of disasters like hurricanes, floods, wildfires and severe storms. This plan builds off the current plan, identifies the most significant natural hazards, analyzes the risks and vulnerabilities of Horry County and recommends actions to protect lives, homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Horry County and to improve the resolve to cope with disasters. We shall achieve our mission by utilizing an all-hazards comprehensive emergency management program that plans, partners and coordinates the preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts with the community, state and federal agencies, volunteer organizations and the private sector. We shall adhere to all applicable laws and regulations and strive to meet or exceed the expectations of the people we serve.
The strategy involves a collaboration in which Horry County partnered with cities, towns, emergency responders, public works, utilities, schools, nonprofits, and community members to create the plan. This collaboration ensures continued eligibility for federal disaster relief and grants aimed at enhancing our communities. The Story Map will illustrate the planned initiatives, the hazards that Horry County encounters, the actions being taken, and how residents can contribute to creating a safer Horry County.
A Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as a comprehensive strategy aimed at minimizing risks associated with both natural and human-made hazards. Hazard mitigation involves proactive measures taken prior to disasters to lessen their impact. This plan encompasses actions such as raising homes in flood-prone areas, reinforcing roads and bridges, establishing defensible zones around residences in wildfire-prone regions, and revising building codes along with land use regulations.
Horry County Emergency Management is tasked with creating emergency response plans and plays a pivotal role in coordinating these plans during emergencies. The staff in Emergency Management collaborates closely with state and local authorities to secure the resources needed to address a disaster or emergency situation. Our team undergoes training for various types of disasters, with a particular focus on hurricanes, given our coastal position.
Eligible participants in the multi-jurisdictional plan include residents from unincorporated Horry County, as well as those from the city of Myrtle Beach, the city of Conway, the town of Surfside Beach, the town of Aynor, the town of Loris, the town of Atlantic Beach, and the town of Briarcliffe Acres.
To read the draft online visit https://horrycty.readyop.com/fs/4d1u/6632c4ec.
