Local officials are seeking the public’s help in creating disaster response plan.

According to Don McKinnon, director, Jones County Emergency Management Agency, citizens are invited to participate in the development of Jones County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 3-7 p.m. at the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center, located at 72 Technology Boulevard in Howard Tech Park at Jones County Junior College.

The open house meeting is being hosted by the Jones County EMA in conjunction with the Jones County Board of Supervisors. The purpose of the meeting is to develop a multi-jurisdictional, county-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan with input from officials as well as the general public.

“The goal in developing a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan is to reduce loss of life and property during a hazard,” McKinnon said. “By planning and communicating with each other prior to an emergency, we will be better prepared to address the next natural disaster when it occurs.”

During the open house, keynote speakers will provide four 20-minute presentations with discussions on various topics, including state planning, local planning, the history of disasters in Jones County, and education and training in emergency management.

Throughout the event, roundtable discussions with public officials and the general public will be held in the Exhibit Hall on the first floor. Moderators will lead small discussion groups and provide educational materials on various topics that relate to planning for disasters. The public will be encouraged to visit with each discussion group and leave their comments, thoughts and opinions. This information will then be used in the development of the Jones County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

McKinnon said following Hurricane Katrina, Jones County made a commitment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to develop a hazard mitigation plan for Jones County.

“We have all learned valuable lessons from disasters that have impacted our communities,” McKinnon said. “This exchange of information will benefit not only community leaders, but also the general public as they learn to be more self sufficient in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters.”