Preparedness Bureau

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Overview

Disasters can happen anywhere – even in New Mexico. Every community in New Mexico is vulnerable to both man-made and natural disasters, including flash flooding, wildfires, drought, thunderstorms, and major attacks. No one can stop natural disasters from occurring, but we can limit the impact they have on our communities. To that end, DHSEM recommends having three days’ worth of emergency supplies for each family member in your household. Also, do not forget preparedness when it comes to your animals.

Think of emergency preparedness as a “quality of life” issue. Proper planning, preparation, and practice will help you and your family be more comfortable when faced with an emergency. The most important factor is communication. Every member of your family needs to be involved in planning so that when disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do and where to meet.

Once your family plan is complete – don’t forget to practice! Just like you did when you were in school, organize household fire drills, flooding drills, and similar exercises as often as possible. Then, share your family plan with your neighbors and help them plan for their family. Let them know that disasters strike anywhere – even in New Mexico.

Local Preparedness

Staff provide technical assistance for prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery mission areas while assessing progress towards each jurisdiction’s multi-year planning, training and exercise goals.

Mitigation

Plan for and reduce the risks of natural hazards before disaster strikes, with Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding.

Floodplain

Approval by the local community Floodplain Administrator is required before construction or development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area for the 104 New Mexico Communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Training & Exercise

This link takes you to the Preparing New Mexico website which includes training and exercise information throughout the state.

Hazardous Materials Program

The purpose of the Program is to gather current information about the nature and location of hazardous materials in the State and disseminate that information to entities responsible for emergency management or the public.