Hazard Mitigation Plan
Hazard mitigation means taking long-term action to reduce risk to people, property, public services, infrastructure, and the local economy before disasters happen.
The Western Montana Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan helps guide mitigation policies, programs, and projects across the region. Flathead County’s annex provides more local detail for the county and participating communities.
Flathead County Risks
Flathead County’s annex identifies local hazards and mitigation priorities for the county and the cities of Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and Whitefish.
How Planning Helps
Emergency planning helps communities understand risk, identify vulnerable infrastructure, coordinate with partners, and prioritize projects that can reduce future damage.
- Protect community lifelines and critical infrastructure
- Support public education and outreach
- Coordinate with local, regional, state, tribal, and federal partners
- Identify mitigation projects and funding opportunities
- Improve preparedness for future hazards
Regional coordination
Western Montana Regional Planning
Flathead County participates in the Western Montana Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan alongside counties, cities, tribal governments, emergency responders, utilities, healthcare partners, and state agencies.
Regional planning helps communities coordinate before disasters occur, especially for hazards that impact multiple jurisdictions such as wildfire, flooding, severe winter storms, and infrastructure disruptions.
Planning Partners
Hazard mitigation planning includes coordination with local governments, tribal partners, public safety agencies, utilities, healthcare providers, transportation agencies, schools, and state and federal emergency management partners.
Disaster Recovery
Recovery begins after the immediate emergency has passed. It may include cleanup, documentation, repairs, assistance applications, and coordination with local, state, or federal agencies.
After a disaster
- Document damage before cleanup when it is safe to do so.
- Take photos and keep repair estimates, receipts, and insurance information.
- Follow local safety instructions before returning to damaged areas.
- Use official assistance websites to check available recovery resources.
Official Planning Documents
The documents below provide the full regional plan, Flathead County annex, and supporting appendices. A printed copy is available by appointment through the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services at 406-758-5560.
The 2024–2029 Western Montana Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan includes Flathead County and the cities of Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and Whitefish.
Location
Kalispell, MT 59901
625 Timberwolf Parkway
Kalispell, MT 59901
Contact Info
+1 (406) 758-2113
Email Us
+1 (406) 758-5562