Full Notification

Introduction
In an ongoing effort to safeguard our community against potential hazards, local leaders in Sutton County have been diligently working on an updated hazard mitigation plan. This collaborative initiative is spearheaded by several key figures including Sutton County Judge Jody Harris, CEO Steve Smith, Joe Marshall from LMH Hospital, Sonora I.S.D. Superintendent Michael Kissire, Fire Chief for the Sonora Volunteer Fire Department and Director of Emergency Medical Services T.J. Thorpe, City Manager of Sonora Art Fuentes, and the Emergency Management Coordinator. This team has been working closely with the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to ensure the plan's comprehensiveness and effectiveness.
 
Community-Driven Planning
The process began with a community survey designed to identify and prioritize potential hazards that concern our citizens. The insights gathered from this survey have been instrumental in shaping the proposed hazard mitigation plan. The primary goal of the plan is to address and mitigate these identified hazards, thereby enhancing the safety and resilience of Sutton County.
 
Collaborative Efforts
The collaboration among local leaders and TDEM has been integral to the development of this plan. Each member brought their expertise and local knowledge to the table, ensuring that the plan is both practical and tailored to the unique needs of our community. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, from health and emergency services to city management, highlights the comprehensive approach taken to mitigate risks.
 
Encouraging Community Participation
We are now at a critical juncture where the proposed hazard mitigation plan is ready for public review. We encourage all citizens to examine the plan and provide feedback. Your input is vital to ensure that the plan effectively addresses all potential hazards and reflects the community's concerns and expectations.  This plan can be downloaded from the City of Sonora website (https://sonora-texas.com).  A copy of this plan is attached to this Nixle message.
 
Public Review and Feedback
The public review period will last for 30 days. During this time, we invite you to participate in a follow-up survey to share any additional concerns or to express your satisfaction with the proposed plan. Your feedback will help us make any necessary adjustments before the plan is submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval.  Citizens can access this survey on the City Sonora website or go directly to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWNF7Z6.
 
Conclusion
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for their ongoing participation and support in this crucial project. The updated hazard mitigation plan represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and preparedness of Sutton County. By working together, we can ensure that our community is well-equipped to handle any potential disasters.
Thank you, Sonora, for being an active part of this important initiative. Your involvement is key to creating a safer and more resilient future for our county.