Ocean County Leader

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management is set to hold its final public workshop on updating the County's Hazard Mitigation Plan. Scheduled for January 30 at 5 p.m., the event encourages public participation.

"This has been an ongoing process working with emergency management partners and our citizens to update the Hazard Mitigation plan," stated Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, Emergency Management Coordinator. "The plan is updated every five years so communities in Ocean County can prepare for disasters and also be eligible for certain types of state and federal disaster relief funds following a disaster."

Mastronardy emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying, "Engaging as many voices from the community as possible is important to the success of the HMP update."

The workshop will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend in person at the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management located at Robert J. Miller Airpark or virtually via registration on the Ocean County website.

The current Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) will be available for review and comment until February 7. Previous workshops covered topics such as FEMA Grant Programs, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management grant assistance, mitigation partnerships, and plan integration opportunities.

This 2025 Multi-jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan updates the 2020 version. It aims to guide Ocean County towards greater disaster resistance while considering community needs.

Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John P. Kelly encouraged residents' participation: "Whether you attend in person or join the discussion virtually, it's important we hear from you," he said.

For inquiries about the plan or workshop details, contact Brittany Dremluk at Michael Baker International or Allen J. Mantz Jr., Radiological Officer at Ocean County Sheriff's Office.