Hanford City Council
June 18, 2024

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Hanford

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campaigns, also highlight the City's adaptability and dedication to fostering water conservation.

Further, by engaging with the KCWEC and implementing educational initiatives, the City actively involves its community in the broader goal of water sustainability. The Utilities Superintendent also collaborates with staff to enforce regulations and the Parks Superintendent oversees water- efficient landscaping efforts. Further, the City can also work in the future with socially vulnerable communities to ensure t here are adequate back -up and emergency water supplies. Through these efforts, the City applies a holistic approach to water management that ensures the welfare of both current and future generations and also demonstrates existing mitigation practices are already in place for a potential drought impacts.

Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of drought risk relative to the City of Hanford and Kings County.

C.3.6.4 Earthquake
The City of Hanford lies within a seismically active area. As mentioned in the Base Plan, no major fault systems are known to exist in Kings County. However, minor surface ruptures could occur in areas of minor faulting, which occur primarily in the southwestern part of the County along the Kettleman Hills mountain range. Moreover, the San Andreas Fault is located less than four miles west of the Kings County line.

As shown in Figure 4-14 Kings County Earthquake Ground Shaking Potential and Nearby Faults of the Base Plan, earthquake hazard is the most severe in the southwest of Kings County. The potential for ground shaking in the Hanford area ranges from 10-60%g, while ground shaking at the southwestern County line can reach 100% g and above.

There have not been any damaging earthquakes greater than magnitude 6.0 recorded in Kings County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. Geologic studies estimate that over the past 1,400 to 1,500 years, large earthquakes have occurred at about 150 -year intervals on the southern San Andreas fault. As the last large earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault was the Fort Tejon earthquake in 1857, that section of the fault is considered a likely location for an earthquake within the next few decades (Hanford General Plan 2014). Ground shaking was also felt in Hanford during the Coalinga earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 in 1983.

These earthquake and seismic hazards make the City’s socially vulnerable population more vulnerable major earthquake events, particularly those that result in planned and unplanned power outages, in addition to temporary loss of water delivery where water conveyance relies on electricity for pump stations to remain in operation. In turn, this could have a severe impact on Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and devices to live independently in their homes.

In certain cases, the City has required developers to conform to the most recent California Building Code. These improvements reduce vulnerability and risks.

Refer to the Base Plan for details on earthquake hazard’s potential impact on the City of Hanford and Kings County.

C.3.6.5 Extreme Temperatures: Freeze and Heat
According to data from the Western Regional Climate Center for the Hanford 1 S weather station (043747) for the period of record from 1 899-2016, the extreme maximum temperature in July was 116°F, and extreme minimum temperature in January was 14°F. Thus, the City of Hanford experiences a broad range of temperatures and is vulnerable to extremes on either end of the spectrum. The station summary for the Hanford 1 S station is displayed in Table C-13 below.

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Table C-13 Period of Record General Temperature Summary for Hanford 1 S Station Jan. Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average Temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit)
Average Maximum
Temperature 54.7 61.9 67.5 74.9 83.6 91.4 97.8 96.1 90.5 80 66.2 55.4 Average Minimum
Temperature 44.9 50.2 54.8 60.6 68 74.8 80.2 78.2 73 63.7 52.5 45 Average Temperature 35.2 38.6 42.1 46.4 52.5 58.3 62.5 60.4 55.5 47.4 38.8 34.6 Extreme Maximum Temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit)
Extreme Maximum
Temperature 95 94 95 100 107 114 116 115 110 101 94 77
Extreme Minimum Temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit)
Extreme Minimum
Temperature 14 18 23 20 30 36 44 40 35 28 18 15
Source: WRCC 2023
The City’s emergency response strategy encompasses both sheltering and heating/cooling provisions. Two primary emergency shelters, the Longfield Center and the Civic Auditorium, have been distinctly identified as a heating and cooling center . However, there remains a need to establish a comprehensive global matrix dictating the activation and deactivation protocols for heating and cooling centers during crises. Effective coordination for this initiative involves key entities such as the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford, Kings County Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the municipal facilities coordinators.

The community benefits from public education programs tailored to enhance safety awareness.

These programs encompass various platforms, including sessions at all PK -6 grade schools, participation in the Thursday Night Marketplace events, incorporation into fire station tours, and integration into other public safety affairs held throughout the year. This educational effort encompasses the dissemination of informative posts by the NWS-Hanford and the circulation of press releases from the fire department that pertain to matters concerning community cooling centers.

While the City of Hanford has programs in place to address extreme temperatures, socially vulnerable communities, particularly seniors and individuals with health or respiratory conditions may experience greater impacts. Impacts can be particularly problem atic for those households that lack air conditioning or easy access to the local heating or cooling centers.

Further, of this socially vulnerable population, the Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricity- dependent medical equipment and devices are mo st vulnerable to extreme heat events that result in planned or unplanned power outages.

Extreme temperatures are an overall high significance hazard in Hanford. Refer to Chapter 4 in the Base Plan for a discussion of the extreme temperature risk relative to the City of Hanford and Kings County.

C.3.6.6 Flood
The primary types of flood events in Kings County that may impact the City of Hanford are riverine and urban or localized stormwater flooding. Flooding could also occur as a result of dam failure. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt. The extent of flood severity is influenced by various factors, encompassing the intensity and duration of rainfall, the landscape's topography, and the type of ground cover in the region. An abundance of rainfall within a brief timeframe can lead to sudden flash floods. Conversely, even a modest amount of rain can trigger flooding, particularly in regions with frozen or saturated soil from prior wet spells.

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Furthermore, floods might occur if rainfall accumulates over impermeable surfaces like extensive parking lots, paved roads, or densely developed zones.

The repercussions of flooding encompass a broad spectrum of effects, including injuries and loss of life, financial setbacks, psychological trauma, as well as damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and properties. This damage spans across diff erent aspects including structural elements (such as foundations), electrical systems (outlets, wiring, meters, etc.), mechanical equipment (washers, dryers, furnaces, water heaters, etc.), and finishing touches like floors and walls.

Floodplains and Special Flood Hazard Area
Several federal, state, and local organizations utilize the magnitude of flooding linked to a 1 percent likelihood of happening, often termed the "base flood, or 100 -year flood plain as a regulatory benchmark. This predefined boundary, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) serves as a practical method for evaluating susceptibility and potential hazards within regions prone to flooding. For instance, FEMA possesses accessible maps that display the scope of the base flood and the projected water depths in those areas.

A floodplain refers to a relatively flat or gently sloping area of land adjacent to a river, stream, or other water body that is prone to periodic flooding. During times of increased water flow, such as heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the floodplain serves as a natural area for excess water to spread out and temporarily inundate. Floodplains are crucial for managing and mitigating flood risks, as they help to absorb and distribute floodwaters, protecting nearby structures and communities from the full impact of flooding. These areas often support fertile soil and diverse ecosystems, but their susceptibility to flooding requires careful code enforcement and management strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and the environment.

The physical risks associated with potential flooding and the regulatory requirements for floodplain management are also important considerations when decisions are being made regarding future land use throughout the City of Hanford.

Flood hazards for the City of Hanford are shown in Figure C-4. As shown in the figure, only a few parcels are exposed to flood hazards. The rest of Hanford lies outside the 100 -year floodplain designated by FEMA. Based on the history of flooding in Kings County, the City of Hanford and surrounding areas are considered likely to be at risk to future localized flooding, as parts of the City have been prone to local flooding problems associated with poor drainage issues. Climate change is also expected to increase the intensity of major storms, which could create more frequent and severe flooding. In summary, there is risk to flooding in the C ity due to development in the floodplain and localized flooding issues such as stormwater and interior flooding.

A flood vulnerability assessment was completed during the 202 2-2023 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Table C-14 summarizes the values at risk in the City’s 1% annual chance floodplain. None of the parcels located within the City Limit are exposed to 0.2% annual chance flood events.

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Figure C-4 City of Hanford FEMA 1% & 0.2% Annual Chance Floodplains

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Table C-14 City of Hanford FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Content
Value Total Value Estimated
Loss
Populat
ion
Agricultural 1 1 $4,325 $4,325 $8,650 $2,163 Commercial 1 1 $6,900 $6,900 $13,800 $3,450
Exempt 1 1 $751,205 $751,205 $1,502,410 $375,603 Multi-Family
Residential 1 9 $2,986,560 $1,493,280 $4,479,840 $1,119,960 28 Residential 1 1 $269,146 $134,573 $403,719 $100,930 3 Total 5 13 $4,018,136 $2,390,283 $6,408,419 $1,602,105 31 Source: Kings County Assessor’s Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 6/17/2019; FEMA; WSP analysis Based on this analysis, the City of Hanford has 13 buildings located within the 1% annual chance floodplain for a total value of over $6.4 million. The potential loss is estimated at over $1.6 million if these areas were inundated by the 1% annual chance flood. The population at risk was calculated for the 1% annual chance floodplains based on the number of residential properties at risk and the average number of persons per household ( 3.09). There are an estimated 31 persons at risk to 1% annual chance flood. Further, of this population there are six census tracts in the City that consist of DACs. This means that the population within these tracts are more likely to have a disproportionate impact from flood hazards, and may need additional assistance responding to and recovering from these hazards. For example, these communities may not be able to easily evacuate or relocate to alternative housing. Many of these communities may also lack flood insurance. However, in comparison to the other cities in Kings County, the City of Hanford’s flood risk to socially vulnerabl e populations is less severe based on the overall population at risk to the 1% annual chance flood (31).

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) developed Best Available Maps (BAM) following legislation enacted in 20017 (Senate Bill 5) for the 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplains located within the Sacramento -San Joaquin Valley. The BAM maps contains the best available information on flood hazards in cities and counties. While the BAM maps do not replace existing FEMA regulatory floodplains shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) they identify potential flood risk in aeras that may warrant further studies and are intended to facilitate land use decision making. There is no DWR Awareness 100-year floodplain located within the City of Hanford.

Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. Table C-15 lists the critical facilities in the City’s 1% annual chance floodplains. None of the facilities are located in 0.2% annual chance floodplains.

Figure C-5 the location of the critical facilities in the City’s 1% annual percent chance floodplains.

Only one facility is potentially exposed to 1% annual chance flood events , which is Rosa Parks Learning Center. Impacts to any of the City’s key wastewater facilities and infrastructure and conveyance systems would result in severe service disruptions to the community and subsequent costs associated with response and recovery.

Table C-15 Critical Facilities at risk of 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by FEMA Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications -
Energy -
Food, Water, Shelter -

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FEMA Lifeline Count
Hazardous Materials -
Health and Medical -
Safety and Security 1
Transportation -
Total 1
Source: Kings County, HIFLD, NID, DWR, National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 6/17/2019; FEMA; WSP analysis

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Figure C-5 Critical Facilities at Risk of FEMA 1% & 0.2% Annual Flood Hazard

Flood Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. In terms of economic disruption, property damage, and loss of life, floods are often referred to as "nature's number-one disaster." Consequently, flood insurance is typically not included in standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies. To safeguard their property against flood-related losses, individuals are advised to acquire flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Established by Congress in 1968 to mitigate the rising costs of federal disaster relief, the NFIP is administered by FEMA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland

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Security. It provides federally backed flood insurance to communities that adopt and enforce effective floodplain management ordinances aimed at reducing potential flood losses.

The NFIP offers flood insurance coverage to individuals residing in participating communities.

Community membership is contingent on adopting and enforcing floodplain management and development regulations. The NFIP operates on the basis of voluntary community participation, regardless of size. In this context, a "community" refers to a political entity with the legal authority to implement and enforce floodplain management ordinances within its jurisdiction, including incorporated cities, towns, townships, boroughs, villages, or unincorporated areas of counties or parishes.

National flood insurance is only available in communities that apply for participation in the NFIP and commit to implementing prescribed flood mitigation measures. In return for adhering to basic floodplain management standards, local governments enable property owners to purchase modest levels of flood insurance coverage. Communities that adopt more comprehensive floodplain management measures can be promoted to the Regular Program, allowing local policyholders to access higher levels of insurance coverage.

Floodplain management activities also mitigate flood risk and involve both evaluating and permitting development within the SFHA, while also addressing equity and outreach. This entails raising new residential structures to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), implementing floodproofing for non -residential structures, constraining development in floodways, strategically siting public utilities and facilities to minimize flood damage, and reinforcing foundations against floatation, collapse, or lateral s hifting. These efforts prioritize fairness and engagement within flood-prone communities.

The City of Hanford joined the NFIP on March 18, 1987. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of May 2023, there were 15 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $4,667,000 of coverage.

Two policies are located in A zone s. 13 policies are located in B, C & X zones. 13 policies are for single family residential, one is for 2 -4 family residential, and one is for other residential. There has been two historical claims that a total amount of $2,246.38 in paid losses. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed August 25, 2023, the City has no Repetitive Loss or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

Future Development
SOI flood analysis shows that none of the parcels located within the City’s SOI are exposed to 1% or 0.2% annual chance flood events.

Flood hazards are ranked medium for the City of Hanford based primarily on localized flooding issues. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of flood risk relative to the City of Hanford and the County.

C.3.6.7 Land Subsidence
Land subsidence is prevalent along the northeastern portion of Kings County. According to data from DWR, the City of Hanford has experienced moderate subsidence. Between 2015 and 2023, the City experienced vertical displacement of -2.5 to -5.5 feet. The southern portion of the City, which has experienced the most vertical displacement (between -5 to -5.5 feet), is currently zoned for industrial use. Any future development in this area will need to plan for the possibility of future increases in vertical displacement.

Land subsidence is an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Hanford and all jurisdictions within Kings County. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of land subsidence risk relative to the City of Hanford and the County.

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C.3.6.8 Public Health Hazards: Pandemics/Epidemics
All populations are vulnerable to public health hazards. Elder populations, young children, and individuals with pre -existing medical conditions are more likely to face long lasting impacts from communicable disease, in addition to other socially vulnerable populations that may lack access to healthcare . These groups are at a higher risk of facing prolonged and often more serious impacts from infectious diseases due to their compromised immune systems or underdeveloped defense mechanisms.

While areas of high population density are likely to experience a greater number of cases due to a larger population, larger cities tend to have advantages in terms of access to medical resources.

The availability of medical facilities, advanced healthcare services, and a concentration of healthcare professionals can contribute to a more robust response to disease outbreaks.

However, the effectiveness of response doesn't solely depend on the presence of medical resources. It also hinges on the coordination of public health interventions, early detection, and the implementation of preventative measures. In contrast, rural or less densely populated areas might have limitations in terms of immediate medical access, but their smaller populations can make it easier to implement containment strategies and monitor outbreaks closely.

Public health hazards are an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Hanford and all jurisdictions within Kings County. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of public health hazards risk relative to the City of Hanford and the County.

C.3.6.9 Severe Weather: Dense Fog
Thick fog, referred to as Tule fog, is a common meteorological phenomenon experienced in Kings County, primarily during the winter months, typically spanning from December through February. This fog formation transpires rapidly in the early morning hours a nd can persist for extended periods, often stretching over days to weeks. The NCEI Storm Events Database, covering the timeframe from 1996 to 2022, has documented a total of 333 dense fog occurrences in Kings County (as detailed in Table 4-65 of the Base Plan). 180 of these incidents, along with all eight associated injuries, were registered in Hanford. Among these fog events, 162 were characterized by visibility of less than a quarter mile, contributing to reported property losses amounting to $550,000. Each event with recorded damages or injuries is summarized in Table C-16 below.

Table C-16 Dense Fog Events in Hanford with Damages or Injuries (2003-2022)

DATE INJURIES PROPERTY

DAMAGE SUMMARY
Feb. 4,
2003
3 $20,000 Patchy dense fog with visibility less than 100 feet was between Hanford and Selma on the morning of the 4th.

Jan. 28,
2016
1 $0 Four crashes that occurred near the City of Hanford. In one, a semi- truck driving eastbound on Highway 198 making a left turn in the fog was struck by a sedan. The driver suffered moderate injuries. The other crashes did not have any injuries reported.

Nov. 30,
2017
1 $20,000 Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. California Highway Patrol reported a two-vehicle collision north of Hanford on State Route 43 near the Dover Ave intersection which resulted in one minor injury.

Jan. 31,
2018
0 $100,000 The fog became dense in several locations during the early morning hours. Several fog-related minor auto accidents were reported along State Route 198 near Hanford, where visibility was less than a quarter mile. Several school districts had delayed openings and

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DATE INJURIES PROPERTY

DAMAGE SUMMARY
cancelled morning bus service as a result of the widespread dense fog on the morning of the 31st
Jan. 23,
2019
0 $50,000 A large upper ridge built inland into California on January 22. This ridge remained dominant over the region for several days and resulted in a period of dry weather. However, inversion conditions prevailed in the San Joaquin Valley and with mainly clear skies and light winds, dense fog became prevalent in some areas during the nighttime and morning hours. During the morning of January 23, dense fog impacted travel near Hanford and Visalia and a five- vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of 6th Ave. and Excelsior Ave., 7 miles NE of Hanford with visibility around 250 feet at the time of the accident. Several school districts delayed bus service.

Dec. 11,
2019
0 $10,000 Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. Five cars were involved in a collision at the intersection of SR 198 and 6th Ave east of Hanford.

Jan. 24,
2020
0 $50,000 Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. Several school districts either opened late or delayed or cancelled bus service. California Highway Patrol reported two multi-vehicle accidents near Caruthers due to dense fog.

Jan. 6, 2021 1 $150,000 Hanford reported visibility below a quarter mile. A four-vehicle accident took place on SR 198 at 08:09 PST involving a big rig, a pickup truck and two cars. There was minor injury from the collision and visibility at both Hanford and Visalia was at an eighth of a mile at the time of the accident.

Nov. 21,
2021
0 $50,000 Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. California Highway Patrol reported visibility between 700 and 1000 feet on SR 198 between SR 43 and 19th Ave as well as a fog related 3 vehicle accident involving a big rig and two cars on westbound SR 198 at the intersection of 2nd Ave. that resulted in a closure of westbound SR 198 during the late morning hours.

Jan. 14,
2022
1 $100,000 Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. Several webcams showed visibility below 1000 feet. Several school districts either opened late or delayed or cancelled bus service. A ten-vehicle accident occurred on eastbound SR 198 just east of the SR 99 exchange east of Hanford. Visibility was reported be below 100 feet at the time by California Highway Patrol. This resulted in SR 198 being closed for over two hours.

Dec. 16,
2022
1 $0 Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. Several webcams showed visibility below 1000 feet. California Highway Patrol reported a single car accident on eastbound SR 198 near Road 48 at 1029 PST. One person was injured in the accident which was determined to be fog related.

Source: NCEI Storms Event Database 2023
Fog is an annual recurrence in Kings County, with potentially damaging events transpiring every three years on average since 1962. Consequently, the anticipation of regular annual fog and intermittent damaging occurrences is high. To mitigate the impact, fog advisories are employed to postpone school and bus schedules until the fog lifts. A well -maintained traffic signage and striping system is pivotal in aiding drivers during fog events, facilitating safer navigation.

The sustained occurrence of fog, coupled with its potential for adverse effects, reinforces the importance of ongoing vigilance and comprehensive planning. Through the utilization of fog

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advisories to adjust school and bus schedules and the enhancement of traffic systems, Hanford demonstrates a proactive commitment to addressing the challenges posed by Tule fog. These initiatives underscore the City’s dedication to ensuring the safety and welfare of its residents amidst the recurring atmospheric conditions associated with Tule fog. These initiatives also reduce the exposure associated with dense fog on socially vulnerable communities, particularly children and seniors dependent on public transportation.

Severe weather hazards associated with dense fog are an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Hanford. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of dense fog hazards risk relative to the City of Hanford and the County.

C.3.6.10 Severe Weather: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail, and Lightning Between 1968 and 2022, the NCEI Storm Events Database recorded a total of 127 instances of hail, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning events in Kings County. Of these events, 27 were recorded in Hanford, consisting of six hail events, four lightning events, eight thunderstorm events, and eight heavy rain events. There were no recorded deaths or injuries. There has been $91,603,000 estimated losses in crop damages and $267,000 in property damages, summarized in Table C-17.

Table C-C-17 Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail, and Lightning Events (1968-2022)

DATE INJURIES DAMAGES SUMMARY
Hail
March 12,
1996
0 $0 N/A
April 8, 1999 0 $3,390,000
(Crop)
Besides the frost and wind during early April, very active thunderstorms moved through the Fresno, Kings, and Tulare County areas early on the evening of April 8th. Hail up to 1- inch was reported in northeast Hanford with crop damage north and east of town. Besides the hail near Porterville, Visalia had 3/4-inch hail by 2025 PDT. Even smaller hail on intolerant crops in Fresno County brought damage to area agriculture. Fresno County assessed a loss of $15.65M, Kings $3.39M, and Tulare $6.0M due to hail during this time period.

April 28,
2005
0 N/A Mid-day and afternoon thunderstorms during the 28th led to many reports of hail. Damage from hail on the 28th and
other days of unseasonably persistent rain into early May resulted in significant crop damage in Central California.

These damage figures will be reported in the May 2005
Storm Data.

September
22, 2007
0 N/A An upper-level low dropped down the coast on the 21st and moved inland over Southern California the next day. This low triggered another thunderstorm outbreak, with hail up to

0.88 inch in diameter falling in eastern Kings County during the afternoon of September 22nd, and 0.75-inch hail falling west of Squaw Valley in Fresno County near the foothills.

Flash flooding occurred in eastern Kings County, central Fresno County, and north-central Tulare County, with
scattered reports of road flooding and minor mud/debris flows elsewhere in the central and southern San Joaquin Valley.

April 11, 2012 0 $150,000
(Crop)
NWS Employee indicated a swath of accumulating large hail across the Hanford area.

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DATE INJURIES DAMAGES SUMMARY
Heavy Rain
February 1,
1998
0 $1,000,000
(Crop)
$20,000
(Property)
In Kings County about $1.0M in flood protection costs was expended to try to protect ag land with an additional $20K in damages due to high water in local communities in the county. No February monthly summary reports for
agriculture in Merced, Tulare, or Madera Counties.

May 01, 1998 0 $73,600,0000
(Crop)
For the rain season through May 31, Fresno had 71 days of measurable rain with Bakersfield having 68. Total rainfall for Bakersfield in May was 1.33" which was the 5th wettest on record ... Fresno had 1.37" which was the 8th wettest.

Bakersfield's year-to-date total as of 5/31/98 was 14.36" eclipsing the old record set in 1977-78 of 11.78" and compared to a normal of only 5.72". Fresno's total rain was at 18.43" which is the 5th wettest on record and compares to a
normal of 10.60"/year.

June 8, 2000 0 $100,000
(Crop)
An unseasonable rain again caused problems for hay and
fruit growers in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley growing areas. Amounts varied from 1/3 to 2/3rds of an inch in Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Madera Counties. Fresno had

0.56 inches of rain that broke a 46-year old record of 0.14 inch for June 8th. Locally heavy rain in Visalia caused some urban flooding problems. Gusty wind also occurred in the Kern County Mountains and Deserts: gusts to 51 knots were reported in Tehachapi Pass; with gusts to 40 knots at Mojave and Inyokern.

April 30,
2003
0 $8,900,000
(Crop)
April and the first half of May 2003 in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley was marked by unusual and
persistent cool, wet weather. Normally summer agricultural operations are in full swing by the 1st week in April. Despite a relatively dry November through March period for the area, the month of April was the 7th wettest with 2.84" of rain (2.08" above normal) since records began in Fresno in 1888 and the wettest since 1978 when 2.85" fell. The average temperature of 58.6F in Fresno for April was the coldest since

57.2F in 1976. Other sites in the San Joaquin Valley were similarly affected leading to the crop damage assessments.

Cherries were the hardest hit in Fresno County; cotton
planting was hurt the most in Madera County; and alfalfa the worst in Kings County.

April 21, 2003 0 $1,000 (Crop) Locally heavy rain accompanied by strong wind and small hail occurred in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley during the late afternoon hours of the 21st. Hail size was less than 1/2-inch but, in conjunction with, locally heavy rain led to local highway problems just northwest of Merced on State Highway 99. Snow level in the adjacent Southern Sierra
Nevada dropped to 3500 feet mean sea level. Gusty wind
late in the afternoon around Fresno resulted in some
downed power lines and loss of power to 771 utility
customers in North-Central Fresno. Unofficial rainfall
amounts from convective showers were as high as 0.63" in Northeast Fresno with reports of pea-size hail and lightning.

Official rain totals for the day were 0.20" at Fresno, 0.15" at Madera, and 0.13" at Visalia. In the Tehachapi Mountains at

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DATE INJURIES DAMAGES SUMMARY
Bear Valley over 1.00 inch of rain fell due to the showers on the 21st.

January 1,
2006
0 N/A Rainfall in excess of 2.5" in just over 30 hours lead to water covered roadways in several locations around Kings County.

Hanford measured 2.82" of rain in that time period with the cities of Lemoore and Corcoran receiving just over 3" of rain.

Ponding basins overflowed in the city of Lemoore and
flooding occurred in smaller cities of Huron and Corcoran.

Strong wind during the evening of the 2nd brought down
several large trees in the city of Lemoore including one 100- year old tree onto a house.

October 5,
2011
0 $100,000
(Property)
Brief heavy rain caused a power transformer fire and a
resulting house explosion. Rain amount measured at the
Hanford ASOS were 0.13 inches
December 12,
2014
0 N/A Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches across the Kings county. Nuisance roadway flooding.

Lightning
May 31, 2002 0 N/A Localized heavy rain at the Hanford Airport of 1.01" within a 21-minute time period totally flooded local streets and intersections. Despite heavy rain being highly localized (known locations at Hanford, Armona, Avenal, downtown
Fresno, and Piedra area of Fresno County), lightning activity with this event was widespread, long-lasting, and very
visual...an infrequent occurrence for the Central and
Southern San Joaquin Valley. There were 260 lightning
strikes between just 1900 and 2000 PST through the Central and South San Joaquin Valley...and that activity continued to just after midnight PST as a band of convection moved north through Kings County and into Fresno County. A trained
spotter reported lightning at the rate of 5-6 flashes/second around 2100 PST in the Pine Flat Reservoir location near Piedra.

May 31, 2002 0 N/A Remnants of Hurricane Alma interacted with a closed mid- latitude low providing moisture for a de-stabilizing air mass over Interior Central California in the late evening hours of Friday, May 31st. The resulting widespread, late evening convection lead to strong, gusty wind in wet microbursts and street flooding from localized, torrential rains. The most visual damage occurred with a series of very small
microbursts evidenced by crop damage in North Kings
County. Also a late report of 3/4+" hail was received from North Kings County.

May 31, 2002 0 $5,000 (Crop) Localized heavy rain at the Hanford Airport of 1.01" within a 21-minute time period totally flooded local streets and intersections. Despite heavy rain being highly localized (known locations at Hanford, Armona, Avenal, downtown
Fresno, and Piedra area of Fresno County), lightning activity with this event was widespread, long-lasting, and very
visual...an infrequent occurrence for the Central and
Southern San Joaquin Valley. There were 260 lightning
strikes between just 1900 and 2000 PST through the Central and South San Joaquin Valley...and that activity continued to just after midnight PST as a band of convection moved north through Kings County and into Fresno County. A trained

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DATE INJURIES DAMAGES SUMMARY
spotter reported lightning at the rate of 5-6 flashes/second around 2100 PST in the Pine Flat Reservoir location near Piedra.

April 28,
2005
0 $25,000
(Property)
$400,000
(Crop)
Lightning struck within the city limits of Hanford, Kings County, CA, during the severe thunderstorm episode of the 28th. Beside the destroyed oak tree, windows at the home and in the adjacent house were broken by debris resulting from the strike. Reports from the Kings County, Tulare
County, and Fresno County Ag Commissioners will
summarize the crop damage from the late April and early May rains and hail. The Kings County Ag Commissioner
estimated 20% of the cherry crop was damaged by the hail and rain on the 28th.

Thunderstorms
June 15, 1995 0 $25,000
(Property)

Oak tree limbs were broken, and other full-foliaged trees were toppled by brief strong wind in the Hanford/Lemoore area, 30 miles south-southeast of Fresno. In Hanford, one of the toppled trees damaged a car. A post-event survey was unable to ascertain whether severe thunderstorm wind
criteria were met because soils were moist, and trees were full-foliaged. However, the damage location just south of the Fresno County line and timing of the damage places this damage in proximity to severe storm damage in south-
central Fresno County at Raisin City/Caruthers/and Easton.

December 13,
1995
0 N/A In an unstable airmass numerous thunderstorms were noted through the NWSO San Joaquin Valley county warning area the afternoon of December 13. With a Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued at 1423 PST and a valid time of one hour, one-inch hail was observed in north Hanford at 1500 PST by a National Weather Service Employee. Additional damage
included some small trees uprooted from wind associated with the storm's passage. The reflectivity associated with this storm was 67dBz which spiked to 69dBz; VIL of 37; and
storm top of 29,000 feet.

March 24,
1998
0 $50,000
(Property)
Gusty wind with a thunderstorm measured at 42 MPH at
Lemoore Naval Air Station brought down 32 power poles in north Kings County. the power company indicated 20,000
customers were affected by the downed lines for up to 12 hours.

October 09,
2000
0 N/A Late evening convection brought numerous reports of locally heavy thundershowers beginning on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley and then moved northeast toward the
foothills of the Southern Sierra Nevada. One cell along the south border of Fresno County generated a severe
thunderstorm warning with a high reflectivity value but a lack of spotter reports due to time-of-day could not give verification of a severe event. A subsequent report of 4" of snow was received at Huntington Lake at the 7200-foot
elevation of Fresno County overnight due to the thunder- snow shower activity. Another report of 4" of snow was
received as well from Lodgepole in the Tulare County
Mountains.

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DATE INJURIES DAMAGES SUMMARY
April 7, 2001 0 $3,800,000
(Crop)
Heavy rain and hail (often less than 3/4-inch) accompanying widespread convective activity through Interior Central California late in the afternoon and early evening of Saturday, April 7th, caused extensive damage to agriculture. Although isolated severe hail swaths occurred, and some were defined as technically non-severe, widespread heavy rain in
conjunction with the hail damaged young fruit, grape, grain, and early planted cotton crops in several counties. The crop damage figures should be considered approximate because they are in conjunction and need to be summed with the
crop damage figures reported for the April 4th freeze and frost event through much of the same area.

May 31, 2002 0 $200,000
(Crop)
Remnants of Hurricane Alma interacted with a closed mid- latitude low providing moisture for a de-stabilizing air mass over Interior Central California in the late evening hours of Friday, May 31st. The resulting widespread, late evening convection lead to strong, gusty wind in wet microbursts and street flooding from localized, torrential rains. The most visual damage occurred with a series of very small
microbursts evidenced by crop damage in North Kings
County. Also a late report of 3/4+" hail was received from North Kings County.

May 28, 2009 0 $7,000
(Property)
An upper-level ridge built into California beginning May 27th, bringing another warming trend to interior central California.

Fresno warmed to 99 degrees on the 27th and reached 102 the next day. A weak low off Baja California spun mid-level moisture into California from the south, and the
combination of heat and moisture triggered strong
thunderstorms over the Southern Sierra Nevada and the
Tehachapi Mountains each afternoon and evening,
beginning on May 27th and continuing through the end of the month. Hail up to 1.5 inch in diameter fell near the town of Orange Cove on the evening of the 28th, and as
thunderstorms over the Sierra Nevada, and over San Luis Obispo County, collapsed, outflow winds pushed across the San Joaquin Valley, triggering thunderstorms over the
eastern and central Valley. Two of the storms merged into a strong system that produced gusty winds that toppled
numerous trees on the Valley floor, as well as 1-inch hail near Visalia. Strong winds also triggered a gust-front tornado (gustnado) that damaged a mobile home park in Orosi.

Convection was weaker on May 29th, as thunderstorms
developed earlier and several of the storms were pushed north of the region by a more southeasterly flow aloft.

However, this southeast flow also carried thunderstorms from northeastern Los Angeles and northwestern San
Bernardino Counties into southeastern Kern County near
Rosamond, Edwards AFB, and Boron. One thunderstorm
collapsed as it passed west of Edwards AFB in the early afternoon, generating outflow winds that were measured at a peak of 62 knots (71 mph).

June 5, 2011 0 $50,000
(Property)
Off duty NWS employee reported a tree down in center
divider of North 11th Avenue just north of West Lacey Blvd. A developing Pacific storm approached California on June 4th.

Cold air pushed into the San Joaquin Valley, plunging
temperatures to well below normal. The high at Fresno on

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DATE INJURIES DAMAGES SUMMARY
the 4th was only 66 degrees, six degrees colder than the previous record low maximum temperature for the date of 72 degrees, set in 1954. As the push of cold air funneled through the passes of the Kern County mountains.

September 11,
2017
0 $100,000
(Crop)
The persistent cut off upper low remained situated off the central California coast and continued to pull tropical moisture northward into central California. Some deep
tropical moisture associated with a fairly strong upper level shortwave pushed into central California on September 11 and produced a severe thunderstorm outbreak during the
afternoon and evening. Numerous reports of downburst
winds exceeding 60 mph were reported and the impacts
form these thunderstorms included downed power lines,
damage to roofs; and large objects being knocked over and damaged. Rainfall amounts were generally a quarter of an inch or less with a few locations in the Southern Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains receiving between a
quarter inch and a half inch of rain.

September 11,
2017
0 $8,000 (Crop) The persistent cut off upper low remained situated off the central California coast and continued to pull tropical moisture northward into central California. Some deep
tropical moisture associated with a fairly strong upper level shortwave pushed into central California on September 11 and produced a severe thunderstorm outbreak during the
afternoon and evening. Numerous reports of downburst
winds exceeding 60 mph were reported and the impacts
form these thunderstorms included downed power lines,
damage to roofs; and large objects being knocked over and damaged. Rainfall amounts were generally a quarter of an inch or less with a few locations in the Southern Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains receiving between a
quarter inch and a half inch of rain.

Source: NCEI Storm Events Database 2023
Among those most vulnerable during heavy rain, thunderstorm, hail, and lightning events are those with access or functional needs, those who are electricity dependent, and those who live in aging or mobile homes. Severe weather hazards associated with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning are an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Hanford. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of these severe weather hazards risk relative to the City of Hanford and the County.

C.3.6.11 Severe Weather: High Wind/Tornado
Between 1968 and 202 2, the NCEI Storm Events Database recorded a total of 98 instances of high wind, strong wind, and tornado events in Kings County. 2 It did not record any tornado events that had a magnitude higher than F2. Of these 98 events, 12 were recorded in Hanford, consisting of one tornado, one high wind event, and ten strong wind events. In addition to these events, the United States Department of Agriculture declared three disaster designations, one in 2016 and two in 2017, due to high wind events. Table C-18 summarizes high wind and tornado events recorded by the NCEI in Hanford.

2 The NCEI Storm database defines high winds as sustained non-convective winds of 35 knots (40 mph) or greater lasting for 1 hour or longer, or gusts of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater for any duration (or otherwise locally/regionally defined). Events with winds less than High Wind criteria, resulting in fatalities, injuries, or significant property damage are encoded as a Strong Wind events.

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Table C-18 High Wind and Tornado Events in Hanford, 1968-2022 Date Property
Damage Summary
Tornado
March 12,
1996
$10,000 This small F0 tornado ran S-to-N through a residential area of Hanford. Small trees were toppled, lawn furniture lifted and deposited into a pool, fences knocked down, and trash cans displaced. It also demolished a small farm structure and shredded bushes along its path.

High Wind
Feb. 20,
2000
$100,000 Gusts of wind reported in Hanford at 35 MPH. California Highway Patrol closed some South San Joaquin Valley roads due to visibilities less than 50 feet in blowing dust. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) reported trees down along Highway 198; and subsequent power outages occurred.

Numerous reports of trees being blown down including some commercial fruit trees.

Strong Wind
June 8, 2002 $0 While wind was gusty in the Kern Mountains and Deserts, higher than normal wind speeds caused concerns in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley.

Northwest wind gusted to 38 MPH at Lemoore on the morning of the 8th and reached 42 MPH later in the day along the west side of the Valley in Fresno County. On the east side of the Valley, wind did not quite reach wind advisory levels although speeds to 26 MPH reported in Hanford.

Feb. 19, 2003 $5,000 Cold-frontal passage brought strong north wind to the southern portion Interior Central California late afternoon and early evening of the 19th. On the South San Joaquin Valley floor, wind speeds reached 37 MPH at Hanford and 44 MPH at Bakersfield. The strong wind caused a major power outage affecting 12,000 customers in the city of Lemoore and an additional 18,000 customers elsewhere in Kings and Southwest Fresno Counties.

Dec. 31, 2005 $10,000 A strong gust of wind focused along a squall line swept through the Central San Joaquin Valley on December 31st. A dairy located about 9.8 miles south of Kerman in Fresno County sustained damage to the roofs of several dairy open- sided structures. Roof debris was strewn about 1/4 mile downwind. In Northern Kings County about 3.5 miles NNW of Hanford similar damage was sustained to some open-sided structures along with some fences and trees downed.

Jan. 2, 2006 $100,000 Rainfall in excess of 2.5 in just over 30 hours lead to water covered roadways in several locations around Kings County. Hanford measured 2.82" of rain in that time period with the cities of Lemoore and Corcoran receiving just over 3" of rain. Ponding basins overflowed in the city of Lemoore and flooding occurred in smaller cities of Huron and Corcoran. Strong wind during the evening of the 2nd brought down several large trees in the city of Lemoore including one 100-year- old tree onto a house.

Feb. 27, 2006 $10,000 Pre-frontal gusty southeast wind swept the Central San Joaquin Valley beginning by the late afternoon of the 27th. A tree was blown over taking down power lines in the Visalia area and Hanford area of Central California at 03:28 PST early on the morning of the 28th. Deciduous trees were downed on the San Joaquin Valley floor causing agricultural losses.

Oct. 9, 2008 $3,000 From the 9th until the 11th there were several weather stations in the mountain passes, canyons, and deserts that recorded gusty winds up to 55 mph due to the passage of the low-pressure system. These strong winds produced areas of blowing dust at times across much of the San Joaquin valley. This condition prompted local environmental health experts to issue warnings of the effects of

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Date Property
Damage Summary
blowing dust and reduced air quality. Strong winds caused minor property damage in Hanford, where a tree branch was blown down and blocked a roadway intersection. Winds in the San Joaquin Valley gusted to 40-45 mph at times.

Dec. 25,
2008
$25,000 Gusty winds moved through the region on Christmas Day, with gusts to around 40 mph hitting Hanford around midday. Winds across the valley caused isolated reports of downed powerlines and small trees with peak wind gusts near 50 mph with the cold front.

Feb. 18, 2013 $3,000 Strong winds developed in the Indian Wells Valley. As the cold front moved through, the focus of the strong winds shifted south into the southeastern Kern County desert. Winds gusted to 45-50 mph near Mojave, and to as high as 58 mph at Rosamond. Isolated heavy showers developed along the cold front over the central and southern San Joaquin Valley during the late afternoon and evening of February 19th. Pea-size hail was reported from these storms, including one report from a few miles north of Hanford.

April 9, 2019 $1,000 A strong cold front crossed during the afternoon of April 9, bringing a period a strong wind gusts to the San Joaquin Valley as well as to the Lake Isabella and Tehachapi areas. Several power outages resulted from downed power lines in the San Joaquin Valley where there were several winds gusts exceeding 40 mph. Public reports a large tree being blown over a Civic Auditorium Park in Hanford.

May 20, 2021 $1,500 A cold upper low-pressure system dropped into northern California during the morning of May 20 carving out a strong upper trough into the western U.S. A cold front associated with this system also pushed through the area during the day and brought a period a very strong winds to the Kern County Deserts as well as to the Tehachapi and Lake Isabella area in the Kern County Mountains.

Several stations reported gusts exceeding 60 mph while a few low impact indicator sites briefly measured gusts exceeding 90 mph. NWS Employee reported wind gusts blew a tree into a house in northeast Hanford.

Source: NCEI Storm Data Base, 2023
Tornadoes and windstorms pose a significant risk to both the residents and the property within the City of Hanford. Vulnerability varies depending on the intensity of the event, with certain entities, including mobile homes, damaged vegetation, trees, and utility infrastructure, being particularly susceptible. While vulnerability might differ based on the strength of the event, due to the regional scale of these events, the risk to the City of Hanford does not vary significantly from the risk to the County as a whole. However, some communities designated as DACs may experience disproportionate impacts from severe weather events that result in long -term planned or unplanned power outages. And impacts can be particularly problematic for Medicare beneficiaries that rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and devices to live independently in their homes.

High wind and tornado events are an overall medium significance hazard for the City of Hanford and all jurisdictions within Kings County. Refer to Chapter 4 for a discussion of high wind and tornado risk relative to the City of Hanford and the County C.4 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Capabilities are the programs and policies that are currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into five sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical

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mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs are already in place and shared any updates or changes through the Hanford Plan Update Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and WSP consultant team staff to update information where applicable and note ways in which these capabilities have improved or expanded. Additionally, in summarizing current capabilities and identifying gaps, the jurisdictional planning representatives also considered their ability to expand or improve upon existing policies and programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Hanford’s capabilities are summarized below.

C.4.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Hanford.

Table C-19 City of Hanford —Regulatory and Planning Capabilities

REGULATORY TOOL
(ORDINANCES, CODES,
PLANS)

YES/NO COMMENTS
General Plan Yes 2035 General Plan published in 2014
https://ci.hanford.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/606/2034-
General-Plan-Background-Report-PDF
Zoning ordinance Yes Title 17 of Municipal Code
https://library.qcode.us/lib/hanford_ca/pub/municipal_code Subdivision ordinance Yes Title 16 of Municipal Code
Growth management
ordinance
No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Chapter 15.52 of Municipal Code, Flood Damage Prevention Regulation
Other special purpose
ordinance (stormwater, steep
slope, wildfire)
Yes https://library.qcode.us/lib/hanford_ca/pub/municipal_code Building code Yes The City adopts the most recent California Building Code into the City’s Municipal Code (Title 15), typically the new code is adopted in January of the relevant year.

Fire department ISO rating Yes Previous Rating 2, awaiting 2022 Rating Erosion or sediment control
program
Yes Chapter 15.55 of Municipal Code
Stormwater management
program
Yes Chapter 13.10 of Municipal Code
Site plan review requirements Yes Chapter 17.72 of Municipal Code, Site Plan Review Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan No
Local emergency operations
plan
Yes Updated 2015
Other special plans No

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REGULATORY TOOL
(ORDINANCES, CODES,
PLANS)

YES/NO COMMENTS
Flood insurance study or
other engineering study for
streams
Yes Effective Date 09/16/2015
Elevation certificates (for
floodplain development)
No
Other N/A
Hanford General Plan 2035 (2014)
The General Plan was updated in 2014 and is intended to guide the development of Hanford over the next 20 to 25 years. The updated plan sets goals, objectives, policies, and programs for five elements: land use and community design ; transportation and circulation; open space, conservation, and recreation; public facilities and services. and health and safety. The Health, Safety, and Noise element addresses natural hazards, manmade hazards, noise, public health and fitness, and environmental justice. Additionally, the City of Hanford Health, Safety, and Noise Element references incorporation of the 20 07 MJHMP in Policy H1 “Kings County Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan” and Policy HS “Update to the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.”
Flood Damage Prevention Regulations (1998)
The purpose of this ordinance is to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions by restricting certain uses and requiring certain protections in areas of special flood hazards as identified in FEMA’s 1987 FIRM. The new Digital FIRMs (DFIRM) established with FEMA have been integrated into all relevant planning and permit processes for all of Kings County.

Urban Water Management Plan (2020)
The purpose of the UWMP is to maintain efficient use of urban water supplies, continue to promote conservation programs and policies, ensure that sufficient water supplies are available for future beneficial use, and provide a mechanism for response during water drought conditions
Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2020)
The purpose of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan is to establish a comprehensive framework and guidelines for managing and responding to water shortages and drought conditions. This plan aims to ensure the efficient and equitable allocation of available water resources during times of scarcity. By defining specific stages or levels of water shortage, along with corresponding actions and restrictions, the plan provides a structured approach to mitigating the impacts of drought on water supply, distribution, and consumption. Ultimately, the plan's goal is to safeguard the sustainable use of water resources, promote responsible water usage, and maintain essential services while minimizing the adverse effects of water scarcity on communities, the environment, and the economy.

Hanford Emergency Operations Plan (2015)
The emergency plan defines the responsibilities of the city staff in response to emergency situations and provides for the powers and duties of the Disaster Council. Hanford has adopted Section 6‐3 of the Kings County Code of Ordinances providing for disaster council membership. The Disaster Council develops and recommends for adoption by the Kings County Board of Supervisors and city councils of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and necessary ordinances and resolutions.

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Conservation and Open Space Zoning District
The Conservation and Open Space Zoning district applies to pathways, storm drainage basins, and water recharge areas throughout the city and is intended to provide for permanent open spaces in areas of the City that exhibit significant vegetation, scenic qualities, wildlife or recreation potential, and that are designated as open space sites by the General Plan.

C.4.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Hanford. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table C-20 City of Hanford —Personnel Capabilities

PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION COMMENTS Planner/engineer with knowledge of
land development/land
management practices
Yes Community
Development/Senior
Planner

Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to
buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes Public Works/City
Engineer

Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
Yes Public Works/City
Engineer

Personnel skilled in GIS No Contracted Service if
Needed
Full time building official Yes Community
Development/building
Official

Floodplain manager Yes Public Works Designated per
Chapter 15.52 of the
Hanford Municipal
Code
Emergency manager Yes Fire Chief Working to train the
Fire Marshal to
handle this position
in the Emergency
Operations Center
(EOC)
Grant writer No
Other personnel No
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land
use, building footprints, etc.)
Yes Community
Development/Senior
Planner

Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor
warning signals)
No
Other

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City Council
Members of the Hanford City Council are selected directly by the electorate to serve as the policy-making board of the city. The city council is comprised of five members elected by district and serve 4-year staggered terms. Each year the city council members select a mayor and vice-mayor from amongst themselves.

City Manager
The City Manager is the administrative head of the municipal government. The City Manager sets goals and provides administrative direction for all City departments in accordance with the policies established by the City Council. The City Manager ensures that the City's vision and mission are accomplished.

City Attorney
The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to a city government. Their role encompasses a wide range of legal responsibilities and functions within the city's legal framework, including legislative support, public representation, and litigation and risk management. The City attorney plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the City's actions and operations are conducted within the boundaries of the law, while also safeguarding the City's interests and serving as a legal advocate for the municipality.

City Clerk
The City Clerk is responsible for administering the City's elections and in this role coordinates and advises public officials, candidates for office, and the public on election matters, campaign disclosures and voter registration. The City consolidates its elections with the county of Kings.

The responsibilities of the City Clerk include p rocessing and distributing City Council agendas and attending City Council meetings to record the council's legislative actions including the adoption of ordinances, resolutions and minute actions.

Community Development Department
The City of Hanford Community Development Department is committed to providing quality service and to working with the citizens and businesses in our community in a friendly and helpful manner.

Fire Department
The City of Hanford Community Development Department is committed to providing quality service and to working with the citizens and businesses in our community in a friendly and helpful manner.

Public Works Department
While the Public Works Department may not always be prominently featured in public discourse, its dedicated personnel diligently labor behind the scenes to uphold and enhance the City's infrastructure. The department takes charge of a multitude of essential tasks, encompassing waste collection, water distribution, sewer maintenance, wastewater treatment, traffic signal operation, road upkeep, upkeep of municipal facilities, proper maintenance of city vehicles, and the aesthetically pleasing maintenance of parks and median strips.

Planning Division
The Planning Division is committed to providing the community with personal attention, accurate and detailed information, and timely responses in a manner that instills public trust and confidence while exceeding service expectations.

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Planning Commission
The Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council. One member of the City Council, appointed by the mayor, and the Director of the Community Development Department (or designee) serve as nonvoting ex-officio members. The Planning Commission has the principal duty of establishing and maintaining the General Plan of the community and advising on physical development, zoning, subdivision proposals, and special studies so that community values are maintained and protected.

Community Risk Reduction Division
The Hanford Fire Department has taken significant steps to enhance community safety by appointing a Fire Marshal to lead their Community Risk Reduction and Public Education Program. This expansion of their outreach includes collaborations with the Thursday Night Market Place on Main Street, school programs, and monthly events. With a strong focus on code enforcement and public education, the department offers various free safety education programs to the citizens of Hanford, covering topics such as general fire safety, burn safety, home hazard inspections, fire extinguisher training, earthquake and disaster preparedness, and poison safety and prevention. CPR training is also available for a nominal fee, with the ultimate goal of creating a truly "Fire safe community" through community engagement and education.

C.4.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.

Table C-21 City of Hanford —Available Financial Tools and Resources

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

ACCESSIBLE/

ELIGIBLE TO
USE

HAS THIS BEEN USED

FOR MITIGATION IN THE
PAST?

COMMENTS
Community Development
Block Grants
Yes No Primarily Used for Housing
Programs
Capital improvements
project funding
Yes No
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Yes No
Fees for water, sewer, gas,
or electric services, new
development
Yes No Water, sewer, trash
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds
Yes No
Incur debt through special
tax bonds
Yes No
Incur debt through private
activities
No No
Federal Grant Programs
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)
Yes No
C.4.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The City of Hanford conducts numerous outreach and public education programs during local events. Information is provided in English and Spanish, and many programs have Spanish

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speaking members available as needed. The City of Hanford also has various partnerships in place, particularly with Kings County and the American Red Cross. The City collaborates extensively with Kings County and various agencies to execute community -based outreach initiatives aimed at hazard mitigation and climate adaptation, particularly focusing on underserved and under -resourced populations. A partnership with the American Red Cross involves identification of enhanced capabilities through collaborative efforts with Kings County, City authorities, and local fire departments. These programs encompass outreach campaigns for preparedness education, ongoing shelter inspections, and updates to shelter site contact information. These efforts also intend to bolster the American Red Cross' proficiency in mitigation, preparedness, and response within Kings County. The Hanford Fire Department is engaged in public education by offering diverse programs addressing water usage, earthquake awareness, fire safety, disaster preparedness, and other facets of public safety. This approach to public education encompasses information dissemination, instructional sessions, and participation in events across schools, community gatherings, and social media platforms.

Moreover, as outlined in the Kings County 2015 EOP, the emergency response role of cities and special districts is generally focused on restoring their normal services or functional area of responsibility. During disasters, cities and some types of special districts will be more extensively involved in the emergency response by directly coordinating, communicating, and assisting local governments. If a city or special district does not send a representative to the EOC, then the Liaison Officer in the County ’s EOC will be responsible for establishing communications and coordination with the cities or special district liaisons.

The Hanford Police Department Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) team 's mission is to tackle homelessness by considering the challenges faced by businesses, residents, the City, and individuals experiencing homelessness. To fulfill this mission, the HART team remains informed about current trends and collaborates with nume rous other agencies and organizations. The HART team comprises two full -time police officers who perform various responsibilities, including responding to service calls and addressing crimes related to homelessness, engaging with community members to resol ve issues, coordinating with individuals in need of services, managing cleanups of homeless encampments, and collaborating with organizations that provide assistance to the homeless.

Other events that the City participates in include, but are not limited to school programs, the Thursday Night Market Place, open house events, local business safety events, and participation with civic organizations. The City participates in most social media platforms and is currently updating their website to provide better outreach. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for alerts on the City website or by subscribing to the City newsletter, the Civic Currier. The City understands that public education about hazard mitigation can be shared and integrated into many of these additional event and outreach platforms.

During the 2022-2023 planning process the following other outreach efforts were identified that the City of Hanford could support related to hazard mitigation:
• Water Conservation Portal
• Report a Problem Portal
• Alert Center (Emergency Alerts and Notifications)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Thursday Nigh Market Place
• Open House Events, Local Business Safety Events
• Civic Organization Participation
Education and outreach efforts, as well as emergency response planning, will also need to address the needs of DACs, low-income residents, and the large Spanish-speaking population.

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C.4.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
The City has applied for FEMA’s State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) . No other mitigation efforts associated with FEMA HMA program were noted by the City’s LPT. However, the City of Hanford actively engages with the community to develop, update, and maintain their guiding planning documents. This is the core of the City’s mitigation efforts. Through the implementation of these guiding planning documents , the City can identify critical infrastructure and personnel needs. Grants are solicited for personnel including firefighters via the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience ( SAFER) program and for police officers via the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program. The City also pursues the Assistance to Firefighters Grants ( AFGs) every year they have been available with successes in PPE and equipment. The City was also recently successful in gaining support to replace the reserve fleet in the Fire Department by a one -time state grant for $1 million from Senator Hurtado’s office. With the goal of mitigation, the City of Hanford has applied for additional grants for safe roads, parks, and resilient communities through every available and known grant program.

C.4.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capability assessment, the City of Hanford has existing regulatory, administrative/technical, fiscal mechanisms in place that help to mitigate hazards. In addition to these existing capabilities, there are opportunities for the City to expand or improve on these policies and programs to further pr otect the community. These are organized below by regulatory, administrative/technical, fiscal, and outreach opportunities.

Regulatory Opportunities
With the growth projected in the City in the Regional Housing Needs Plan, the City could create an Economic Development Plan to establish a strategic framework and roadmap for fostering economic growth, enhancing prosperity, and improving the overall economic well-being of the City. This plan could outline a set of coordinated actions, policies, and strategies designed to guide investment, increase local revenue, and stimulate economic activity.

Administrative/Technical Opportunities
Future administrative and technical enhancements may include providing hazard training for staff or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with Kings County and Cal OES. Existing City staff are aware of the benefits of participating in training and webinars offered by Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Team related to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) opportunities, HMGP Sub application Development support, and other funding programs, such as Prepare California Jumpstart.

Other opportunities may be related to coordinating and educating key stakeholders in the City.

Other stakeholders may be interested in aligning efforts related to hazard mitigation with climate action and adaptation planning (related to the City’s CAP), and also supporting HMGP Sub applications and other hazard mitigation trainings.

Fiscal Opportunities
Fiscal opportunities could include aligning the MJHMP and the Hanford Annex with the City’s CIP. During the next CIP Update, the City should incorporate hazard information and include hazard mitigation actions and climate adaptation strategies that relate to infrastructure systems resiliency associated with the water and wastewater systems. Once projects related to hazard mitigation are approv ed, the recent CIP can be shared with the community on the City’s webpage. Capital investments and improvements related to seismic retrofits and cooling center

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upgrades should all be emphasized in the outreach materials as they are related to hazard mitigation.

The City could also apply for HMGP grants to fund implementation costs associated with key CIP projects, and related projects in the City’s mitigation strategy. These fiscal capabilities may be supported by City staff or augmented with Consultant staff.

Outreach Opportunities
The City can expand their outreach capabilities related to the implementation of the 2023 Kings County MJHMP and the City of Hanford Annex. Specific enhancements may include continued public involvement through social media posts and advertisements focused on projects successes related to the Annex Mitigation Strategy as well as focused outreach to under - represented and special -interest groups in the City. The City should also expand existing programs through the Fire Department already in place around hazards education and other safety topics. Expansion of the school programs for grades PK-6 is another consideration, as well as continuing the share posts from the NWS. The City can also develop outreach kits for partner organizations by expanding on the information include in the MJHMP Outreach Strategy included in Appendix F. These materials can also be translated into Spanish.

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C.5 MITIGATION STRATEGY
C.5.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Hanford adopted the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Base Plan. After reviewing the goals and objectives from the 2012 plan, the LPT noted no change in priorities for the updated 2023 plan.

Like the Mitigation Strategy in the Base Plan, this section outlines the City’s roadmap for future hazard mitigation administration and implementation. The purpose of the strategy is to reduce vulnerabilities from key priority hazards outlined in the risk assessment through regulatory tools and projects.

C.5.2 Progress on Previous Mitigation Actions
During the 2022-2023 planning, the City’s LPT reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2012 plan. As shown in The remaining five mitigation actions were carried forward into the 2023 MJHMP and Hanford Mitigation Strategy.

Table C-22, of the seven actions from the 201 2 MJHMP, two mitigation action s have been completed. The remaining five mitigation actions were carried forward into the 2023 MJHMP and Hanford Mitigation Strategy.

Table C-22 Previous Mitigation Actions

ID HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION /

BACKGROUND / BENEFITS STATUS
1 Multi-
Hazard
Public Education Program
for All Hazards
In Progress, the Hanford Fire Department hired a Fire
Mashal to lead Community Risk Reduction and public
education program for the department. Outreach
now includes numerous events such as school
programs and other monthly events.
2 Multi-
Hazard
Study the potential impacts
of the High-Speed Rail
Project
Complete. The High-Speed Rail Project is now under
construction.
3 Drought Retrofits to Water Storage
Tanks
In progress. Drilled two new wells to feed the system
and added two additional 500,000 water tanks being
proposed as part of the City Infrastructure Plan.
4 Earthquake
GIS Database of
unreinforced masonry
(URM) buildings
Not started. Funding not secured yet.
5 Earthquake Retrofit 58 URM Buildings in
Downtown Hanford
In progress, in certain cases, the City has required
developers to conform to the most recent California
Building Code

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ID HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION /

BACKGROUND / BENEFITS STATUS
6 Fog Traffic Safety for Fog Events Complete. EdgeLine and signals on flash when visibility is diminished.
7 Multi-
Hazard
Ensure the maintenance
and enhancement of
established disaster
evacuation routes
Not started.

C.5.3 Continued Compliance with the NFIP
The following five FEMA NFIP requirements include:

1) Adoption of NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria via local regulation.

• This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, issuing permits for appropriate development in SFHAs, and ensuring that this development is mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping. Other actions related to continued NFIP compliance include:

o Continued designation of a local floodplain manager at the City whose responsibilities include reviewing floodplain development permits to ensure compliance with the local floodplain management ordinances and rules;
o Suggest changes to improve enforcement of and compliance with regulations and programs;
o Participation in Flood Insurance Rate Map updates by adopting new maps or amendments to maps;
o Utilize Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps in conjunction with GIS to improve floodplain management, such as improved risk assessment and tracking of floodplain permits; and
o Promoting and dispersing information on the benefits of flood insurance, including those in the households in the 500-year floodplain.
2) Adoption of the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), if applicable. • The City of Hanford joined the NFIP on March 18, 1987. Maps in the flooding profile are current and the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was adopted on July 16, 2009

2) Implementation and enforcement of local floodplain management regulations to regulate and permit development in SFHAs.

• In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein, the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Floodplain Manager in the Public Works Department and this Department will continue to make every effort to remain in good standing with the program.

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3) Appointment of a designee or agency to implement the addressed commitments and requirements of the NFIP.

• As noted, the Public Works Department will continue to make every effort to remain in good standing with the program.
4) Description of how participants implement the substantial improvement/substantial damage provisions of their floodplain management regulations after an event:

• The City of Hanford, along with the County, actively manages floodplains, implementing regulations to minimize flood impact. After events, the City assesses damage and improvement needs, communicating obligations to property owners through various channels. Technical evaluations consider engineering criteria, guiding a streamlined permitting process for substantial improvements. The City also provides compliance assistance, supporting property owners in meeting regulatory requirements.

• The City has a provision in the zoning code pertaining to the development of Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Procedures:

o All new construction and substantial improvements shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.
o All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed:
▪ With materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage; ▪ Using methods and practices that minimize flood damage; ▪ With electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding; and
▪ Within zones AH or AO, so that there are adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
o All new construction and substantial improvement with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, and which are subject to flooding, shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior wall by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwater. Designs for meeting this requirement must exceed the following minimum criteria:
▪ Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect; ▪ Have a minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwater.
o For more information, please see the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Regulation: Chapter 15.52 Flood Damage Prevention Regulations (qcode.us) C.5.4 Mitigation Action Plan
As part of the 2023 planning process the City’s LPT developed an updated list of hazard mitigation actions or projects specific to the City. The process used to identify, develop, and

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prioritize these actions is described in Chapter 5 of the Base Plan. The City’s LPT identified and prioritized the 18 actions, including five actions carried forward from the 201 2 MJHMP, and 13 new actions , as summarized in Table C-23. These mitigation actions are based on the risk assessment and goals and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described.

Per the DMA requirement, actions have also been identified that address reducing losses to existing development and future development. Moreover, the LPT reviewed existing mitigation actions from the County’s 2012 MJHMP and provided status updates on past hazard mitigation planning efforts.

The mitigation strategy also includes only those actions and projects which reflect the actual priorities and capacity of the jurisdiction to implement over the next five years covered by this plan. It should further be noted, that although a jurisdiction may not have specific projec ts identified for each significant (medium or high) hazard for the five-year coverage of this planning process, each jurisdiction has focused on identifying those projects which are realistic and reasonable for them to implement. Should future projects be identified for significant hazards where the implementing jurisdiction has the capacity to implement, the jurisdiction would add those projects to their Annex. The City also recognizes that other mitigation actions proposed in the County’s mitigation strategy will cover the significant hazards in the City that are not currently linked to a mitigation action. There is at least one mitigation actions for each natural hazard identified in the plan.

2023 Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Hanford

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Table C-23 City of Hanford Mitigation Action Plan

ID GOAL(S) AND

LIFELINES

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
H-1 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3;
Safety and
Security
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures,
Flood, Public
Health Hazards,
Wildfire
Public Education Program for All
Hazards

County and City
Public Works,
Kings County
Health Dept., Kings
County OES
Low General Fund High Ongoing In Progress, the Hanford Fire Department hired a
Fire Mashal to lead
Community Risk
Reduction and public
education program for
the department.

Outreach now includes
numerous events such
as school programs and
other monthly events.

H-2 Goal 1, Goal 3;
Food, Water
Shelter
Drought Retrofits to Water Storage Tanks – Two
water storage tanks holding 800,000
gallons of water need to be seismically
retrofitted against seismic and fire
hazards following earthquakes
City of Hanford
Public Works
Department
Moderate DWR Grants,
HMGP
High Ongoing In progress. Drilled two
new wells to feed the
system and added two
additional 500,000
water tanks being
proposed as part of the
City Infrastructure Plan.

H-3 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3;
Safety and
Security;
Communication;
Transportation
Earthquake GIS Database of Unreinforced Masonry
(URM) Buildings
City of Hanford
Fire Department,
Kings County
Community
Development,
OES, City GIS, IT
Moderate General Fund Medium Short Term Not started, funding not secured yet.

H-4 Goal 1, Goal 3,
Goal 4;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Earthquake Retrofit 58 URM Buildings in Downtown
Hanford
City of Hanford
City Manager’s
Office
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP
Medium Long Term In progress, in certain
cases, the City has
required developers to
conform to the most
recent California
Building Code.

H-5 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3;
Safety and
Security,
Communication,
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Earthquake, Dam
Incidents, Flood,
Wildfire
Disaster Evacuation Routes - Ensure the
maintenance and enhancement of
established disaster evacuation routes
City of Hanford
City Manager’s
Office, City of
Hanford Public
Works
Department, Kings
County OES
Moderate General Fund Medium Medium
Term
Not started.

H-6 Goal 1, Goal 2;
Transportation
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake, Flood,
Subsidence,
Landslide, Fog,
Develop a transportation routing app,
similar to the Caltrans app, to divert
traffic due to road conditions during
hazard events.

Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration
Moderate Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Low Short Term New in 2023

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ID GOAL(S) AND

LIFELINES

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
Severe Storms,
Wildfire

Program,
Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
HMGP
H-7 Goal 1;
Transportation,
Communication
Flooding, Wildfire Create a flood channel debris
management plan to allow the flow of
water, increase capacity, and remove
fire hazards.

Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation Districts,
City Public Works
High Proposition
68, Federal
and State
Resources
High Short Term New in 2023
H-8 Goal 1, Goal 2;
Safety and
Security
Flood; Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder, Hail
and Lightning;
Drought;
Subsidence
Develop a series of flood control basins
on the Kings River that either recharge
or store water during flood flows.

Kings County
Conservation
District (KRCD),
Local GSAs
Very High DWR Grants,

FEMA HMA

HMGP, BRIC
High Long Term New in 2023
H-9 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3, Goal 4;
Safety and
Security, and
Food, Water,
Shelter
Flood, Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder, Hail
and Lightning
Evaluate federal levees to determine
height and make-up of levees to protect
during 100-year storm events.

United States
Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE),
KRCD
Very High USACE Grants High Long Term New in 2023
H-10 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3, Goal 4;
Safety and
Security
Flood, Subsidence,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunder, Hail and
Lightning
Remove sediment from Kings River to
avoid future capacity issues.

KRCD Very High HMPG Funds.

Prop 68
High Medium
Term
New in 2023
H-11 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3, Goal 4;
Safety and
Security
Drought,
Subsidence
Conduct updated land subsidence
study to understand elevations, shifts,
and vulnerability.

Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Medium Short Term New in 2023
H-12 Goal 1, Goal 2,
Goal 3, Goal 4;
Safety and
Security, Food,
water, Shelter,
Transportation
Cyber-attack Use antivirus solutions, malware, and
firewalls to block threats
City of Hanford Moderate General fund Medium Ongoing New in 2023 H-13 Goal 3;
Safety and Security,
Communications
Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and exercises,
epidemiology and surveillance to
control and combat public health risks
County and City
Public Health
Departments
Moderate General Fund Medium Ongoing New in 2023

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ID GOAL(S) AND

LIFELINES

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
H-14 Goal 3;
Health and
Medical
Earthquake,
Drought
Safety Building & Community Center –
Create a safety building for police and
fire administration. Building will house
EOC and a community center
Hanford Police
and Fire
Departments
Moderate General Fund Medium Medium
Term
New in 2023
H-15 Goal 1, Goal 3;
Safety and
Security
Extreme
Temperatures:

Heat and Freeze
Extreme Weather Shelter - Develop plan
for center to assist at-risk populations
during extreme weather events.

Coordinate with regional plans for
consistency.

Hanford
Community
Development
Agency, Police and
Fire Department
Moderate General Fund,
APGP
High Medium
Term
New in 2023
H-16 Goal 1, Goal 3,
Goal 4;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake, Flood,
Dense Fog Heavy
Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, High
Wind and Tornado,
Wildfire
Grangeville Overpass - Design and build
an overpass for the train tracks to allow
emergency vehicle access during a
hazard event.

Hanford Public
Works,
Community
Development, and
Administration
Very High General Fund High Long Term New in 2023
H-17 Goal 1, Goal 3,
Goal 4;
Transportation
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake, Flood,
Dense Fog Heavy
Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, High
Wind and Tornado,
Wildfire
Assess the Capacity and Viability of
Designate Evacuation Routes and
Develop Evacuation Plan for All Hazard
Scenarios
Hanford Public
Works,
Community
Development, and
Administration
Very High General Fund High Long Term New in 2023
H-18 Goals 1, 3-4;
Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
Dam Incidents;
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, Severe
Weather: Wind
and Tornado
Conduct a Public Survey on At-Risk
Community Demographics and
Disability Needs – A public survey will be
developed around at-risk communities
to understand those in the County with
Access and Functional Needs (AFNs)
and other disabilities, household
emergency preparedness and
evacuation and support needs, and
medical devices and equipment needs
at sheltering facilities.

Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
High Short-
Term
New in 2023
KEY:
*This key provides additional information on cost estimates, potential funding, community lifelines, and the timing for implementation for each action.

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Cost Estimate
• Little to no cost
• Low: Less than $10,000
• Moderate: $10,000 – $100,000
• High: $100,000 – $1,000,000
• Very High: More than $1,000,000

Potential Funding
• APGP – California funding to local, regional, and tribal communities in integrated climate adaptation planning; supports climate-resilient projects in California.
• BRIC – Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant • Cal OES Grants – funds for homeland security, emergency management, victim services, and criminal justice programs, a majority of which are distributed to local and regional entities to enable the most effective prevention, detection, response, and recovery efforts • Community Power Resiliency Allocation Program, Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG ) – support for California incorporated cities, federally-recognized tribes, and California special districts in preparing for and responding to power outage events. • DWR Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program – Grant program designed to strengthen drought resilience and better prepare communities for dry conditions.
• FEMA HMA HMGP – Hazard Mitigation Assistance Hazard Mitigation Grant Program • USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Funding like Silver Jacket Program, Flood Risk Management Program

FEMA Community Lifelines
• Safety and Security
• Food, Hydration, and Shelter
• Health and Medical
• Energy
• Communications
• Transportation
• Hazardous Materials
• Water Systems

Timeline
• Short Term: 1-2 years
• Medium Term: 3-5 years
• Long Term : 5+ years
• Ongoing: Action is implemented every year

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C.6 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track the progress on the implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

C.6.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
While an opportunity to integrate the 2012 Hazard Mitigation Plan into the City’s other planning mechanisms did not arise, the information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The City Manager and Public Works Department may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City’s capital projects and the Community Development Department Planning Division may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of developm ent applications.

The City will also incorporate this MJHMP into the Health , Safety, and Noise Element of their General Plan, as recommended by AB 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the City of Hanford LPT representatives will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual LPT plan review meeting.

C.6.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Kings County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The City will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The Fire Chief will be responsible for representing the City in the County HMPC, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.

C.6.3 Continued Public Involvement
Continued public involvement is imperative to the overall success of the City’s plan’s implementation. The update process provides an opportunity to solicit participation from new and existing stakeholders and to publicize success stories from the plan implementation and seek additional public comment. The plan maintenance and update process will include continued public and stakeholder involvement and input through attendance at designated committee meetings, web postings, social media postings, press releases to local med ia, and through public hearings.

When the County’s HMPC reconvenes for the update, they will coordinate with all stakeholders participating in the planning process —including those that joined the committee since the planning process began—to update and revise the plan. This process should involve the City’s LPT. Public notice will be posted, and public participation will be invited, at a minimum, through available website postings and press releases to the local media outlets, primarily newspapers.

Per DMA requirements the public will be p rovided an opportunity to provide input during the plan update process, and before the plan is finalized. This means the City will also advertise the plan update process within their jurisdiction using their local social media channels and relevant outreach tools and touchpoints. This can be accomplished through public surveys or meetings.

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Public comments will be solicited on the plan update draft by posting the plan online and soliciting review and comment for a minimum of two weeks.

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C.7 REFERENCES
6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP). Lemoore, CA: Kings County Association of Governments (KCAG), 2023.

California Department of Finance, “Projections.” December 2022. https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/projections/.

California Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). CalEnviroScreen Version 4.0.
2021. https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-version-20.

California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP). “California Register of Historical Resources.” Accessed July 2023. https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21238.

City of Hanford. 2035 General Plan. 2014. https://ci.hanford.ca.us/1288/General-Plan City of Hanford. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). October 2021. https://www.cityofhanfordca.com/DocumentCenter/View/567/2020-Urban-Water- Management-Plan-PDF?bidId=
Kings County. Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Kings County Office of Emergency Services.
https://www.countyofkings.com/home/showpublisheddocument/23875/6372989922084 70000
National Parks Service (NPS) “National Register Database and Research.”. U.S. Department of the Interior. Accessed April 10, 2023.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm.

National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). 2023. Storm events database. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/ U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, https://data.census.gov/
Western Regional Climate Center, 2023: Cooperative Climatological Data Summaries. Accessed August 2023. Available online at https://wrcc.dri.edu/Climate/west_coop_summaries.php

2023 KINGS COUNTY
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
FINAL DRAFT | FEBRUARY 2024
Prepared for:

Kings County
Office of Emergency Services
280 Campus Drive
Hanford, CA 93230
Prepared by:

WSP Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary
2023 Update Page i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of hazard mitigation is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards. The County of Kings (County) developed this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update to make the County, its four participating jurisdictions, and its residents less vulnerable and more resilient to future hazard events. This plan was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 so that Kings County would be eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

The County followed a planning process prescribed by FEMA, which began with the formation of a hazard mitigation planning committee (HMPC) comprised of key County representatives, four participating jurisdictions from the cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore, and other regional stakeholders. The HMPC conducted a risk assessment that identified and profiled hazards that pose a risk to Kings County, assessed the County’s vulnerability to these hazards, and examined the capabilities in place to mitigate them. The County is vulnerable to several hazards that are identified, profiled, and analyzed in this plan. Drought; extreme temperatures: extreme heat and freeze; flood; land subsidence; and severe weather hazards: fog, heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning; are among the hazards that can have a significant impact on the County.

Based on the risk assessment review and goal-setting process, the HMPC adopted the following four goals, modified from their previous HMP, which provide the direction for reducing future hazard-related losses within the County’s Planning Area:
• Goal 1: Reduce impacts of natural hazards to life, property, and the environment. • Goal 2: Minimize impacts of natural disasters to agriculture and the economies of communities. • Goal 3: Implement identified mitigation activities.
• Goal 4: Plan for and adapt to the effects of climate change.

To meet these goals, the plan recommends a total of 83 mitigation actions, which are summarized by jurisdiction and the hazard they mitigate in the table that follows. Together, the 83 mitigation actions address more than one hazard relevant to each jurisdiction given the mitigation strategy consists of several multi-hazard actions. Of the 83 mitigation actions in the updated plan, 14 were carried forward from the previous plan, including two actions that were revised, and 69 are new mitigation actions developed as part of the 2022-2023 planning process. This includes 28 Kings County actions and 55 jurisdiction-specific actions. Once formally approved by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA Region IX and adopted by the County and their participating jurisdictions, this MJHMP will be updated every five years.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary
2023 Update Page 1-2
Table ES-1 Kings County Mitigation Actions

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
KC-1 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Subsidence
Water Recharge Basin
Partnership Program
Partner with the State
and contiguous
counties to improve
coordination, planning,
and investment in
long‐term water
supplies by developing
a comprehensive water
recharge basin project
to meet demands of
ongoing growth and
development.

Kings County State DWR led
joint powers
authority should
be developed to
manage this
multi-
jurisdictional
project.

California
Department of
Water Resources
(DWR), Kings
County water
and irrigation
districts, Kings
County OES,
Community
Development
High Possible grant
and bond
funds through
recent State
Propositions,
DWR Grants,
HMGP
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Ongoing In progress. Funding
not secured but has
been applied for
with Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program
KC-2** Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Dense
Fog, Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning
Community Alert and
Warning System -
Purchase, install, test,
and utilize a
community wide alert
and early warning
system that alerts
residents by phone,
email, cell phone and
other electronic
communication
devices.

Kings County Kings County
OES, Sheriff and
City Law
Enforcement,
Kings County
Operational Area
partners, county
communications
and Cal OES,
State
Department of
Corrections, State
High Speed Rail
Authority.

High HMGP,
Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
Homeland
Security Grant
Program
(HSGP) and
potentially the
EOC Grant
Program
Safety and
Security;
Communications
High Ongoing In progress. Funding
has been secured
through EMPG grant
KC-3** Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures:

Freeze and
Heat, Flood, Fog,
Wildfire
New County EOC
Assessment - Develop a
standing EOC group to
review and discuss
specifications,
supervise the creation
of construction plans,
identify funding
mechanism and
requirements, and
identify the site for the
new Kings County EOC.

Kings County Kings County
OES, County
Departments,
Kings County Fire
Department,
Kings County
Environmental
Health, Kings
County
Information
Technology
Department, and
Kings County
High General Fund,
HMP Grants,
EOC Grant
Program,
Partnership
with State,
County and
Transportation
Agencies,
EMPG,
Homeland
Security Grant
Program
Safety and
Security;
Communications
High Short-
term
In progress. Funding
not secured yet

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-3

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Public Works
Department .

KC-4* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Agricultural
Pests and
Disease, Dam
Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence,
Landslide,
Wildfire
Inter-jurisdictional GIS
Program -– Establish a
centralized, inter-
jurisdictional GIS
program to improve all
phases of emergency
management.

Kings County Kings County
Community
Development,
OES, City GIS, IT,
Cities of Avenal,
Corcoran,
Lemoore, and
Hanford; special
districts; water
and irrigation
districts; Local
Agency
Formation
Commission of
Kings County;
and Kings County
Association of
Governments.

Moderate Local
government
funds and
possible grant
funds through
recent
Safety and
Security;
Communications;
Transportation
Medium Short-
term
In progress. The
County has been
completely mapped;
Hanford and Avenal
have joined in on the
project contracting
with County GIS to
meet their mapping
needs. The project is
planned to expand
to include all the
incorporated Cities
and continue to
create an integrated
countywide GIS
system and
database.

KC-5 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures:

Freeze and
Heat, Flood, Fog,
Wildfire
Kings County Area
Disaster Council -
Review and update
items related to the
Kings County Area
Disaster Council in the
Kings County
Emergency Services
Ordinance to improve
countywide
coordination and the
monitoring and
implementation of the
mitigation plan
Kings County Kings County
OES, County
Admin Office,
Board of
Supervisors
Low Kings County
General Fund,
EMPG
Safety and
Security
High Short-
term
In progress.

Organizational work
to establish the
Council was
accomplished but
formal meetings
have not yet
commenced.

KC-6 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Agriculture and
Pest Disease,
Public Health,
Extreme
Temperatures:

Freeze and Heat
Livestock Disposal Plan
- Establish a livestock
disposal plan and
compost team to
address livestock
fatality during extreme
heat events. This action
would reduce impacts
to the agricultural
industry during
extreme temperature
events, reduce the
potential for
Kings County Kings County
Agricultural
Commissioner,
Kings County
Agricultural
Advisory
Committee,
University of
California at
Davis Extension,
Environmental
Health Services,
Natural
Moderate Hospital
Preparedness
Grant, the
actual costs to
bury the
carcasses
would be the
responsibility of
the animal
facility
owner/operator
.

Safety and
Security
High Short-
term
Not started, funding
not yet secured

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-4

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
agricultural pests and
diseases and public
health concerns, and
avoid overwhelming
critical rendering
infrastructure.

Resources
Conservation
Service, Kings
County
Community
Development
Agency, Kings
County
Environmental
Health, County

OES, PHEP
KC-7 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures:

Freeze and
Heat, Flood, Fog,
Wildfire
Disaster Evacuation
Routes - Ensure the
maintenance and
enhancement of
established disaster
evacuation routes
Kings County Kings County
Public Works
Department,
Kings County
Sheriff / City
Police, County
OES, Human
Services Agency
(HAS), Kings
Rural Area
Transit, Public
Health
Emergency
Preparedness,
Kings County
Planning Agency;
Cities of Avenal,
Corcoran,
Lemoore, and
Hanford;
California
Department of
Transportation
Moderate Gas tax,
federal/state
transportation
funding, Kings
County General
Fund for staff
time,
Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Program,

EMPG, HMGP
Transportation High Short-
term
In progress. Funding
has not been
secured, may do this
internally.

KC-8 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Severe Weather
– Dense Fog
Traffic Safety Fog
Events - Improve
lighting, signage, and
traffic controls at
critical intersections
and roadways to
improve safety during
fog events.

Kings County Kings County
Public Works,
Kings OES,
County and City
Law
Enforcement,
CHP, Caltrans
Moderate Cal Trans
Grants, EMPG,
HSGP
Transportation Medium Short-
term
Not started, funding
not secured yet.

KC-9** Goal 1 Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence,
Landslide,
Automated
Transportation App -
Develop a
transportation routing
app, similar to the
Kings County Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration,
City GIS and
Moderate Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Transportation,
Communications
Low Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-5

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Severe Weather:

Dense Fog
Caltrans app, to divert
traffic due to road
conditions during
hazard events
Emergency
Management
Department
Program,

EMPG, HMGP
KC-10* Goal 2, Goal
3, Goal 4
Drought Water Conservation
Campaign - Create a
water conservation
campaign, utilizing
social media, signage,
and grass roots
outreach
Kings County Kings County
Administration,
Water Manager,
Utility Districts
Low DWR, FEMA

HMA HMGP
Funds
Food, Water,
Shelter
High Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-11* Goal 2, Goal
4 Drought Floodwater Recharge
Project - Create a flood
water recharge project
utilizing a feasibility
study, pumps, and land
for recharge.

Kings County Kings County
Administration,
Water Manager,
Utility Districts,
City and County
Engineering
Departments
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP Funds,
DWR
Food, Water,
Shelter
High Medium-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-12* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought,
Subsidence
Land Subsidence Study
- Conduct updated
land subsidence study
to understand
elevation, shifts, and
vulnerability.

Kings County Kings County
Administration,
Water Manager,
City and County
Engineering
Departments
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Safety and
Security; Food,
Water, Shelter;
Transportation
Medium Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-13* Goal 1, Goal
2 Flooding, Fire Debris Management
Plan - Create a flood
channel debris
management plan to
allow the flow of water,
increase capacity, and
remove fire hazards.

Kings County Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation
Districts, City
Public Works
High Proposition 68,
Federal and
State
Resources
Safety and
Security
High Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-14* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood, Severe
Weather – Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orm/Hail/Lightni
ng, Drought,
Subsidence
Develop a series of
flood control basins on
the Kings River that
either recharge or store
water during flood
flows.

Kings County Kings County
Conservation
District (KRCD),
Local GSAs
Very High DWR Grants Safety and
Security, and
Food, Water,
Shelter
High Long-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-15* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood,
Subsidence,
Severe Weather
– Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orms/Hail/Light
ning
Sediment Removal -
Remove sediment from
the Kings to River to
avoid future capacity
issues.

Kings County KRCD Very High HMPG Funds,
Prop 68
Safety and
Security
High Medium-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-16** Goal 1, Goal
4 Drought Establish a Drought
Task Force – Kings
County will establish
Kings County Water Districts,
Small Water
Suppliers, Non-
High General Fund Water Systems,
Safety and
Security
High Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-6

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
and convene a task
force that develops
water shortage
preparedness planning
efforts for domestic
wells, privately
supplied homes, and
small state water
systems.

Transient Non-
Community
Water Systems;
Kings County
Department of
Public Health
KC-17 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 4
Drought Regularly review and
incorporate
information from the
Water Storage
Vulnerability Tool to
update information
about drought and
water shortage
vulnerabilities in the
County’s MJHMP,
WSCPs, and Drought
Resiliency Plan
Kings County Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Water
Districts, Small
Water Suppliers,
Non-Transient
Non-Community
Water Systems,
Kings County
Department of
Public Health
Little to No
Cost
General Fund Water Systems High Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-18 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Water Shortage
Contingency Plans
(WSCPs) - The County
will work with small
water providers to
develop a WSCP and
update the plans every
5 years.

Kings County Kings River
Hardwick School,
Hanford Christian
School, Island
Union School,
Pioneer Union
Elementary
School, Lakeside
Union School,
Kings Ranch
Ministries, Villa
Terrace
Apartments,
Rollerland
Company,
Westlake Farms
Headquarters,
Couture Farms,
State Water
Resources
Control Board
(SWRCB)
Moderate FEMA HMA, CA
DWR
Water Systems Medium Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-19 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought County Drought
Resiliency Plan – The
County will develop a
Drought Resiliency
Kings County Water Districts,
Small Water
Suppliers, Non-
Transient Non-
Moderate FEMA HMA

HMGP, DWR
Water Systems Medium Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-7

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Plan that includes
water districts, small
water suppliers, and
Non-Transient Non-
Community Water
Systems
Community
Water Systems
KC-20 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Perform a countywide
service area
assessment to address
the needs of
maintaining an
adequate level of
service for all small
public water systems.

Kings County Water Districts,
Small Water
Suppliers, Non-
Transient Non-
Community
Water Systems,
Kings County
Department of
Public Health
Moderate FEMA HMA
HMGP
Water Systems Medium Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-21 Goal 1, Goal
3 Earthquake Adopt Hazard-
Resistant and Modern
Building Ordinance to
improve Seismic
Resiliency – Residential
properties would be
most vulnerable during
an major earthquake.

This action promotes
the regular local
adoption of applicable
building code updates
to the Building
Ordinance that are
consistent with the
minimum
requirements in the
California Building
Code (CBC) and make
use of the International
Code Council (ICC)
model building codes
to provide a higher
level of protection
against seismic
hazards.

Kings County Kings County
Community
Development
Agency
Moderate FEMA Public
Assistance,
National
Earthquake
Hazards
Reduction
Program’s State
Assistance
Grant Program
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Communications,
Transportation
Low Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-22 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat
Collaborate with the
Kings County Farm
Bureau to promote
Climate-Smart
Agricultural Practices
that improve crop
Kings County Kings County
Agricultural
Commissioner’s
Office,
Department of
Public Health,
High California
Climate
Investments
Technical
Assistance
Program
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
Low Medium-
term
New Action in 2023.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-8

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
resilience to extreme
heat to ensure Kings
County’s working lands
are productive and
vulnerable and
underserved
communities can
access produce
throughout the year
and refrigeration
infrastructure.

Kings County
Farm Bureau
KC-23 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orm/Hail/Lightni
ng, Severe
Weather:

Wind/Tornado
Kings County Cool
Zone and Warm Zone
Program – Expand
participating
businesses and
continuums of care in
Kings County in
partnership with major
hospitals and medical
clinics to ensure there
are protections in place
for the unhoused and
other vulnerable
populations during
extreme temperature
events. Also consider
retrofitting designated
facilities included in
the Program that can
also serve as Safe
Rooms during
earthquake and severe
weather events.

Kings County Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Moderate EPA Grants,
Office of
Environmental
Health Hazard
Assessment
(OEHHA),
Health and
Human
Services
Agency
Technical
Support
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
Low Medium-
Term
New Action in 2023.

KC-24 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy
Rain/Thunderst
orms/Hail/Light
ning, Severe
Weather:

Wind/Tornado
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around at-
risk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
Kings County Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security; Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High Short-
Term
New Action in 2023

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-9

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.

KC-25 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Landslide Development
Regulations in
Landslide Hazard Areas
- Define steep
slope/high-risk areas in
land use, community
plans, and specific
plans in western Kings
County and create
guidelines for
development in these
areas or restrict
development. The
regulations should also
ensure protections are
in place for critical
facilities, like
transportation and
communications
facilities.

Kings County Kings County
Community
Development
Agency
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security; Energy,
Transportation
Low Medium-
Term
New Action in 2023.

KC-26 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Severe Weather
– All
Protect Existing
Substandard Housing
and New Residential
Construction from
Severe Weather
Hazards – Identify
Housing Rehabilitation
Funding Opportunities
and Review Building
Ordinance and
consider inclusion of
techniques such as
structural bracing
(straps or clips, anchor
bolts), shutters, roof
coverings or
interlocking shingles,
flashing, and bracing
elevated components
in building design to
Kings County Kings County
Community
Development
Agency, City of
Avenal, City of
Corcoran, City of
Hanford, City of
Lemoore
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security
Low Medium-
term
New Action in 2023.

Complements
Mitigation Action
KC-21.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-10

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
minimize severe
weather, hail, and wind
hazards.

KC-27 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Severe Weather
– Wind/Tornado
Protect Power Line
Infrastructure and
Coordinate a
Community Back-Up
Power Resiliency Plan
during PSPS Events –
This will involve
coordination with the
CPUC, PG&E and SCE
and the purchase of
permanent generators
in partnership with
hospitals, nursing
homes, and sheltering
facilities.

Kings County CPUC, Electric
Safety and
Reliability
Branch, PG&E,
SCE, City of
Avenal
High FEMA HMA

HMGP, CPUC
Rule 20
Undergroundin
g Programs,
Federal
Transportation
Enhancements
Program (under
TEA-21)
Energy Low Medium-
term
New Action in 2023.

KC-28 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Wildfire Regulate Development
in Wildfire Urban
Interface (WUI) in
Western Portion of
County – Update Safety
Element policies to
address current wildfire
risk, discourage
development in the
WUI (very high Fire
Hazard Severity Zones
[VHFHSZs] or State
Responsibility Area
[SRA]), and implement
defensible space
inspection
requirements through
zoning or land use
regulations related to
emergency
accessibility, water
supply and flow for fire
suppression, visible
street addressing and
signage, defensible
space clearances, fuel
modifications, and fire
breaks.

Kings County Kings County Fire
Department
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security; Food,
Hydration,
Shelter; Health
and Medical;
Energy;
Communications,
Transportation;
Water Systems
Low Short-
term
New Action in 2023.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-11

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
A-1 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake,
Land
Subsidence,
Landslide
Housing Rehabilitation
Program - Continue
and enhance housing
rehabilitation program.

Avenal City of Avenal
Community
Development
Director
High General Fund,
Housing and
Urban
Development
(HUD)
Community
Development
Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds,
HOME, Cal
Home Program
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Medium-
term
In progress. Homes
continue to be
rehabbed with these
funds-first come first
serve. The City has
received funding
from CDBG, HOME,
and the Cal Home
Program to
rehabilitate homes.

Under this program
most homes are torn
down and
reconstructed to
current codes.

A-2 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood, Drought,
Earthquake,
Land
Subsidence
Vulnerability of Water
Distribution System –
Upgrade the two water
transmission lines that
supply water to the city
and Avenal State Prison
(one 18‐inch line and
one 12‐inch line) that
experience water leaks
and movement due to
earthquakes that lead
to slope failure.

Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
High FEMA HMA

HMPG, BRIC
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Long-
term
In progress.

Expected to be
completed
December 2023.

A-3 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake,
Subsidence,
Landslide
Loss Reduction
Program for
unreinforced masonry
(URM) Buildings -
Establish a loss
reduction program for
URM buildings in
compliance with the
California URM Law of
1986. In response to the
danger posed by the
great number of
potentially hazardous
buildings in California,
in 1986 the state
legislature enacted the
URM building law
(Chapter 250, Statutes
of 1986: SF547 [Alquist];
Government Code
Avenal City of Avenal
City Manager’s
Office, California
Seismic Safety
Commission, City
of Avenal Public
Works
Department
Very High FEMA HMA

HMGP, BRIC,
General Fund,
Staff Time
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Long-
term
In progress.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-12

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Section 8875 et seq.).

The law mitigates
hazards posed by
URMs and applies to all
jurisdictions in
California's Seismic
Hazard Zone 4, the
region of highest
earthquake activity in
the nation.

A-4 Goal 2, Goal
4 Earthquake Replace Existing Valves
at Tank Sites with
Earthquake Valves to
Protect Water Supply
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security
Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

A-5 Goal 2, Goal
3, Goal 4
Drought Water Supply
Rehabilitation - Install
valve at the City water
source to isolate from
joint use facilities to
maintain water supply
during unexpected
outages of Westland
Water District facility.

Avenal DWR, City of
Avenal,
Westlands Water
District
Very High FEMA HMA

HMGP, BRIC,

USDA DWSRF,
DWR Urban
Community
Drought Relief
Grant Program
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Low Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

A-6 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood; Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail, and
Lightning
Improve Flow Design
for Arroyo Esquinado
Channel
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate FEMA HMA

HMGP, BRIC
Water Systems Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

A-7 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood Stormwater Drainage
Master Plan
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate General Fund Water Systems Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

A-8* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood Investigate Capacity for
Floodwater
Conveyance Facilities
(Drainage Ditches and
Culverts) along Arroyo
del Camino
Avenal City of Avenal
Public Works
Department
Moderate FEMA HMA

HMGP, BRIC,
General Fund
Water Systems Low Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

A-9* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Land
Subsidence
Conduct updated Land
Subsidence Study to
understand Elevation,
Shifts, and
Vulnerability.

Avenal Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies, City of
Avenal Public
Works
Department
Moderate DWR, FEMA

HMA HMGP,
USACE
Safety and
Security, Food
and Water,
Shelter,
Transportation
Medium Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-13

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
A-10 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Wildfire Undergrounding of
Utilities along City’s
Main Corridors
Avenal Kings County Fire
Department
High FEMA HMA

HMGP, US
Forest Service
WUI Grants
Energy Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

A-11 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:

Wind and
Tornado
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around at-
risk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.

Avenal Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Health and
Medical, Energy,
Transportation
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

C-1 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Extreme
Temperatures:

Freeze and Heat
Equip and maintain
the Recreational
Association of Corcoran
(RAC) Gymnasium
Building, and Corcoran
Transit Station with
climate control
features and designate
each site as an
Emergency Warming
and Cooling Center for
Sensitive Populations
Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works
Department
High FEMA HMA
HMGP, Other
State Grants
Safety and
Security
High Long
Term
In progress - revised
in 2023. This project
has been carried
over from the 2007
and 2012 MJHMPs.

This action has also
been modified to
now include the RAC
Building and the
Corcoran Transit
Station. These
facilities are already
in use for this
purpose and now
need to be
maintained for this
use.

C-2** Goal 1, Goal
3 Extreme
Temperatures:

Extreme Heat
Emergency Power
System for the
Corcoran Depot
Apartment complex
operated by the Kings
Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services
High, Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Program,

EMPG, FEMA
Energy High Short
Term
In progress - revised
in 2023. Use of the
Veteran’s Hall is no
longer needed now
that the RAC
gymnasium is

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2023 Update Page 1-14

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
County Housing
Authority.

HMA HMGP,
SHSGP Grant
Program
outfitted and serves
a larger population.

The next critically
identified need area
is the Corcoran
Depot apartment
complex as it houses
a concentrated area
of senior and special
needs individuals.

C-3 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence
Assess the Vulnerability
of Critical Facilities –
Assess vulnerability of
critical facilities,
including police/fire
stations, hospitals,
schools, and others, to
identify and prioritize
projects for multi‐
hazard risk reduction.

Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works,
Police
Department
High General Fund Water Systems High Ongoing In progress. This was carried over from the
2012 MJHMP. The
Police Department
building is a newly
constructed building
that shifted all Police
Department
operations to the
new facility in 2019.

Other City facilities
are routinely
reviewed through
risk management
authority in order to
maintain current
insurance.

C-4 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Assess Community
Lifelines related to
Water Distribution
Systems – Assess
vulnerability of lifeline
utilities, including
water distribution
systems, to identify and
prioritize projects for
multi‐hazard risk
reduction.

Corcoran City of Corcoran
Public Works
Department
High Department of
Water
Resources
(DWR) and
Regional Water
Quality Control
Board (RWQCB)
Safety and
Security, Water
Systems
High Ongoing In progress. This was
carried over from the
2007 MJHMP.

Upgrades and
investments are
routinely planned for
the City’s CIP and
funding through
grants, loans and
other City funding.

The City’s Water
system is monitored
and upgraded to
maintain reliable
system services,
which also pro-
actively addresses
challenges posed by
the drought. The
City’s Wastewater

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-15

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
ponds and
connecting system
were recently
upgraded using
American Rescue
Plan (ARP) funding.

C-5 Goal 3 Cyber Threat Use antivirus solutions,
malware, and firewalls
to block threats
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Public Works
Department
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security;
Communications
Medium Ongoing New Action in 2023.

The City has assessed
network
vulnerabilities and is
currently
Implementing
measures for
cybersecurity.

Monitoring and
evaluation will be
ongoing to evaluate
changes and risks.

C-6** Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Severe
Weather: Dense
Fog, Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Lightning and
Hail
Community Alert and
Warning System -
Purchase, install, test
and utilize a
community wide alert
and early warning
system that alerts
residents by phone,
email, cell phone and
other electronic
communication
devices. This system
can be expanded to
include a Flood Early
Warning System
(FEWS) component
(HMGP eligible
component) that
utilizes USGS and
NOAA rainfall and flood
gauges to initiate
flood-specific warnings
and downstream
evacuations.

Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Corcoran Police
Department, and
Kings County
OES
Moderate Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
Homeland
Security Grant
Program
(HSGP), High
Hazard
Potential Dam
(HHPD), FEWS
designs that
are eligible for
HMPG funding
Safety and
Security, Water
Systems
High Ongoing New Action in 2023.

The City has
implemented NIXLE
Alert System, and
utilizes City
associated social
media for
community
announcements.

Extended
Countywide alert
notification system is
in development
through Kings
County OES –
Funding has been
secured through a
EMPG Grant.

C-7 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought Public Education
Program for Water
Conservation
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
City Public Works
Department
Low General Fund,
City Water
Enterprise
Fund, and
Department of
Water Systems High Ongoing New Action in 2023.

The City is currently
implementing
citywide water meter
installation along

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-16

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Water
Resources
funding.
with public use
property water use
application, water
restriction
notifications, and
enhancing water
utility payment
information.

Together, these
systems are
providing enhanced
water conservation
education to the
public and is
anticipated to affect
greater conservation
headed into 2024
summer.

C-8* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flooding,
Drought,
Subsidence
Corcoran Flood
Protection – Multi-
Agency Strategic Plan
for Upstream
Floodwater Diversion to
Reduce Tulare Lake
Flooding
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Cross Creek Flood
Control District,
other Water &
Irrigation Districts
representing the
Tulare Lake Basin,
and DWR
Very High FEMA HMA

HMGP, DWR
Riverine
Stewardship
Program and
Urban Stream
Restoration
Program, Prop
68 Funds
(Floodplain
Management,
Protection, and
Risk Awareness
Grant Program)
Water Systems High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

Acknowledges that
the USACE controls
water releases from
Pine Flat, Terminus,
Schaefer, and
Isabella Dams, and
water and irrigation
districts in Kings,
Tulare, Fresno, and
Kern counties. It is
critical to beneficial
groundwater
recharge and
management.

C-9* Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Failure;
Flood; Severe
Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunder, Hail,
and Lightning
Enhanced Erosion
Control and Protection
of the Flood Control
Levee
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Cross Creek Flood
Control District
High FEMA HMA

HMGP, DWR
Urban
Community
Drought Relief
Program
Safety and
Security
Medium Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

DWR response to
2023 flooding
provided erosion
control measures
along the Corcoran
Levee for enhanced
erosion control. This
established a flood
response measure
that can be
replicated in future
years with flood
disasters.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-17

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
C-10* Goal 2, Goal
3, Goal 4
Flooding,
Drought,
Subsidence
Increase Reservoir
Storage for Control of
Floodwater
Corcoran Cross Creek Flood
Control District,
City of Corcoran,
USACE, Kings
County, Other
Water Districts
Very High FEMA HMA

HMGP, DWR
Grants
Water Systems High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

C-11 Goal 3 Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and
exercises,
epidemiology, and
surveillance to control
and combat public
health risks
Corcoran Kings County,
City of Corcoran
Moderate General Fund Health and
Medical
Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

This would be a
Kings County Public
Health Department
initiated effort that
the City supports
and helps to
facilitate in Corcoran.

C-12* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Flooding Update the City’s
Storm Drain Master
Plan every Few Years to
included Planned
Growth Areas
Corcoran City of Corcoran Low General Fund Water Systems Low Short Term
New Action in 2023.

This is needed
infrastructure for the
City to diversify
disbursement of
stormwater drainage
within the City.

C-13* Goal l, Goal
2, Goal 3
Flooding Continue to Participate
with the Cross Creek
Flood Control District
to Ensure Levees
Protecting Corcoran
from Tulare Lake
Flooding are
Adequately Monitored
Corcoran City of Corcoran,
Cross Creek Flood
Control District
Low General Fund Water Systems,
Safety and
Security
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

This is ongoing
monitoring and
maintenance efforts
that are needed.

New Action in 2023;
this was integrated
from the Safety
Element (Policy 4.17).

C-14 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:

Wind and
Tornado
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around at-
risk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
Corcoran Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023/

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-18

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.

H-1 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme
Temperatures,
Flood, Public
Health Hazards,
Wildfire
Public Education
Program for All
Hazards
Hanford County and City
Public Works,
Kings County
Health Dept.,
Kings County
OES
Low General Fund Safety and
Security
High Ongoing In progress. The
Hanford Fire
Department hired a
Fire Mashal to lead
Community Risk
Reduction and
public education
program for the
department.

Outreach now
includes numerous
events such as
school programs and
other monthly
events.

H-2 Goal 1, Goal
3 Drought Retrofits to Water
Storage Tanks – Two
water storage tanks
holding 800,000
gallons of water need
to be seismically
retrofitted against
seismic and fire
hazards following
earthquakes
Hanford City of Hanford
Public Works
Department
Moderate DWR Grants,
HMGP
Food, Water
Shelter
High Ongoing In progress. Drilled
two new wells to
feed the system and
added two
additional 500,000
water tanks being
proposed as part of
the City
Infrastructure Plan.

H-3 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3
Earthquake GIS Database of
Unreinforced Masonry
(URM) Buildings
Hanford City of Hanford
Fire Department,
Kings County
Community
Development,
OES, City GIS, IT
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security;
Communication;
Transportation
Medium Short
Term
Not started. Funding
not secured yet.

H-4 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake Retrofit 58 URM
Buildings in Downtown
Hanford
Hanford City of Hanford
City Manager’s
Office
Very High FEMA HMA
HMGP
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Medium Long
Term
In progress. In
certain cases, the
City has required
developers to
conform to the most
recent
H-5 Goal 1, Goal
2 Earthquake,
Dam Incidents,
Flood, Wildfire
Disaster Evacuation
Routes - Ensure the
maintenance and
enhancement of
established disaster
evacuation routes
Hanford City of Hanford
City Manager’s
Office, City of
Hanford Public
Works
Department,
Moderate General Fund Transportation Medium Medium
Term
Not started.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-19

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Kings County
OES
H-6 Goal 1 Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood,
Subsidence,
Landslide, Fog,
Severe Storms,
Wildfire
Develop a
transportation routing
app, like the Caltrans
app, to divert traffic
due to road conditions
during hazard events.

Hanford Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration
Moderate Community
Power
Resiliency
Allocation
Program,
Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant (EMPG),
HMGP
Transportation,
Communication
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-7 Goal 1, Goal
2 Flooding,
Wildfire
Create a flood channel
debris management
plan to allow the flow
of water, increase
capacity, and remove
fire hazards.

Hanford Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation
Districts, City
Public Works
High Proposition 68,
Federal and
State
Resources
Safety and
Security
High Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-8 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood; Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail and
Lightning;
Drought;
Subsidence
Develop a series of
flood control basins on
the Kings River that
either recharge or store
water during flood
flows.

Hanford Kings County
Conservation
District (KRCD),
Local GSAs
Very High DWR Grants,

FEMA HMA

HMGP, BRIC
Safety and
Security, and
Food, Water,
Shelter
High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-9 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood, Severe
Weather: Heavy
Rain, Thunder,
Hail and
Lightning
Evaluate federal levees
to determine height
and make-up of levees
to protect during 100-
year storm events.

Hanford United States
Army Corps of
Engineers
(USACE), KRCD
Very High USACE Grants Safety and
Security
High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-10 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood,
Subsidence,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunder, Hail
and Lightning
Remove sediment from
Kings River to avoid
future capacity issues.

Hanford KRCD Very High HMPG Funds.

Prop 68
Safety and
Security
High Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-11 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought,
Subsidence
Conduct updated land
subsidence study to
understand elevations,
shifts, and vulnerability.

Hanford Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Safety and
Security, Food,
water, Shelter,
Transportation
Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-12 Goal 3 Cyber-attack Use antivirus solutions,
malware, and firewalls
to block threats
Hanford Kings County,
Avenal, Corcoran,
Hanford,
Lemoore
Moderate General fund Safety and
Security,
Communications
Medium Ongoing New Action in 2023.

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2023 Update Page 1-20

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
H-13 Goal 3 Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and
exercises,
epidemiology, and
surveillance to control
and combat public
health risks
Hanford County and City
Public Health
Departments
Moderate General Fund Health and
Medical
Medium Ongoing New Action in 2023.

H-14 Goal 1, Goal
3 Earthquake,
Drought
Safety Building &
Community Center –
Create a safety building
for police and fire
administration.

Building will house
EOC and a community
center
Hanford Hanford Police
and Fire
Departments
Moderate General Fund Safety and
Security
Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-15 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Extreme
Temperatures:

Heat and Freeze
Extreme Weather
Shelter - Develop plan
for center to assist at-
risk populations during
extreme weather
events. Coordinate with
regional plans for
consistency.

Hanford Hanford
Community
Development
Agency, Police
and Fire
Department
Moderate General Fund,
APGP
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
High Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-16 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Dense
Fog Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, High
Wind and
Tornado,
Wildfire
Grangeville Overpass -
Design and build an
overpass for the train
tracks to allow
emergency vehicle
access during a hazard
event.

Hanford Hanford Public
Works,
Community
Development,
and
Administration
Very High General Fund Transportation High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-17 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood, Dense
Fog Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning, High
Wind and
Tornado,
Wildfire
Assess the Capacity
and Viability of
Designate Evacuation
Routes and Develop
Evacuation Plan for All
Hazard Scenarios
Hanford Hanford Public
Works,
Community
Development,
and
Administration
Very High General Fund Transportation High Long
Term
New Action in 2023.

H-18 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents;
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
Hanford Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High Short-
Term
New in 2023

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-21

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:

Wind and
Tornado
public survey will be
developed around at-
risk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.

Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
L-1 Goal 1, Goal
3 Drought,
Earthquake,
Extreme Heat,
Flood, Fog,
Freeze, Wildfire
Public Education
Program for All
Hazards
Lemoore City of Lemoore,
City Public
Works, Kings
County Health
Department,
Kings County
OES,
Low General Fund,

FEMA HMA

HMGP, EMPG
Safety and
Security;
Communications
High Short
Term
In progress. This
project entails
establishing a
training program to
educate citizens
about hazards and
encourage
households to have
emergency kits,
plans, and drills in
place.

L-2 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Long-Term Water
Supply – Improve
coordination, planning,
and investment in
long-term water
supplies to meet
demands of ongoing
growth and
development
Lemoore City of Lemoore,
Kings County
Water District,
Kings County,
Kings County
COG
Moderate DWR Funds Water Systems High Short
Term
In progress. The City
has installed a new
well head and is
actively pursuing
funding sources to
complete treatment
and connection to
water supply for
development on the
south side of town.

L-3* Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Earthquake,
Flood, Land
Subsidence
Inter-jurisdictional GIS
Program -– Establish a
centralized, inter-
jurisdictional GIS
program to improve all
phases of emergency
management
Lemoore City of Lemoore
Planning
Department
Low FEMA HMA

HMGP, ESRI,
General Fund
Communications High Ongoing In progress. This
project was
completed as part of
the 2012 MJHMP but
carried forward in
that plan as an
ongoing effort. The
City continues to
participate in the
Municipal GIS
Program with the

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-22

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
Kings County
Planning
Department.

L-4 Goal 1, Goal
3 Dam Incidents,
Earthquake,
Flood,
Subsidence,
Landslide, Fog,
Severe Storms,
Wildfire
Develop a
transportation routing
app, similar to the
Caltrans app, to divert
traffic due to road
conditions during
hazard events
Lemoore Kings County
Public Works,
Kings County
Administration,
Kings County,
City of Lemoore
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
Transportation Low Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

L-5 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought Public Education
Program for Water
Supply and
Conservation
Lemoore City of Lemoore
Administration
Department,
Finance
Department
Low FEMA HMA

HMGP, DWR
Grants
Water Systems Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

The City of Lemoore
recently hired a
Water Conservation
Officer to provide
public education on
water supply and
conservation
measures.

L-6 Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Flood Well Protection and
Flood Mitigation –
Protect Wells from
Floodwaters during
Future Flooding Events
by Building
Infrastructure and
Protection around the
Well Sites
Lemoore City of Lemoore
Public Works
High FEMA HMA

HMGP, DWR
Funds, USDA
DWSRF
Water Systems Medium Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

The City of Lemoore
Public Works
Department has
created berms
around City wells
and is researching
additional protective
measure solutions.

L-7 Goal 1, Goal
2 Flood, Wildfire Create a flood channel
debris management
plan to allow the flow
of water, increase
capacity, and remove
fire hazards.

Lemoore City of Lemoore,
Kings County
Public Works,
Water and
Irrigation
Districts, City
Public Works,
Kings County
High FEMA HMA
HMGP
Safety and
Security, Water
Systems
High Medium
Term
New Action in 2023.

L-8* Goal 1, Goal
2, Goal 3,
Goal 4
Drought,
Subsidence
Conduct updated land
subsidence study to
understand elevations,
shifts, and vulnerability.

Lemoore City of Lemoore,
Kings County
Administration,
Water
Management
Agencies
Moderate DWR, USACE,
Cal OES
Safety and
Security, Food,
water, Shelter,
Transportation
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

The City currently
performs subsidence
studies at areas of
concern.

L-9 Goal 3 Cyber Attack Use antivirus solutions,
malware, and firewalls
to block threats
Lemoore Kings County,
Avenal, Corcoran,
Hanford,
Lemoore
Moderate General fund,
HSGP
Safety and
Security,
Communications
Medium Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

City of Lemoore IT
staff will assess cyber
security needs and
seek solutions to

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-23

ID LINKS TO
GOALS

HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED

DESCRIPTION/

BACKGROUND/

BENEFITS

JURISDICTION LEAD AGENCY

AND PARTNERS
COST

ESTIMATE

POTENTIAL

FUNDING

FEMA LIFELINE PRIORITY TIMELINE IMPLEMENTATION
STATUS
improve security
measures.

L-10 Goal 3 Public Health
Hazards
Utilize trainings and
exercises,
epidemiology and
surveillance to control
and combat public
health risks
Lemoore County Public
Health
Department
Moderate General Fund Health and
Medical
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

The City does not
have a Public Health
Department, but will
coordinate with the
Kings County Public
Health Department
during public health
emergencies.

L-11 Goal 1, Goal
3 Dam Incidents Develop plan
addressing
communication and
evacuation for
vulnerable populations
in areas potentially
impacted by Pine Flat
Dam failure.

Lemoore Kings County
OES
Low General Fund Communications,
Safety and
Security
Low Short
Term
New Action in 2023.

The City will
coordinate with
Kings County OES to
create a response
plan addressing the
impacts of a dam
failure.

L-12 Goal 1, Goal
3, Goal 4
Dam Incidents;
Extreme
Temperatures –
Heat and
Freeze,
Earthquake,
Severe Weather:

Heavy Rain,
Thunderstorms,
Hail, and
Lightning,
Severe Weather:

Wind and
Tornado; Severe
Weather: Dense
Fog
Conduct a Public
Survey on At-Risk
Community
Demographics and
Disability Needs – A
public survey will be
developed around at-
risk communities to
understand those in
the County with Access
and Functional Needs
(AFNs) and other
disabilities, household
emergency
preparedness and
evacuation and
support needs, and
medical devices and
equipment needs at
sheltering facilities.

Lemoore Kings County
Department of
Public Health,
Kings County
Office of
Emergency
Services, Kings
Partnership
Low FEMA HMA
HMGP
; Safety and
Security, Health
and Medical,
Energy,
Transportation
High Short-
Term
New Action in 2023
Acronyms and abbreviations are defined below:
• HMA – Hazard Mitigation Assistant Program
• HMGP – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• HSGP – Homeland Security Grant Program
• EMPG – Emergency Management Performance Grant
• Community Power Resiliency Allocation Grant Program – formerly the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Program Funds • DWR – Department of Water Resources Grant Funds

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

2023 Update Page 1-24
• Proposition 68 – water bond funds allocated to recreation, ecosystem protection, habitat conservation, and climate resilience projects • KRCD – Kings River Conservation District Funds (funding from the California Department of Conservation [DOC]) • USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Funds
• APGP – Adaptation Planning Grant Program

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents

2023 Update Page xxv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................................................................i Annexes ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................xxviii 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 Purpose of Plan .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Hazard Mitigation Planning ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Federal Regulatory Framework .............................................................................................................................................. 1-2

1.4 State and Local Regulatory Framework ............................................................................................................................ 1-2

1.5 Background and Scope ............................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.6 Plan Update ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-3

1.7 Multi-Jurisdictional Planning ...................................................................................................................................................1-4

1.8 Plan Organization ............................................................................................................................................................................1-4 2 Community Profile and Capability Assessment ......................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 History ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Geography and Climate .............................................................................................................................................................2-4

2.3 Land Ownership ..............................................................................................................................................................................2-4

2.4 Transportation System ................................................................................................................................................................2-5

2.5 Economy.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-6

2.6 Population & Housing Characteristics ............................................................................................................................... 2-7

2.7 Natural and Recreation Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 2-9

2.8 County’s Mitigation Capabilities......................................................................................................................................... 2-10

2.8.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities ....................................................................................................................... 2-11

2.8.2 Related Plans and Regulations ............................................................................................................................... 2-11

2.8.3 Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities ............................................................................ 2-14

2.8.4 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities................................................................................................................................... 2-16

2.8.5 Other Mitigation Programs and Partnerships .............................................................................................. 2-17

2.8.6 Opportunities for Enhancement........................................................................................................................... 2-18 3 Planning Process ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.1 Background on Mitigation Planning in Kings County ............................................................................................. 3-1

3.2 What’s New in the Plan Update ............................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.2.1 Plan Section Review and Analysis – 2022-2023 Update .......................................................................... 3-2

3.3 Multi-Jurisdictional Participation .........................................................................................................................................3-4

3.4 Planning Process .............................................................................................................................................................................3-4

3.4.1 Phase 1: Organize Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 3-5

3.4.2 Planning Step 3: Coordinate with Other Departments and Agencies ......................................... 3-16

3.4.3 Phase 2: Assess Risks .................................................................................................................................................... 3-23

3.4.4 Phase 3: Develop the Mitigation Plan ............................................................................................................... 3-24

3.4.5 Phase 4: Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress .............................................................................. 3-24 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment .................................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Non‐Profiled Hazards ...................................................................................................................................................................4-2

4.2 Disaster Declaration History .....................................................................................................................................................4-2

4.3 Methodology ......................................................................................................................................................................................4-4

4.3.1 Hazard Ranking Summary by Jurisdiction ...................................................................................................... 4-5

4.4 Asset Summary ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4-7

4.4.1 Assets Exposure ................................................................................................................................................................. 4-7

4.5 Hazard Analysis and Risk Summary ................................................................................................................................ 4-22

4.5.1 AGRICULTURAL PESTS AND DISEASE.............................................................................................................. 4-22

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents
2023 Update Page xxvi

4.5.2 CYBER-ATTACK ............................................................................................................................................................... 4-27

4.5.3 DAM INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................................................................. 4-33

4.5.4 DROUGHT ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4-43

4.5.5 EARTHQUAKE ................................................................................................................................................................. 4-59

4.5.6 EXTREME TEMPERATURES: FREEZE AND HEAT ..................................................................................... 4-89

4.5.7 FLOOD 4-99

4.5.8 LAND SUBSIDENCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-117

4.5.9 LANDSLIDE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4-122

4.5.10 PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS: PANDEMICS/EPIDEMICS ........................................................................ 4-127

4.5.11 SEVERE WEATHER: GENERAL ............................................................................................................................. 4-136

4.5.12 SEVERE WEATHER: DENSE FOG ........................................................................................................................ 4-138

4.5.13 SEVERE WEATHER: HEAVY RAIN, THUNDERSTORMS, HAIL, AND LIGHTNING................... 4-142

4.5.14 SEVERE WEATHER: HIGH WIND/TORNADO .............................................................................................. 4-157

4.5.15 WILDFIRE ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4-167 5 Mitigation Strategy ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Mitigation Goals .................................................................................................................................................................5-2

5.2 Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Actions ......................................................................................................5-2

5.2.1 Prioritization Process ..................................................................................................................................................... 5-3

5.2.2 Continued NFIP Participation .................................................................................................................................. 5-5

5.3 Mitigation Strategy Action Plan ........................................................................................................................................... 5-6

5.3.1 Progress on Previous Mitigation Actions ...........................................................................................................5-7

5.3.2 Updated Action Plan ................................................................................................................................................... 5-10 6 Plan Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 6-1

6.1 Adoption............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Implementation .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6-1

6.2.1 Role of the HMPC in Implementation and Maintenance ....................................................................... 6-1

6.3 Maintenance and Monitoring ................................................................................................................................................ 6-2

6.3.1 Maintenance Schedule ................................................................................................................................................ 6-2

6.3.2 Maintenance and Evaluation Process................................................................................................................. 6-3

6.3.3 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms .................................................................................... 6-3

6.3.4 Continued Public Involvement ............................................................................................................................... 6-4 7 Plan Adoption .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Element E.1 Formal Plan Adoption Documentation ................................................................................................. 7-1

7.2 General Plan Safety Element Integration......................................................................................................................... 7-1 8 References ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8-1

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation
Appendix C: Approval and Adoption Documentation
Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
Appendix G: Public Survey Results

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents
2023 Update Page xxviii

ANNEXES
Annex A: City of Avenal
Annex B: City of Corcoran
Annex C: City of Hanford
Annex D: City of Lemoore

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Introduction

2023 Update Page 1-1
1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF PLAN
Kings County including the participating jurisdictions have prepared this multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan (MJHMP) to guide hazard mitigation planning to better protect the people and property of the County from the effects of hazard events. The purpose of this MJHMP is to identify policies, actions, and strategies that will help to reduce risk and prevent future losses. Hazard mitigation is best realized when community leaders, businesses, citizens, and other stakeholders join together to undertake a process of learning about hazards that can affect their area and use this knowledge to prioritize needs and develop a strategy for reducing damage. Hazard mitigation is most effective when it is based on a comprehensive long-term plan that is developed prior to a disaster occurring.

This plan demonstrates the Kings County communities’ commitment to reducing risks from hazards and serves as a tool to help decision-makers direct mitigation activities and resources. This plan was also developed to make Kings County and the participating jurisdictions eligible for certain federal disaster assistance, specifically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, as well as to make the County and jurisdictions more disaster resistant. This plan demonstrates the County’s commitment to reducing risks from hazards and serves as a tool to help decision-makers direct mitigation activities and resources.

1.2 HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING
FEMA has determined that there is a critical link between hazard mitigation planning and sustainability.

This means if Kings County has the foresight to plan ahead to reduce the impacts of hazards, the County will be better able to prevent injury, loss of life and damage to our homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. The County can use the threat of disaster as a catalyst to act and develop a plan so we can recover more quickly following a disaster.

Kings County and the four participating jurisdictions have committed to reducing long-term risk to their citizens and damage to property from the effects of natural hazards. By planning, preparing, and adopting a MJHMP, the County and each jurisdiction are taking a proactive approach to reduce or eliminate the impacts of hazards before they occur.

FEMA defines “hazard mitigation” as any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. The County's plan will serve as a tool for learning from disasters that have already occurred, so they can deal with them more effectively and efficiently with less expenditure than in the past.

Direct benefits include:
• Reduced loss of life;
• Reduced loss of property and essential services;
• Reduced economic hardship;
• Reduced reconstruction costs;
• Increased cooperation and communication within the community through the planning process; and
• Expedited post-disaster funding.

Indirect benefits include:
• Disaster resilience;
• Environmental quality;
• Economic vitality; and
• Improved quality of life.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Introduction

2023 Update Page 1-2

1.3 FEDERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Section 322, Mitigation Planning, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (“the Stafford Act”), enacted by Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (“DMA 2000”), provides revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. Section 322 continues the requirement for a State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) as a condition of disaster assistance and establishes a new requirement for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP). In order to apply for federal aid for technical assistance and post-disaster funding, local jurisdictions must comply with DMA 2000 and its implementing regulations (44 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 201.6).

Under the 2008 44 CFR update, requirements have changed governing mitigation planning provisions for LHMPs published under 44 CFR §201.6. LHMPs qualify communities for federal mitigation grant programs including:
• HMA Grants
• HMGP
• BRIC
• FMA
• High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD)
• Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)
• Repetitive Flood Claim (RFC)

1.4 STATE AND LOCAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The MJHMP was prepared consistent with the Health and Safety Element (Safety Element) of the Kings County General Plan, as the planning effort covers common overlapping natural hazard issues and mutually-reinforcing policies and implementation programs. The MJHMP and Safety Element are considered complimentary documents that address natural hazards, and both planning documents contain goals, policies, and project actions or implementation programs to enhance the County’s mitigation efforts related to public safety.

California Government Code Section 65302.10, also referred to as Assembly Bill (AB) 2140 encourages California counties and cities to adopt their current, FEMA-approved LHMPs into the Safety Element of their General Plan. This adoption by reference or incorporation of the MJHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan follows plan approval and makes Kings County and each participating jurisdiction eligible to be considered for part or all of its local-share costs on eligible public assistance funding to be provided by the State through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). The CDAA allows the State to pay up to 18.75% of the non-federal share that would otherwise fall upon a county or city to pay for public assistance projects. The legislature passed AB 2140 to provide additional funding after a disaster occurs. The local share is 25% of the total project cost; therefore, the legislation allows city and counties that comply to be eligible for only the remaining local share (6.25%).

AB 2140 is an optional state incentive to help counties and cities become more resilient to natural hazards. Compliance with AB 2140 also expires when the MJHMP expires, and the County must re-adopt the plan into the Safety Element during update cycles to ensure continued compliance and funding eligibility. Additionally, each participating jurisdiction in Kings County must adopt their annex into their own General Plan Safety Element, as the annex jurisdictions are not covered under the County’s General Plan Safety Element adoption.

1.5 BACKGROUND AND SCOPE
In the State of California and around the world, natural disasters occur frequently. Each year in the United States, disasters take the lives of hundreds of people and injure thousands more. Nationwide, taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually to help communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals recover from disasters. The time and money needed to recover from these events can strain or deplete local resources. These monies only partially reflect the true cost of disasters because additional expenses to insurance companies and non-governmental organizations are not reimbursed by tax dollars. Many disasters are predictable, and much of the damage caused by these events can be alleviated or even eliminated.

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Introduction

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Hazard mitigation is defined by FEMA as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property from a hazard event.” The results of a three-year, congressionally mandated independent study to assess future savings from mitigation activities provides evidence that mitigation activities are highly cost-effective. On average, each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $6 in avoided future losses in addition to saving lives and preventing injuries (Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2017 Interim Report).

Hazard mitigation planning is the process through which hazards that threaten communities are identified; likely impacts are determined, prioritized, and implemented. This MJHMP update continues the hazard mitigation planning process for Kings County, the unincorporated county; the participating cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore. The plan identifies natural and human-caused hazards and risks within Kings County and identifies the hazard mitigation strategy to reduce vulnerability and make the communities of Kings County more disaster-resistant and sustainable. Information in this plan can be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and local land use decisions. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to the community and its property owners by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption. The Kings County planning area has been affected by hazards in the past and is thus committed to reducing future disaster impacts and maintaining eligibility for federal funding.

1.6 PLAN UPDATE
This plan underwent a comprehensive update in 2022-2023 in fulfillment of the five-year update requirement. Several factors underscore the need for this planning effort:
• Kings County is exposed to hazards that have caused past damage. • Limited local resources make it difficult to be pre-emptive in reducing risk. Eligibility for federal financial assistance is paramount to promote successful hazard mitigation in the area. • Kings County and its partners recognize the probability of certain future hazards is increasing, and want to identify and implement mitigation actions that will address the needs of populations most vulnerable to these hazards impacts.
• Kings County and its partners participating in this plan want to be proactive in preparing for the probable impacts of natural hazards.

The Kings County’s 2012 MJHMP was already developed pursuant to the regulations of DMA 2000, and the implementing regulations set forth by the Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2002 (44 CFR Section 201.6). While the act emphasized the need for mitigation plans and more coordinated mitigation planning and implementation efforts, the regulations established the requirements that LHMPs must meet in order for a local jurisdiction to be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (Public Law 93-288). Because the Kings County planning and response area is subject to many kinds of hazards, access to these programs is vital. As a result, the County and its participating jurisdictions must complete a comprehensive plan update every five years. For the current plan update, Kings County completed the update as part of a multi-jurisdictional planning process in 2022-2023 to bring the MJHMP into compliance with recent legislation related to climate change probability, underserved and socially vulnerable populations, increased stakeholder engagement, and to address emerging concerns. The Kings County 2012 MJHMP was adopted by Kings County and the participating jurisdictions on January 13, 2015. The Kings County 2012 MJHMP was approved by FEMA on June 4, 2015.

Information in this plan will be used to help guide and coordinate mitigation activities and decisions for local land use policy in the future. Proactive mitigation planning will help reduce the cost of disaster response and recovery to the community and its property owners by protecting critical community facilities, reducing liability exposure, and minimizing overall community impacts and disruption. The Kings County planning area has been affected by hazards in the past and is thus committed to reducing future disaster impacts and maintaining eligibility for federal funding.

This MJHMP identifies resources, information, and strategies for reducing risk from natural hazards.

Elements and strategies in the plan were selected because they meet a program requirement and because they best meet the needs of the planning partners and their citizens. One of the benefits of multi-jurisdictional planning is the ability to pool resources and eliminate redundant activities within a planning area that has uniform risk exposure and vulnerabilities. FEMA encourages multi-jurisdictional

Kings County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Introduction

2023 Update Page 1-4
planning under its guidance for the DMA. This plan will help guide and coordinate mitigation activities throughout the planning area. The plan was developed to meet the following objectives:
• Meet or exceed the requirements of the DMA.
• Enable all planning partners to use federal grant funding to reduce risk through mitigation. • Meet the needs of each planning partner as well as state and federal requirements. • Create a risk assessment that focuses on Kings County hazards of concern. • Update the risk assessment with a consequence analysis that assesses the risk and vulnerability of people, property, critical facilities and infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, future development from these hazards of concern.
• Create a single planning document that integrates all planning partners into a framework that supports partnerships within the County and puts all partners on the same planning cycle for future updates.
• Meet the planning requirements of FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), allowing planning partners that may choose to participate in the CRS program to enhance their CRS classifications. • Coordinate existing plans and programs so that high-priority initiatives and projects to mitigate possible disaster impacts are funded and implemented.

1.7 MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PLANNING
All citizens and businesses of Kings County are the ultimate beneficiaries of this MJHMP. The plan reduces the risk for those who live in, work in, and visit the County. It also provides a viable planning framework for all foreseeable natural hazards that may impact the County. Participation in the development of the plan by key stakeholders in the County helps ensure that outcomes will be mutually beneficial. The resources and background information in the plan are applicable countywide, and the plan’s goals and recommendations can lay the groundwork for the development and implementation of local mitigation activities and partnerships.

The Kings County 2022-2023 MJHMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan that geographically covers people, property, and critical assets within Kings County’s jurisdictional boundaries (hereinafter referred to as the planning area). Unincorporated Kings County and the following jurisdictions participated in the 2022- 2023 update planning process:
• Kings County
• City of Avenal
• City of Corcoran
• City of Hanford
• City of Lemoore
The four cities were all participants of the 2012 Kings County MJHMP. In addition to these four cities, Santa Rose Rancheria/Tachi Yokut Tribe and the Kings County Office of Education representing various school districts were also all participants of the 2012 Kings County MJHMP, however, they opted not to participate in the 2022-2023 plan update due to limited staff capacity and resources. This 2022-2023 MJHMP update process covers four of the participating jurisdictions and includes four annexes.

1.8 PLAN ORGANIZATION
The sections that comprise the County’s MJHMP include:

Executive Summary and Prerequisite – This section includes the executive summary of the MJHMP and addresses the formal adoption of the plan by each governing body to demonstrate the commitment of the community and elected officials to the County's goal of becoming disaster-resistant.

Section 1: Introduction – This section describes the purpose of the MJHMP update, the benefits of hazard mitigation planning, the federal and state regulatory requirements, and the background of the County’s hazard mitigation planning process.

Section 2: Community Profile and Capability Assessment – This section provides the history and background of the County, including population trends and the demographic and economic conditions that have shaped the area. This section also includes the County’s capability assessment.

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Section 3: Planning Process – This section identifies the planning process, the HMPC members, the meetings held as part of the planning process, documents the outreach efforts, and the review and incorporation of existing plans, reports, and other appropriate information.

Section 4: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment (HIRA), and Consequence Analysis –This section describes the process through which the HMPC and our local partners identified, screened, and selected the hazards to be profiled. The hazard analysis includes the description, location, extent, and probability of future events for each hazard. This section also includes a Vulnerability Assessment. The Vulnerability Assessment covers all hazards and considers the impact on the following assets: property; people; critical facilities and infrastructure; natural and cultural resources; economic condition of the jurisdiction; and future development trends.

Section 5: Mitigation Strategy – The mitigation strategy section provides a plan for reducing the potential losses identified in the vulnerability analysis. Mitigation goals and potential actions to minimize the risks and losses associated with each hazard will be described along with a strategy for implementation.

Section 6: Implementation and Maintenance – This section describes the method and schedule for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan to ensure it remains an active and applicable document.

Section 7: Plan Adoption – This section includes the plan adoption documentation and process for integrating the plan by reference into the County’s General Plan Safety Element.

Section 8: References – This section lists the sources cited in the plan.

Appendices
• Appendix A: Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
• Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation
• Appendix C: Approval and Adoption Documentation
• Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
• Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template • Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
Annexes
• Annex A: City of Avenal
• Annex B: City of Corcoran
• Annex C: City of Hanford
• Annex D: City of Lemoore

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2 COMMUNITY PROFILE AND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

2.1 HISTORY
As noted in the Kings County 2035 General Plan, Kings County was established in 1893 through a separation of territory from Tulare County. Additional territory was added from Fresno County in 1909 to make up what is known today as Kings County. Before the formation of the County, there were a number of historical events that led up to its establishment. Early inhabitants of this region were the Tache tribe of the Yokut Indians which existed throughout the San Joaquin Valley from the Delta to Tejon Pass. The first European contact occurred in 1805 when Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga led a company of Spanish soldiers and Franciscan clergymen through the eastern edge of the San Joaquin Valley while in search of possible mission sites. On January 6, 1805, they encountered a thriving Yokut Indian culture along the banks of a large river draining into the Laguna de Tache, (Tulare Lake). The river was named El Rio de los Santos Reyes, the “River of the Holy Kings,” later shortened to “Kings River.” This is where the County derived its namesake.

Prior to the development of any towns, Kings County was home to a handful of adventurous pioneers who settled primarily in the barren valley floor along the Kings River. Kingston, the first of several settlements located in Kings County was founded in 1856 and situated along the south bank of the Kings River. The town grew up around a ferry crossing that transported travelers across the Kings River who were traveling along the Spanish road called El Camino Viejo á Los Angeles (the old road to Los Angeles).

Kingston was the only stopping point along the Overland Mail Company stage route between Stockton and Visalia.

Following Kingston, other communities sprang up in Kings County, primarily along existing or proposed railroad easements. The first incorporated community in Kings County was Lemoore. The success of the community was assured with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1877, the same year the community of Hanford was founded. Hanford later became incorporated in 1891, and later was selected as the County seat when in 1893, local voters approved the formation of a new county when a portion of western Tulare County was divided to form Kings County. In 1909, Kings County increased its boundary by 118 square miles when a triangular area of land was transferred from Fresno County’s jurisdiction to Kings County.

Settlement in Kings County remained modest throughout much of the County's first century. The third incorporated community, Corcoran, was established on the San Francisco and San Joaquin Railroad in 1905 following a visit from Hobart Johnstone Whitley, a prominent land developer from southern California. The fourth incorporated town, Avenal, was established along the west side of the Kettleman Hills in an area historically called “Avena” by Spanish soldiers and explorers.

A number of unincorporated communities also grew from the early pioneering years. The Southern Pacific Railroad, which was the cause of many valley communities, was the primary driving force that led to the creation of Armona’s town layout in 1875 by John Yoakum for the Pacific Improvement Company.

The railroad line followed in 1877, and Armona quickly became recognized as a main railroad shipping point for the rich Grangeville farming and fruit growing region. Farming and ranching supported the early economy of Kings County.

The community of Stratford has its origins dating back to 1899 when settlers of the Tulare Lake Basin dug three miles of canal to irrigate the farms of Blakeley, Clawson, Lovelace, and others who had settled on the margins of what was once water filled Tulare Lake. Stratford technically came into being in 1905 when the Empire Investment Company purchased 19,000 acres from the Bates, Davis and Miller Company. The town officially was organized by the sale of town lots from the ranch. However, due to a name conflict with another depot, the community’s name was changed to what it is recognized today “Stratford”. Manford Brown, a real estate developer founded the town of Kettleman City in 1929, following his donation of land to construct a school site and a community church. The community of Home Garden was established later during the 1940s and was initially home to many local farmers and farm industry workers. The City of Hanford has grown around the community on three sides, and Home Garden has evolved into a bedroom community for Hanford.

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The Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL) has been a strong economic force in the County since its development in 1961 when it was commissioned and constructed to be the largest and newest Master Jet Base in the Navy. Currently, the NASL hosts the Navy’s largest west coast fighter/attack capability and houses approximately 175 Hornets and SuperHornets organized into 16 squadrons which comprise the Pacific Strike Fighter Wing.

Figure 2-1 shows the County’s planning area.

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Figure 2-1 County of Kings Planning Area

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2.2 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Kings County has a total area of 1,392 square miles, of which 1,389 square miles is land and 2.1 square miles (0.2%) is water. Kings County is bordered on the north and northwest by Fresno County, on the east by Tulare County, on the south by Kern County and a small part of San Luis Obispo County, and on the west by Monterey County. Most of the historic Tulare Lake was within Kings County. Kings County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors.

Kings County has a climate that can be described as warm and sunny for much of the year. Summers are dry and hot while winters are mild. The County averages approximately 7.43 inches of rainfall each year.

Temperatures range from an average minimum temperature of 36.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and to an average high in the 90s during the summer months. The County has an annual average maximum temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit and an average minimum temperature of 62.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Table 2-1 lists the average maximum and minimum temperatures by month and associated average rainfall.

Table 2-1 Average Maximum & Minimum Temperatures by Month and Associated Average Rainfall Average Maximum/Minimum Temperature Average Rainfall
January 54.3°/36.2°F January 1.55 inches
August 95.7°/63.7°F August .01 inches
Annual 76°/62.3° F Annual 7.43 inches
Note: The time frame for both temperature and precipitation is from 1950 to 2023.

Sources: Climate at a Glance County Time Series, NOAA

2.3 LAND OWNERSHIP
Large expanses of the County are public land. The entities and agencies that own non-public land within the County include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Department of Defense (who owns the Lemoore Naval Air Station), and the Center for Natural Lands Management (which is a nonprofit land trust). Figure 2-2 shows the overall land ownership in the County.

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Figure 2-2 Kings County Land Ownership

2.4 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Kings Area Rural Transit (KART) is Kings County’s public transportation provider. KART provides transportation services to the cities and unincorporated communities of Armona, Avenal, Corcoran, Grangeville, Hardwick, Hanford, Kettleman City, Laton, Lemoore, and Stratford. KART also provides regular transportation services to Fresno and Visalia. Two railway stations are located within the County, Corcoran station and Hanford station. Both stations are Amtrak train stations.

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The major highways in the County include Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route (SR) 41, Highway 198 and Highway 43. I-5 is a major north–south route of the Interstate Highway System in the United States, stretching from the Mexican border at the San Ysidro crossing to the Canadian border near Blaine, Washington. I-5 links the major California cities of San Diego, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Stockton, Sacramento, and Redding. I-5 runs through the City of Avenal. SR 41 is a state highway in California, connecting the Central Coast with the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada. SR 41 runs through the City of Lemoore and Kettleman City. SR 198 is an east–west state highway that connects the California Central Coast to the mid–Central Valley through Hanford and Visalia. It intersects I-5 and SR 41. SR 43 is a north–south state highway, which runs roughly parallel to SR 99, connecting the towns of Shafter, Wasco, Corcoran, and Selma, and the City of Hanford. All these highways are shown in Figure 2-1.

2.5 ECONOMY
Kings County is located in the heart of California’s rapidly growing San Joaquin Valley, the richest agricultural area in the world. With that distinction also come the challenges of an economy which has historically been dependent on seasonal agriculture and low wages. Select 2017-2021 economic characteristics estimated for Kings County by the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) are shown in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2 Kings County Economic Characteristics

CHARACTERISTIC KINGS COUNTY
Families below Poverty Level (%) 13.8%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 12.6%
Median Family Income $85,806
Median Household Income $69,717
Per Capita Income $38,332
Population in Labor Force 63.0%
Population Employed* 58.6%
Unemployment Rate** 6.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2017 -2021 5-Year Data Profile Kings County provides a broad range of services to its residents, businesses, and visitors, and manages and operates its facilities to meet community needs. Agriculture is the dominant land use in the County, accounting for 90.2% of total land use (2023 General Plan 2010). Furthermore, as shown in Table 2-3, based on U.S. Census Bureau ACS, the most common industries within Kings County are educational services and health care and social assistance (a combined average of 20.3% of workers). Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining as well as Public administration are the other two major industries.

Table 2-3 and Table 2-4 below show the labor force breakdown by industry and occupation and are based on estimates from the 2017-2021 five-year ACS.

Table 2-3 Kings County Employment by Industry Sector, 2017-2021

INDUSTRY SECTOR PERCENT OF WORKFORCE
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 20.3% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 16.2% Public administration 13.3%
Retail trade 10.0%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services

8.3%
Manufacturing 7.6%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services

6.0%

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INDUSTRY SECTOR PERCENT OF WORKFORCE
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 5.0%
Construction 3.3%
Other services, except public administration 3.3%
Wholesale trade 2.9%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 2.7% Information 1.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2017 -2021 5-Year Data Profile

Table 2-4 Kings County Employment by Occupation, 2017-2021 OCCUPATION # EMPLOYED % EMPLOYED
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 13,224 25% Service occupations 10,863 21%
Sales and office occupations 9,236 18%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance
occupations
11,125 21%
Production, transportation, and material moving
occupations
8,029 15%
Total 13,224 25%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 201 7-2021 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

2.6 POPULATION & HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
The total estimated population of Kings County in 2021 was 151,887, up from 151,122 people in 2010. This constitutes less than a 1% increase in population. Select demographic and social characteristics for Kings County from the 2017-2021 ACS and the California Department of Finance (DOF) are shown in Table 2-5.

Increases in population growth also increase exposure to severe weather-related hazards, pandemics/epidemics as well as earthquakes. This increase in growth also puts more demand on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought.

Table 2-5 Kings County Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2017-2021

CHARACTERISTIC KINGS COUNTY
Gender/Age
Male 55.2%
Female 44.8%
Median age (years) 32.1
Under 5 years 7.5%
Under 18 years 27.2%
65 years and over 10.3%
Race/Ethnicity
White 30.9%
Asian 3.7%
Black or African American 6.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.8%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 55.5%

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CHARACTERISTIC KINGS COUNTY
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific
Islander

0.2%
Some other race 0.2%
Two or more races 2.7%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 89.4%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 35.0%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 13.0%
% Language other than English
spoken at home

21.6%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 8.3%
% of households with a computer 95.0%
% of households with an Internet
subscription

90.1%
% of households with no vehicle
available

5.3%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ * Population 25 years and over
Table 2-6 summarizes information from the ACS 5-year estimates (2017-2021) related to housing occupancy in Kings County. More than half of the County residents own the home they live in.

Table 2-6 Kings County Housing Occupancy and Units, 2017-2021 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 46,145 100%
Units Occupied 43,286 93.8%
Vacant 2,859 6.2%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 33,140 71.8%
1-unit attached 2,082 4.5%
2 units 1,337 2.9%
3 or 4 units 2,546 5.5%
5-9 units 1,655 3.6%
10-19 units 906 2.0%
20 or more units 2,403 5.2%
Mobile Home 2,017 4.4%
Boat, RV, van etc. 59 0.1%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 23,610 54.5%
Renter Occupied 19,676 45.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ According to the DOF, the 2020 population of Kings County was 154,745 (DOF 2021). The DOF projects the total population will increase by 7% to 165,752 by 2030 (DOF 2021). These projections are shown in Figure 2-3. While total households in the County are also projected to increase from 44,561 in 2020 to 50,068 in 2030, people per household is projected to slightly decrease from 3.16 in 2020 to 3.06 persons per household in 2030 (DOF 2021).

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Figure 2-3 Kings County Observed and Projected Population (2010 – 2060)

Source: DOF 2021

2.7 NATURAL AND RECREATION RESOURCES
As shown in Figure 2-4, the majority of the County’s land cover is agricultural land. Like other counties in the Central Valley, the agriculture industry is one of the pillar industries. Rangelands are also scattered over the County. The majority of the southwestern County is made up of rangeland.

Further details on the County’s natural resources can be found in Section 4.4.1.4 Cultural, Historical and Natural Resources.
145,000
150,000
155,000
160,000
165,000
170,000
175,000
180,000
185,000
190,000
195,000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 2060
Population

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Figure 2-4 Kings County Land Cover

2.8 COUNTY’S MITIGATION CAPABILITIES
The following section assesses the County’s and each participating jurisdiction’s existing capabilities to pursue hazard mitigation. The capability assessment analyzes Kings County’s capabilities that can be leveraged to mitigate hazards. Combining the risk assessment with the mitigation capability assessment results in the County’s “net vulnerability” to disasters, and more accurately focuses the goals, objectives, and proposed actions of this plan.

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The HMPC used a two-step approach to conduct this assessment for the County and jurisdictions. First, an inventory of common mitigation activities was made using a matrix. The purpose of this effort was to identify policies and programs that were either in place, needed improvement, or could be undertaken if deemed appropriate. Second, the HMPC conducted an inventory and review of existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contributed to reducing hazard-related losses or if they inadvertently contributed to increasing such losses.

This assessment is divided into four sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities; administrative and technical mitigation capabilities; fiscal mitigation capabilities; and mitigation outreach and partnerships.

Additional information on jurisdiction capabilities can also be found in the participating jurisdictions’ annexes.

2.8.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
The regulatory and planning capabilities listed in Table 2-7 outline planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicate those that are in place in Kings County.

Table 2-7 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities

REGULATORY TOOL
(ORDINANCES,

CODES, PLANS)

KINGS COUNTY AVENAL CORCORAN HANFORD LEMOORE
General plan Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Zoning ordinance Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Growth management
ordinance
No No No No No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Other special purpose
ordinance (storm
water, steep slope,
wildfire)
No No Yes No No
Building code Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Fire department ISO
rating

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Erosion or sediment
control
Yes No No No No
Storm water
management
program
Yes No No Yes Yes
Site plan review
requirements
Yes No No Yes No
Capital improvements
plan
Yes No No Yes Yes
Economic
development plan
No No No No No
Local EOP Yes No No No No
Other special plans N/A N/A N/A N/A No
Flood insurance study
or other engineering
study for streams
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Elevation certificates Yes Yes No No Yes
Source: Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee

2.8.2 Related Plans and Regulations
2035 Kings County General Plan, 2035
The 2035 Kings County General Plan defines goals, objectives and policies that will guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the County through the year

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2035. The County’s overarching priorities are to protect prime agricultural land, direct urban growth to existing cities and community districts, and increase economic and community sustainability. General Plan land use designations and policies are designed to encourage compact and community-centered development patterns that lower public service costs, make more efficient use of land, and discourage premature conversion of farmland to other uses. Policies embodied in this General Plan are designed to balance the protection of individual property owners' rights and property value with the efficient provision of public services to the community at large and long-term preservation of natural resources.

The General Plan also contains specific community plans that elaborate on the development planning for the County’s several urban communities.

The County’s General Plan includes the six mandatory elements: the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Open Space Element, Noise Element, Health and Safety Element, and 2016-2024 Housing Element. The General Plan also has a Dairy Element and an Air Quality Element. The Health and Safety Element contains goals and policies that address natural and human-caused hazards in the County.

Health and Safety Element
The purpose of the Health and Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from natural or man-made hazards. This element includes policies for community health and safety-related issues associated with the built environment that affect the health and safety of residents living within the County. This element concentrates on those hazards and community factors that are within the responsibility of the County to mitigate. These include land use decisions and patterns of development that directly and indirectly affect the health, well-being, and personal/property protection of county residents, and the mitigation of potential natural hazards. The Health and Safety Element also describes the location and extent of known hazards and provides maps of hazardous land uses and evacuation routes.

The Health and Safety Element is the primary vehicle for relating County land use policies to local safety planning and is comprised of three major components that include “Natural Hazards,” “Community Health,” and “Community Safety.” While the Land Use Element identifies areas where hazardous land uses may be located, the Health and Safety Element contains policies for determining acceptable levels of public risk imposed by these land uses, as well as policies for mitigating the effects of natural or manmade catastrophes. The natural hazards discussed in the Health and Safety Element include:
• Geologic Hazards: including earthquake, subsidence and liquefaction, landslide, expansive soil; • Flood Hazards: flood, dam inundation;
• Temperature Hazards: extreme heat, drought, freeze, fog; • Fire Hazards; and
• Wind Hazards.

Moreover, the Health & Safety Element includes various Community Health and Safety components, which cover community health topics such as Built Environment Health and Medical Services, as well as community safety topics, including Safe Routes, Built Environment Safety, Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, Emergency Operations, Evacuation Routes, and Airport Safety.

The Safety Element fully incorporates the County’s 2007 MJHMP by reference to meet the requirements under California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4). During the 2022-2023 MJHMP update process, the County OES and Planning and Community Development Department collaborated so that the forthcoming Health and Safety Element update would complement and be consistent with the efforts already underway associated with the MJHMP update, such as the climate-related hazards profiled and the other climate change considerations addressed in the risk and vulnerability assessment. The MJHMP update also now addresses socially vulnerable and underserved communities.

Kings County Emergency Operations Plan
The purpose of the County of Kings Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and its Functional Annexes is to provide the basis for a coordinated response before, during and after a disaster incident. This plan is the principal guide for the County’s response to, and management of real or potential emergencies and disasters occurring within its designated geographic boundaries. Specifically, this plan is intended to:
• Facilitate multi‐jurisdictional and interagency coordination in emergency operations, particularly between local government, private sector, operational area (geographic county boundary), state response levels, and appropriate federal agencies.

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• Serve as a county plan, a reference document, and when possible, may be used for pre-emergency planning in addition to emergency operations.
• To be utilized in coordination with applicable local, state, and federal contingency plans. • Identify the components of an Emergency Management Organization (EMO), and establish associated protocols required to effectively respond to, manage and recover from major emergencies and/or disasters.
• Establish the operational concepts and procedures associated with field response to emergencies, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities.
• Establish the organizational framework of the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Emergency Services Ordinance, (County Code Chapter 6)
The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this County in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this county with the cities in this County and with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons. This ordinance also discusses the Kings Area Disaster Council, its powers and duties, the designation of director and assistant director of emergency services, etc.

Building Code (County Code Section)
Several specific building codes are adopted for Kings County. These codes include the 2013 edition of the California Building Standards Code, the California Fire Code (which is adopted separately), the Uniform Housing Code, and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. By adopting these codes, they become a part of the rules that apply to construction in the unincorporated area of Kings County. The codes are considered as if they are fully written in this statement, and they must be followed when constructing buildings in the county. However, if a newer edition of the California Building Standards Code is published within 180 days after this statement, that newer edition will replace the 2013 edition as the adopted building code for Kings County. So, in that case, the newer edition will be the set of rules that should be followed for construction purposes.

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (County Code Chapter 5A) The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas. The County’s flood damage prevention ordinance provisions are designed to:
• Protect human life and health;
• Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; • Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
• Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
• Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; • Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blight areas;
• Assist potential buyers in identifying properties which are in areas of special flood hazard; and • Promote those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assuming responsibility for their actions.

Moreover, base flood data in the County must also meet the following requirements:
• Single parcels are required to elevate the lowest floor of any residential structure to no less than two feet above natural grade when base flood data does not exist. Nonresidential structures may elevate or floodproof to meet this standard.
• Multiple parcels (five or more) are required to have all proposals establish the 100-year base flood elevation before consideration of the preliminary plan for development. The floodplain administrator may, at his/her discretion, require higher standards.
• All new subdivision proposals and other proposed development, including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions, greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, shall:
o Identify the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and Base Flood Elevations (BFE);

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o Identify the elevations of the lowest floors of all proposed structures and pads on the final plans; and
o If the site is filled above the base flood elevation, the following as-built information for each structure shall be certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor and provided as part of an application for a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) to the floodplain administrator:
­ Lowest floor elevation;
­ Pad elevation; and
­ Lowest adjacent grade.

Kings County has numerous other plans, programs, and procedures in place that support hazard mitigation, public health and safety, hazardous materials management, and emergency operations.

Related partner agency plans were also reviewed to inform the MJHMP to update risk assessment and mitigation strategies based on public availability, as they relate to flooding, drought, and water supply events, as well as agricultural pests and disease. These plans are listed below. • 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture. United States Department of Agriculture • Agriculture Response Plans
• American Red Cross Emergency Plan
• California 2018 State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) (2023 Draft SHMP is in development) • California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment
• City of Lemoore Urban Water Management Plan 2015
• Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Plans (COOP/COG) • Department of Water Resources Directory of Flood Officials • Economic analysis of the 2014 drought for California agriculture. University of California, Davis, CA:

Center for Watershed Sciences
• Kings River Handbook
• Kings County 2012 MJHMP
• Kings County Association of Governments Regional Climate Action Plan • Kings County Department of Agriculture 2021 Crop Report • Reclamation Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Safeguarding California Plan: California Climate Adaptation Strategy • The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Data Breach Notification in the United States 2022 Report. 2023. • Westlands Water District Water Management Handbook
• Westlands Water District Water Management Plan

2.8.3 Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table 2-8 below identifies the County personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in Kings County and the unincorporated areas. Many positions are full-time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 2-8 Kings County Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities

PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Yes Community Development Agency
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes Public Works Department, Community
Development Agency
Planner/engineer/scientist with an understanding of
natural hazards
Yes Public Works Department, Community
Development Agency
Personnel skilled in Geographic Information System
(GIS)
Yes Community Development Agency , County
Assessor
Full time building official Yes Community Development Agency Floodplain manager/Floodplain Administrator Yes Building Official/Community Development Agency
Emergency manager Yes Office of Emergency Services
Grant writer Yes

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PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Other personnel N/A
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use, building
footprints, etc.)
Yes Kings County Geographic Information System
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor warning signals) Yes Office of Emergency Services
Other N/A
Source: HMPC 2022
Office of Emergency Services
The County's Office of Emergency Services (OES) is the County's emergency management agency, responsible for coordinating multi-agency responses to complex, large-scale emergencies, and disasters within Kings County. It is the responsibility of the County OES to develop and maintain the EOP, which serves as a guideline for who will do what, as well as when, with what resources, and by what authority-- before, during, and immediately after an emergency. The County OES provides dedicated staff responsible for managing the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and developing and implementing training and exercise programs designed to coincide with the processes and procedures within the EOP.

The OES is the conduit for information and resource coordination between the State of California and the local governments of Kings County (the Kings Operational Area), as defined in California's Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). The Kings Operational Area includes all the political subdivisions of the County.

Kings County Fire Prevention Bureau
Kings County Fire Department protects approximately 153,000 residents. The Fire Department responds to an approximate 1,392 square-mile region through a combination of 10 stations and one headquarters office with 88 full-time employees. The Department’s goal is to serve communities with the best in fire protection and offer a professional and dedicated response when citizens of Kings County call for help.

Kings County Fire Department primarily serves the rural areas of the County and provides contractual services to the cities of Avenal and Corcoran. Kings County Fire Department responds to over 5,100 calls annually, averaging nearly 14 calls daily. Calls include structure, vehicle, wildland and grass fires, medical aids, traffic accidents, hazardous materials incidents and various public assistance calls.

Hanford Fire Department
The Hanford Fire Department consists of three stations staffed with paid professional firefighters. Each station is staffed with a Captain, who runs the station for their assigned shift; an Engineer, who is responsible for the safe operations and maintaining all apparatus; and a Firefighter, who operates and maintains the equipment. Together they make up the station crew that routinely responds to mitigate emergencies and events.

Kings County Public Works Department – Engineering
The County Engineer processes community development projects including land divisions, records of survey, County Right-of-Way (ROW) encroachment permits, and provides recommendations on zoning permits. The County Surveyor reviews land division proposals and community development applications.

The division assists the public and county offices including the Clerk/Recorder’s Office. In addition, the County Engineer provides support for traffic engineering, roadway and bridge design, project management, and contract preparation/administration for various road and building projects. The County Engineer also provides engineering support for the Waste Management Authority and administers the Solid Waste Ordinance. The County Engineer maintains engineering records on assessment districts, right-of-way, and County owned property.

Kings County Community Development Agency
The County’s Planning Division keeps the County’s General Plan on file. The Planning Division contains various commissions and committees, including Agricultural Advisory Committee, Local Assessment Committee, Planning Commission/Advisory Agency and Water Commission. The Planning Division also is

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responsible for the GIS/Mapping system. The Building Division implements the County’s building ordinance, well ordinance, and flood damage prevention ordinance.

KC Alert
By opting into the Kings County emergency mass notification system, citizens will be informed before, during, and after incidents that could impact their safety. During hazard events, Kings County OES will launch a mass notification system that notifies registered users of important emergency information pertaining to severe weather, police and fire emergencies, and public health crises.

2.8.4 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table 2-9 identifies financial tools or resources that the County could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table 2-9 Kings County Financial Capabilities

FINANCIAL

RESOURCES

ACCESSIBLE/

ELIGIBLE TO
USE

COMMENTS/HAS THIS BEEN USED FOR MITIGATION IN THE
PAST?
Authority to levy taxes
for specific purposes
Yes Has not been used. Must be approved by voters.

California Disaster
Assistance Act
Yes The County was awarded $95 million in May 2023 to assist undocumented residents suffering from hardships and damages from the 2023 floods.

California Rapid
Response Fund
Yes The County was allotted funds from the Rapid Response Fund to provide disaster recovery services to mixed -status and undocumented families that were not eligible for FEMA individual assistance after the 2023 flooding events.

Capital improvements
project funding
Yes No.

Community
Development Block
Grants
Yes Each year Kings County may apply under both the General Allocation and Economic Development components of the CDBG program.

Potential projects under General Allocation include housing acquisition, housing rehabilitation, new construction, public works and community facilities. Potential projects under Economic Development include business loans, infrastructure grants, micro enterprise assistance, and other types of loans and grants for businesses. Projects funded with CDBG allocations must carry out at least one of three National Objectives as follows: benefit to low to moderate income persons, elimination of slums and blight, or meeting urgent community development needs.

The Planning and Community Development Department also
administers the Kings Urban County CDBG and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds.

Federal Grant Programs
(HMGP)
Yes HMPG funding has been used to update the County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Various departments in Kings County are eligible and will remain eligible for HMA BRIC funding that focuses on risk reduction and funding of public infrastructure projects that increase the County’s resilience to disasters.

The County is eligible for HMA FMA funding that funds projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the NFIP.

The County is also eligible for Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program funding. This funding source builds

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FINANCIAL

RESOURCES

ACCESSIBLE/

ELIGIBLE TO
USE

COMMENTS/HAS THIS BEEN USED FOR MITIGATION IN THE
PAST?
preparedness technical assistance activities in support of the four homeland security mission areas related to prevention, protection, response, and recovery.

Fees for water, sewer,
gas, or electric services,
new development
Yes Has not been used. Services provided through cities or districts and levied through property assessments.

FEMA’s Public
Assistance Program
Yes The County received post-flood funding from the Public Assistance Program in 2011 to repair roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as for debris removal and protective measures.

In 2020, the County received several rounds of funding from the Section 406 Public Assistance (PA) Program for protective measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, the County received additional funding from the P A Program for post-flood assistance.

Incur debt through
general obligation
bonds
Yes No.

Incur debt through
private activities
Yes Has not been used. Do not have any in place.

Incur debt through
special tax bonds
Yes Has not been used. Must be approved by two-thirds voters.

Source: HMPC 2022-2023

2.8.5 Other Mitigation Programs and Partnerships
Table 2-10 below summarizes some of the mitigation partnerships and education or outreach capabilities available to Kings County.

Table 2-10 Kings County Education and Outreach Capabilities

EDUCATION & OUTREACH YES/NO COMMENTS
Local Citizen Groups That Communicate Hazard Risks Yes See below.

Firewise USA No There are currently no Firewise USA
communities in the County.

StormReady No The County and all the participating are
not StormReady communities.

Other

Source: HMPC 2023
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross identified several capability enhancements through collaboration with the County, cities, and fire departments of Kings County. Programs such as outreach campaigns for preparedness education, continuing shelter inspections, and updating existing points of contact for shelter sites. These efforts will improve the American Red Cross’ ability to conduct mitigation, preparedness, and response efforts in Kings County.

Dam Owners and Operators Coordination: Kings County coordinates with numerous dam owners and operators, including owners upstream of the County. Coordination involves partnerships with federal, state, and local officials, agency engineers, emergency managers, emergency preparedness coordinators, dam owners and operators, and property owners near areas that can be potentially affected by dam incidents. Key agencies within the County’s partnership include the FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program (NDSP), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Reclamation, California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and other companies who own low-hazard dams in the County.

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Given there is a range of mitigation actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of dam incidents and the effects of dam failure, the County has an ongoing partnership with key dam owners and operators to ensure each agency is aware of each other’s actions and to coordinate them effectively, recognizing that working together maximizes risk reduction. As a result, many of these dam owners and operators were invited as stakeholders to inform and support the update of the County’s MJHMP. Information on these dam owners and operators is shown in the Table 2-11 below.

Table 2-11 Kings County Dams of Concern Owner/Operator & Emergency Information

COUNTY DAM NAME DAM OWNER/OPERATOR WHETHER OR NOT AN

OFFICE, DEPARTMENT, OR

AGENCY SUPPORTS DAM

MITIGATION ACTIONS
Kings Crescent Weir Crescent Canal Company Yes
Empire Weir No.1 Empire Westside Irrigation
District
Yes
Empire Weir No.2 Tulare Lake Basin Water
Storage District
Yes
Island Weir Laguna Irrigation District Yes
Last Chance Weir Last Chance Water Ditch
Company
Yes
Lemoore Diversion
Weir
Lemoore Canal and
Irrigation Company
Yes
Peoples Weir Peoples Ditch Company Yes
Tulare Terminus USACE – Sacramento
District
Yes
Schafer (Success
Dam)
USACE – Sacramento
District
Yes
Fresno Pine Flat USACE – Sacramento
District
Yes

2.8.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
The 2022-2023 MJHMP update process provided the County and the participating jurisdictions an opportunity to review and update the capabilities currently in place to mitigate hazards. This also provided an opportunity to identify where capabilities could be improved or enhanced. Specific opportunities could include:

Safety Plan Update: Kings County has identified several plans which could be updated, specifically the County’s General Plan Safety Element last updated in 2010. During the MJHMP update process, the County also indicated they will soon begin a formal update of the General Plan, including the Health and Safety Element. The County’s Safety Element was last updated in 2010 to incorporate by reference the 2007 MJHMP.

The County will incorporate by reference the 2023 MJHMP into the County Safety Element to become eligible again for CDAA funding in the event of a disaster; this process also ensures further consistency of each plan and provides an opportunity to reference the MJHMP and enhance the capabilities for implementation of goals and objectives of each plan. The Safety Element currently covers several hazards that align with the MJHMP; it is only missing severe weather hazard: heavy rain, thunderstorm, hail, and lightning, the Safety Element does not discuss how these hazards disproportionately impact socially vulnerable populations and underserved communities. A comprehensive update of the Safety Element to include hazards and mitigation strategies addressed in the 2023 MJHMP update will ensure plan alignment and help the County integrate the related goals, policies, and mitigation actions into each plan.

Training: Provide training opportunities to help inform County staff on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments. Kings County has identified a multi-year training and exercise plan which would cover all county departments. There are also several financial

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resources that the County could leverage in the future for funding mitigation efforts. In particular, the 2022-2023 MJHMP provides eligibility for FEMA HMA grants. County OES staff can attend workshops and training regarding the grant application process and how to develop successful grant applications under the HMGP. Cal OES periodically hosts related training and webinars. Understanding the types of projects that can be funded, and the components of a successful application will enhance the chances of a successful grant award.

Hazard Mitigation Specialist: The County could appoint or assign someone in OES to oversee hazard mitigation grant opportunities. This could be a follow-up goal to the Cal OES grant training. This specialist can notify the County departments/agencies of upcoming grant cycles, and support tracking and completing the Notice of Intent (NOI) applications, grant applications, and final grant management reporting requirements. Related financial opportunities for enhancement should include applying for HMA grants, such as BRIC and HMGP funding as it becomes available. The Hazard Mitigation Specialist should also focus on funding mitigation actions that mitigate critical infrastructure, provide protection for those most vulnerable in the community, address climate change, public health hazards, extreme heat, flooding, other climate-related hazards and needed and related climate adaptation strategies.

HMGP Technical Assistance: HMGP funding opportunity provides support for communities to implement mitigation activities to reduce risk to life and property from natural hazards. In California, natural hazards include wildfire, earthquake, drought, extreme weather, flooding, and other impacts of climate change. Cal OES technical subject-matter experts are available to discuss project eligibility, benefit cost analysis, technical feasibility, and Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) requirements.

Firewise: Firewise USA® is a voluntary program that provides a framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community. The program is co-sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. As of June 2023, neither Kings County nor any of the incorporated jurisdictions in the County currently participate in the program.

In order to become a Firewise USA site, a neighborhood, community, city, or county must form a board or committee comprised of residents and stakeholders, obtain a written wildfire risk assessment, develop and maintain an action plan, and contact the applicable state liaison to the program.

Storm Ready: Neither Kings County nor any of the incorporated jurisdictions in the County are certified as Storm Ready communities. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Storm Ready program helps local governments handle extreme weather and improve the timeliness and effectiveness of hazardous weather-related warnings for the public. To be officially Storm Ready, a community must:
• Establish a 24-hour warning point and EOC,
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public, • Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, • Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars, and • Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Community Rating System (CRS): An additional indicator of floodplain management capability is the active participation of local jurisdictions in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is an incentive-based program that encourages counties and municipalities to undertake defined flood mitigation activities that go beyond the minimum requirements of the NFIP, adding extra local measures to protect from flooding. All 18 creditable CRS mitigation activities are assigned a range of point values. As points are accumulated and reach identified thresholds, communities can apply for an improved CRS class. Class ratings, which run from 10 to 1, are tied to flood insurance premium reductions. As class ratings improve (decrease), the percent reduction in flood insurance premiums for NFIP policyholders in that community increases. These potential discounts in flood insurance premiums through CRS are summarized in Table 2-12 below.

As of June 2023, neither Kings County nor any of the other incorporated jurisdictions in the County participate in the CRS. Should the other jurisdictions and Kings County decide to join the CRS, it would be an opportunity for the enhancement of existing mitigation capabilities and help make flood insurance more affordable in the future.

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Table 2-12 CRS Premium Discounts
CLASS DISCOUNT CLASS DISCOUNT SFHA (Zones A, AE, A1-A30, V, V1-V30, AO, and AH): Discount varies depending on class. SHFA (Zones A99, AR/A, AR/AE.

AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO): 10% discount for Classes 1 -6; 5% discount for Classes 7-9. Non-SFHA (Zones B, C, X, D): 10% discount for Classes 1-6; 5% discount for Classes 7 -9. In determining CRS premium discount, all AR and A99 Zones are treated as non-SFHAs.
1 45% 6 20%
2 40% 7 15%
3 35% 8 10%
4 30% 9 5%
5 25% 10 --
Source: FEMA CRS Coordinators Manual

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3 PLANNING PROCESS
Requirement §201.6(b) and §201.6(c)(1):

An open public involvement process is essential to the development of an effective plan. In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural disasters, the planning process shall include:
(1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval; (2) An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other private and non-profit interests to be involved in the planning process; and (3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information. [The plan shall document] the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved.

3.1 BACKGROUND ON MITIGATION PLANNING IN KINGS COUNTY
The primary purpose of the Kings County MJHMP update is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects on the Kings County planning area. Kings County recognized the need and importance of a MJHMP and initiated its development in 2012 after receiving a grant award from FEMA. The County also qualified for Prepare CA, a program that covers the HMGP State match.

The plan underwent a comprehensive update in 2022-2023. The planning process followed during the update was similar to what was used in the original plan development, except that the 2022-2023 planning process did not have participation from the Santa Rose Rancheria/Tachi Yokut Tribe, who opted not to participate in the plan update. The 2022-2023 planning process also involved a multi-jurisdictional HMPC. WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (WSP) was procured to assist with the update in 2022 to 2023. The process is described further in this section and documented in Appendix B.

3.2 WHAT’S NEW IN THE PLAN UPDATE
DMA Requirement §201.6(d)(3):

A local jurisdiction must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities, and resubmit it for approval within 5 years in order to continue to be eligible for mitigation project grant funding.

The updated MJHMP complies with the latest FEMA guidance and California OES guidelines for LHMPs, specifically FEMA’s 2022 Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide. The update followed the requirements noted in the DMA of 2000 and FEMA’s 2023 Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Handbook.

This MJHMP update involved a comprehensive review and update of each section of the 2012 MJHMP, the integration of a detailed risk assessment, and an assessment of the progress in evaluating, monitoring, and implementing the mitigation strategy outlined in the initial plan. The planning process provided an opportunity to review jurisdictional priorities related to hazard significance and mitigation actions, and revisions were made where applicable to the base plan. Another change was the development of specific annexes for the municipalities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore; jurisdictional information was integrated throughout the 2012 MJHMP.

While each jurisdiction participated in the previous MJHMP updates, representatives from multiple departments representing a Local Planning Team (LPT) for each of the participating jurisdictions were engaged and involved in the development of the 2023 MJHMP through multiple planning workshops and numerous one-on-one work sessions. Only the information and data still valid from the 2012 plan were carried forward as applicable to this MJHMP update. Also, given the four municipalities’ participation, significant new hazard information was integrated into the base plan and into each annex.

The 2012 MJHMP assessed nine hazards, including drought, earthquake, extreme heat, flood, fog, freeze, landslide, tornado, and wildfire. The 2023 MJHMP update assessed 15 natural, human-caused, and human-health hazards, including agricultural pests and disease; cyber-attack; dam incidents; drought; earthquake; extreme temperatures: freeze and heat, flooding; land subsidence; landslide; public health

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hazards: epidemic/pandemic; severe weather: dense fog; severe weather: heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning; severe weather: high wind/tornado; and wildfire. As a result, there are 10 new countywide mitigation actions, plus nine jurisdiction-specific mitigation actions that were developed for the four annexes for a total of 19 new mitigation actions.

3.2.1 Plan Section Review and Analysis – 2022-2023 Update During the 2022-2023 MJHMP update process, the HMPC updated each of the sections of the previously approved plan to include new information. WSP developed a summary of each section in the plan and guided the HMPC through the elements that needed updating during the kick-off webinar in October 2022. This included analyzing each section using FEMA’s Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (2023) and the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2022; Effective April 19, 2023) to ensure that the plan met the latest requirements. In addition, for this plan update, the FEMA Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool was not provided with the approval of the 2012 version of this plan; therefore, it was not referenced. Therefore, previous 2012 FEMA comments on opportunities for improvement were not considered and addressed in the 2022-2023 update. Instead, the County focused the update on meeting the new requirements outlined in the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide.

The HMPC and WSP determined that nearly every section of the plan would need revision to align the plan with the latest FEMA planning guidance and requirements and recent California legislation. A detailed summary of the changes in this plan update is highlighted in Table 3-1 below.

Table 3-1 Kings County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Highlights

PLAN SECTION SUMMARY OF PLAN REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND UPDATES

1. Introduction • Revised to reflect updated plan and 202 2-2023 planning process

2. County Profile
and Capability
Assessment
• Updated with recent census data and current economy description • Updated land use and development trends

3. Planning Process • Described and documented the planning process for the 202 2-2023 update, including coordination among agencies
• Described how the 2012 plan was integrated with/into other planning efforts , like the County Safety Element and EOP
• Removed 2012 planning process information
• Described changes to jurisdictional participation
• Described 2022-2023 update public participation process • Summarized the results of the Public Survey
• Described the HMPC
• Described the 10-step process followed for the update

4. Hazard
Identification and
Risk Assessment
and Consequence
Analysis
• Climate change information has been added to each hazard profile • Updated list of disaster declarations to include recent data • Updated tables to include recent National Center for Environmental Information data • Updated past occurrences for each hazard to include recent data • 2012 Plan Vulnerability Assessment is now included with the Risk Assessment and an integrated Vulnerability Assessment section organized by hazard • The Vulnerability Assessment considers the impacts on the following assets: (1) people; (2) property; (3) critical facilities and lifelines; (4) econom y; (5) cultural, historic and natural resources; (6) development trends.
• The Vulnerability Assessment includes a discussion on impacts on population assets, including socially vulnerable populations and underserved communities. • Updated critical facilities identified from the 201 2 plan; the critical facilities database now includes 646 facilities organized by Community Lifeline • Updated growth and development trends to include recent Census and local data sources from the County’s Public Works Department and Community Development Agency, as well as the general plans and most up -to-date housing elements of the participating jurisdictions
• Updated historic and cultural resources using local/state/national sources • Updated property values for vulnerability and exposure analysis, using updated building information based on assessor’s data ; in order to estimate the participating

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PLAN SECTION SUMMARY OF PLAN REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND UPDATES jurisdictions’’ future development and growth areas’ vulnerability against hazards, the exposure analysis also includes properties that are located in Sphere of Influences (SOIs) in order to assess risk in future development areas ; SOI exposure analysis was not carried out in the 2012 plan
• Updated estimate flood losses using the latest Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and assessor’s data
• Updated National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data and Repetitive Loss structure data from the previous plan
• Incorporated new hazard loss estimates since 201 2, as applicable • Used updated GIS inventory data to assess wildfire threat to the County • Updated HAZUS-MH Level I earthquake vulnerability analysis data with two scenarios performed (one probabilistic scenario and one ShakeMap scenario) • Seven additional hazards that were not included in the 201 2 plan are added and profiled, which include: Agricultural Pests and Disease, Cyber Attack, Dam Incidents, Land Subsidence, Public Health Hazards: Epidemic/Pandemic, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, Hail, and Lightning, Severe Weather: High Wind • Updated information regarding specific vulnerabilities to hazards, including maps and tables of specific assets at risk, specific critical facilities at risk, and specific populations at risk
• Revisited and updated hazard significance/priority levels • Updated maps in the plan where appropriate

5. Mitigation
Strategy
• Indicated what actions have been implemented that may reduce previously identified vulnerabilities
• Updated mitigation strategy based on the results of the updated risk assessment, consequence analysis, completed mitigation actions, and implementation obstacles and opportunities since the completion of the 201 2 plan • Reviewed and updated goals and objectives based on HMPC input • Included updated information on how actions are prioritized, or how priorities changed • Reviewed mitigation actions from the 201 2 plan and developed a status report for each • Identified if actions have been completed, deleted, or deferred/carried forward • Updated priorities on actions
• Summarized successful implementation to highlight the implementation of actions identified in the 2012 plan
• Identified new mitigation actions proposed by the HMPC with more detail on implementation than the previous plan
• Nine new countywide mitigation actions were added to address existing hazards and new hazards
• Eight new jurisdiction-specific mitigation actions were included in the annexes • Developed a summary table of mitigation actions for all participating jurisdictions

6. Plan Review,
Evaluation, and
Implementation
• Reviewed and updated procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan • Revised to reflect current methods
• Updated the system for monitoring the progress of mitigation activities by identifying additional criteria for plan monitoring and maintenance • Added a process for incorporation of the MJHMP update into existing mechanisms • Clarified future public involvement activities and tied them to the Outreach Strategy in Appendix F

7. Plan Adoption • Updated to reflect the 2022-2023 adoption process Jurisdictional
Annexes
• Updated previous participants’ annexes with recent Census data • Updated past event history and hazard loss estimates
• Added new maps and updated old maps as needed
• Updated mitigation actions from 201 2 and added new mitigation actions • Integrated the following annexes:

A City of Avenal
B City of Corcoran
C City of Hanford
D City of Lemoore
Appendices • Appendix A: Planning Committee
• Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation

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PLAN SECTION SUMMARY OF PLAN REVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND UPDATES • Appendix C: Approval and Adoption
• Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
• Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template • Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
• Appendix G: Public Survey Results

3.3 MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PARTICIPATION
In the 2022-2023 MJHMP update, the following jurisdictions participated in the planning process and will be adopting the updated plan following FEMA approval. All incorporated cities in the County participated in this planning process.

Lead Jurisdiction:
• Kings County
Municipalities:
• City of Avenal
• City of Corcoran
• City of Hanford
• City of Lemoore
The DMA planning regulations and guidance stress that each local government seeking FEMA approval of their mitigation plan must participate in the planning effort in the following ways:
• Participate in the process as part of the HMPC
• Detail areas within the planning area where the risk differs from that facing the entire area • Identify potential mitigation actions
• Formally adopt the plan
For the Kings County planning area’s HMPC, “participation” meant the following:
• Providing facilities for meetings
• Attending and participating in the HMPC meetings
• Completing and returning WSP Plan Update Guide worksheets • Collecting and providing other requested data (as available) • Identifying mitigation actions for the plan
• Reviewing and providing comments on plan drafts and jurisdictional annexes • Informing the public, local officials, and other interested parties about the planning process and providing the opportunity for them to comment on the plan • Coordinating, and participating in the public input process • Coordinating the formal adoption of the plan by the governing boards The County and all jurisdictions with annexes to this plan and seeking FEMA approval met all these participation requirements. In most cases, one or more representatives for each jurisdiction attended the multi-jurisdictional webinars/meetings and workshops described in Table 3-4 and brought together the HMPC to help collect data, identify mitigation actions and implementation strategies, and review and provide data on annex drafts. In some cases, the jurisdictions had limited capacity to attend or had conflicts with HMPC meetings; in these cases, alternative forms of communication were used to provide input into the process, and in some instances, a representative from a different jurisdiction’s department attended the HMPC meeting on behalf of the main representative. County OES and WSP staff also met via virtual meetings with individual jurisdictions, such as the cities of Avenal, Corcoran, Hanford, and Lemoore to gather additional input on the planning process, existing capabilities, and new mitigation actions. Appendix B provides additional information and documentation of the planning process.

3.4 PLANNING PROCESS
WSP established the planning process for the Kings County MJHMP using the DMA planning requirements and FEMA’s associated guidance. The original FEMA planning guidance is structured around a four-phase process:

1. Organize Resources

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2. Assess Risks

3. Develop the Mitigation Plan

4. Implement the Plan and Monitor the Progress
Into this process, WSP integrated a more detailed 10-step planning process used for FEMA’s CRS and FMA programs. Thus, the modified 10-step process used for this plan meets the requirements of major grant programs including FEMA’s HMGP, BRIC program, FMA Program, and flood control projects authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In May 2023, FEMA released the Local Mitigation Planning Handbook that has become the official guide for local governments, including special districts, to develop, update and implement local mitigation plans. While the requirements under Section 201.6 have not changed, the Handbook guides local governments on developing or updating hazard mitigation plans to meet the requirements under the CFR Title 44 – Emergency Management and Assistance Section 201.6, Local Mitigation Plans for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA HMA grant programs. It also offers practical approaches, tools, worksheets, and local mitigation planning examples for how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters. The Handbook complements and liberally references the Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (October 1, 2011), which is the official guidance for federal and state officials responsible for reviewing local mitigation plans in a fair and consistent manner.

Table 3-2 shows how the modified 10-step process fits into FEMA’s four-phase process, and how these elements correspond to the tasks in the FEMA Mitigation Planning Handbook.

Table 3-2 Kings County Hazard Mitigation Planning Process FEMA’S 4-PHASE DMA

PROCESS
MODIFIED 10-STEP CRS

PROCESS

FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION

PLANNING HANDBOOK TASKS
1) Organize Resources
201.6(c)(1) 1) Organize the Planning Effort 1: Determine the planning area and resources
201.6(b)(1) 2) Involve the Public 2: Build the planning team - 44 CFR 201.6 (C)(1)
201.6(b)(2) and (3) 3) Coordinate with Other
Departments and Agencies
3: Create an outreach strategy - 44
CFR 201.6(b)(1)
4: Review community capabilities - 44
CFR 201.6 (b)(2)&(3)
2) Assess Risks
201.6(c)(2)(i) 4) Identify the Hazards 5: Conduct a risk assessment - 44 CFR 201.6 (C)(2)(i) 44 CFR
201.6(C)(2)(ii)&(iii)
201.6(c)(2)(ii) 5) Assess the Risks
3) Develop the Mitigation Plan
201.6(c)(3)(i) 6) Set Goals 6: Develop a mitigation strategy - 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(i); 44 CFR 201(c)(3)(ii)
and 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(iii)
201.6(c)(3)(ii) 7) Review Possible Activities
201.6(c)(3)(iii) 8) Draft an Action Plan
4) Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress
201.6(c)(5) 9) Adopt the Plan 7: Review and adopt the plan 201.6(c)(4) 10) Implement, Evaluate, and
Revise the Plan
8: Keep the plan current
9: Create a safe and resilient
community - 44 CFR 201.6(c)(4)

3.4.1 Phase 1: Organize Resources
Planning Step 1: Organize the Planning Effort
The 2022-2023 planning process and update of the 2012 MJHMP had its roots in the development of a HMGP application. The County OES wrote the grant and in the process solicited commitments from local government jurisdictions that were interested in participating. With an understanding of the number of

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jurisdictions and their commitment to participate, the HMGP application was approved and awarded to the County in 2021.

WSP worked with the County to get organized for the plan update. Organizational efforts were initiated with the County and participating jurisdictions in September 2022 to inform and educate the plan participants of the purpose and need for updating the countywide hazard mitigation plan. An initial meeting between WSP and County OES was held to discuss the organizational aspects of this plan update process. Invitations to the kick-off meeting for this plan update were extended to key County departments, the four incorporated communities, and representatives from special districts for the County and municipalities, as well as to other federal, state, and local stakeholders that might have an interest in participating in the planning process. Representatives from participating jurisdictions and HMPC members of the 2012 plan were used as a starting point for the invite list, with additional invitations extended as appropriate throughout the planning process. The list of initial invitees is included in Appendix A.

Representatives from the following County and municipal departments participated in the HMPC and the development of the plan update; these representatives are listed in Table 3-3. A list of specific HMPC representatives is included in Appendix A. Other local, state, federal, and agencies and stakeholders invited to participate in the HMPC are discussed under Planning Step 3.

Table 3-3 List of HMPC Participants for 2021-2022 MJHMP Update

NAME TITLE JURISDICTION
Abraham Valencia Emergency Services Manager County of Kings Brionne Jackson Public Health Emergency Planner County of Kings Chief William Lynch Fire Chief County of Kings
Chuck Kinney Community Development Director County of Kings Supervisor Joe Neves County Supervisor County of Kings
Jimmy Hook Ag Commissioner County of Kings
Todd Barlow Superintendent of Schools County of Kings
Alex Torres Risk Manager Santa Rosa Rancheria Tribe
Greg Gatzga City Manager Corcoran
Chief Reuben Shortnacy Police Chief Corcoran
Chief Michael Kendall Police Chief Lemoore
Michelle Speer Assistant City Manager Lemoore
Chief Bruce German Fire Chief Lemoore
Chief Steve Pendergrass Fire Chief Hanford
Mario Cifuentez City Manager Hanford
Chief Parker Sever Police Chief Hanford
Antony Lopez City Manager Avenal
Chief Robert Nevarez Police Chief Avenal
Kelly Vandergon Supervisor of Field Engineering and
Planning
Westland Water District
Dennis Mills General Manager Kings County Water District Gabriela Rodriguez Executive Director Kings Partnership Leticia Hinojosa Coordinated Entry Manager Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance Dennis Mills General Manager Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Silvia Montoya Office Coordinator Sequoia Riverlands Trust Dominic Tyburski Director of Public Works County of Kings Source: HMPC 2022-2023
Planning Meetings
The planning process officially began with a kick-off meeting on September 16, 2022, which involved County OES staff and the WSP team. On October 31, 2022, the HMPC convened for the first time. The first HMPC meeting covered the scope of work and an introduction to the DMA requirements. Participants were provided with a Plan Update Guide, which included electronic worksheets to facilitate the

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collection of information necessary to support the update of the plan. Using FEMA guidance, WSP designed these worksheets to capture information on past hazard events, identify hazards of concern to each of the participating jurisdictions, quantify values at risk to identified hazards, inventory existing capabilities, and record possible mitigation actions. A copy of WSP’s Plan Update Guide for this project is included in Appendix B. The County and each jurisdiction seeking FEMA approval of their plan completed and returned the worksheets in either the Plan Update Guide or shared their most recent local hazard mitigation plan for incorporation into the plan document.

During the planning process, the HMPC communicated through in-person meetings, virtual meetings, email, telephone conversations. The first three HMPC meetings were held virtually while the last HMPC meeting was held in person. Draft documents were emailed so that the HMPC members could easily access and review them. The County’s OES staff and HMPC formally met four times during the planning period (September 16, 2022 – June 8, 2023). The purposes of these meetings are described in Table 3-4.

The planning consultant sent meeting handouts ahead of time to the participating jurisdictions to review and provide feedback before or at the meeting. In addition to these meetings, some jurisdictions held meetings with subcommittees to discuss the needed input for the plan update. The Emergency Services Coordinator of the County’s OES and WSP worked with the jurisdictions individually to obtain necessary information and input into the planning process. This was done through direct emails from the planning consultant and follow-up phone conversations with the consultant and County OES where necessary.

Table 3-4 Summary of Planning Meetings

MEETING
NUMBER

MEETING TOPIC DATE LOCATION
1 Kick-off/HMPC Roles and Expectations (Kings
County OES staff only)
September 16, 2022 Virtual/Webinar
– Microsoft
Teams
2 Overview of DMA 2000 & Hazard Mitigation
Planning Process / Review 2012 MJHMP
October 31, 2022 Virtual/Webinar
– Microsoft
Teams
3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment March 9, 2023 Virtual/Webinar – Microsoft
Teams
4 Mitigation Strategy and Goals Update / New
Mitigation Actions Brainstorm
June 8, 2023 In-Person
Workshop
Source: WSP 2023
Internal Kick-off Meeting – On September 16, 2022, Kings County’s OES staff and the WSP’s team convened and discussed the project background and the overall MJHMP update process, as well as the scope of work and project goals. County OES staff and WSP’s team also discussed the hazards that need to be profiled in this MJHMP update based on initial conversations with the County during an internal kick-off meeting. In addition, County OES staff and WSP’s team reviewed potential additional HMPC members, partners, and stakeholders. Moreover, the outreach plan needed for the MJHMP update and GIS data needs were also discussed during the kick-off meeting.

HMPC Meeting #1 – Overview of DMA 2000 & Hazard Mitigation Planning Process On October 31, 2022, the HMPC convened to discuss the process for completing the update of this plan.

This first HMPC meeting was attended by twenty-one (21) representatives. The HMPC consisted of a mix of county departments, local governments, special districts, and stakeholders. A complete list of those in attendance at the first HMPC meeting can be found in the meeting minutes in Appendix B.

Following introductions, WSP reviewed the DMA requirements and the suggested planning process to follow to meet the requirements as well as the expected schedule of the process for the MJHMP update.

The roles of the HMPC and stakeholders were discussed including the participation requirements for the different roles.

During the first HMPC meeting, the HMPC validated the identified hazards within the 2012 plan, together with additional hazards that are added and profiled in this 2023 MJHMP update. The HMPC collaboratively prioritized the hazards to identify which are of most concern to the County. More details are included in Section 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.

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The group also discussed other agencies that should be part of this planning process, as well as related planning efforts to be coordinated with and recent studies to be incorporated. Part of this discussion was also related to creating an outreach strategy to involve the public throughout the planning process. This outreach strategy is included in Appendix F. The first HMPC meeting ended with WSP sharing handouts to assist in the planning process. These handouts included the Plan Update Guide, which outlined data collection needs for each participating jurisdiction.

HMPC Meeting #2 –Risk Assessment and Mitigation Goal Refinement On March 9, 2023, the HMPC convened virtually to discuss the results of the risk and vulnerability assessment. Fourteen (14) members of the HMPC were present for the discussion. WSP began the meeting with a presentation on the results of the risk assessment findings for natural hazards and public health hazards. The group went through each hazard together and discussed the results as well as shared any local insight to inform the HIRA update. Refer to the meeting summary in Appendix B for notes related to each hazard discussed.

Following the discussion on the results of the risk assessment findings, WSP explained this update process provides an opportunity to review the previous plan’s goals to determine if they are still valid, and comprehensive, and reflect current priorities, and updated risk assessment. Inputs on mitigation goals and objectives were solicited via virtual polls. The group was also encouraged to share insights on the development of mitigation goals, objectives, and specific actions and projects.

WSP shared with HMPC that the online public survey had been opened. A link was shared with the HMPC to easily distribute by email and for posting on each of the participating jurisdiction’s websites and MJHMP webpages. This was encouraged to promote engagement and input from the public and participating jurisdiction communities. The meeting ended with a review of the next steps and the planning process schedule.

HMPC Meeting #3 –Mitigation Strategy
The HMPC convened for an in-person workshop on June 8, 2022, with 27 people participating to update the plan’s mitigation strategy. The group finalized the plan’s goals and objectives (Step 6) and reviewed the progress made on the previous mitigation actions from the 2012 LHMP. The group then discussed the criteria for mitigation action selection and prioritization using a worksheet provided by WSP. The group reviewed each possible new mitigation action. Additional details were provided by the Planning Committee (Step 7). This was followed by a group activity to elicit the development of new mitigation actions followed by another group activity to prioritize (rank) the top mitigation actions. WSP then briefly explained the plan implementation and maintenance process. The meeting ended with a review of the next steps and planning process schedule.

Planning Step 2: Involve the Public
Involving the public assures support from the community at large and is a required part of the planning process per the DMA 2000. Early discussions with Kings County and input received in the first HMPC meeting established the initial plan for public involvement in the plan update. Public outreach began with the development of an online public survey that was shared with each participating jurisdiction to post on their websites and disseminate via email to local stakeholders. The public outreach activities described here were conducted with participation from and on behalf of all jurisdictions participating in this plan.

During the planning process, three public workshops were held to inform the public of the purpose of the DMA and the hazard mitigation planning process for the Kings County planning area. At each workshop, the public in attendance was provided links to electronic comment forms to leave any comments related to the County’s MJHMP as well as provide their contact information if they would like to receive ongoing updates and information related to the planning process.

At the first HMPC meeting, the HMPC discussed additional options for public involvement and agreed to an approach using established public information mechanisms and resources within the community.

These additional options are outlined in the Outreach Strategy. Additional public involvement activities included press releases, website postings, flyer development and distribution, three public workshops (two were held during the plan development and one was held during public review), and the collection of public comments on the draft plan. Details on the outreach methods and approach are also summarized in the Outreach Strategy included in Appendix F.

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Plan Facts
The WSP team provided the County with a Webpage Backgrounder document that included MJHMP update information for the MJHMP Webpage. Some of this information was incorporated on the County’s OES Instagram page. Figure 3-1 includes a screenshot of the County’s OES Instagram page. As shown in the screenshot, the second post is the County’s OES seeking participation in the MJHMP online public survey. Most of the information regarding the 2022-2023 MJHMP update is provided on the County’s OES Instagram page.

Figure 3-1 Kings County’s Instagram Page

Source: Kings County 2023
Online Public Survey
During the plan update’s initial drafting stage, an online and bi-lingual public survey (in English and Spanish) was used to gather public input for the HMPC. The survey provided an opportunity for public input during the planning process before the finalization of the plan update. The survey gathered public feedback on concerns about hazards and input on mitigation strategies to reduce their impacts. The survey was released on December 21, 2022, and closed on June 30, 2023 (6-month period). The usual input period for the public survey is one month, but the public survey was left open for an extended

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period to allow the County and participating jurisdictions to circulate additional advertisements during public meetings and outreach events to seek more input from the public. The HMPC provided links to the public survey by distributing it using social media, email, and posting the link on websites. Screenshots from the County’s OES Webpage and social media channels can be found in Appendix B.

A total of 92 people filled out the survey online; all participants completed the English version of the survey even though a Spanish version with release materials translated in Spanish were circulated.

Results showed that the public perceives the most significant hazards to be drought, dense fog, extreme temperatures, agricultural pests and disease, and power outages. This information was used when developing mitigation actions, particularly those around issues and concerns on Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, drought impacts, and dense fog hazards. The public input was also used to prioritize and rank hazards in the final plan. Figure 3-2 shows the results of a question from the survey, which asked the public’s opinion on what mitigation actions should have the highest priority in the updated MJHMP. Water conservation, generators for critical facilities, public education/awareness, aquifer recharge, and improve reliability of communication systems were cited as the most popular mitigation actions. This information was shared with the HMPC during the update of the mitigation strategy and used as a starting point for developing individual mitigation actions.

Figure 3-2 Example of Results from the Online Public Survey Source: WSP 2022