Gaston County Multi-jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 1
3-2 CITY OF BELMONT
HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The City of Belmont agrees with the Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies, outlined by Gaston
County.
Following are the Hazard Mitigation Strategies specific to the City of Belmont.
Gaston County Multi-jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 2
MODIFIED
Dam Failure
A. Institute regulations requiring long-term care facilities to provide
emergency generation and self-sustainability capability on-site. May
require local amendments to Building Codes, Zoning and or separate
Ordinance. (New initiative, On-going strategy, Moderate to High Cost
to facilities with potentially High Benefits.)
Belmont
City Council
B. Cooperate with state regulators in assessing vulnerability of dams
and assure corrective actions are taken when suggested
(Continuation, On-going strategy, Low Cost with High Benefits)
Emergency
Management,
Code
Enforcement,
Belmont
Pending
On-going
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
Thunderstorms,
Extreme Cold,
Hurricane, Snow &
Ice, High Winds
FUNDING
SOURCE
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
TIME FRAME
HAZARD
GOAL I. To protect persons and property, and
reduce future damage and losses to the
community.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
CITY OF BELMONT -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Local Funding as
available
Medium
Local, State and or
Federal Funding as
available
High
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 3
Thunderstorms,
Hurricane, Snow &
Ice, High Winds
Snow & Ice,
Extreme Cold,
Thunderstorms
Vegetative Fires
COMPLETED
Snow & Ice,
Thunderstorms,
High Winds,
Hurricanes
COMPLETED
Flood, Hurricanes
A. Initiate road clearing efforts early in storms.
(Continuation, On-going strategy, Low Cost with High Benefits )
B. Provide generator connections to vital facilities and inventory
generators capable of supplying 25% of these facilities simultaneously.
( On-going strategy, little or no resources allocated, Moderate to High
Costs with Potentially High Benefits)
C. Provide and maintain water system interconnects to increase
reliability of fire protection water supply.
(Continuation, On-going strategy, High Initial Cost with moderate
benefits [for Fire considerations only) COMPLETED Located at the
intersection of Catawba Ave. and Moses Rhyne Dr. in North
Belmont
D. Inventory water pumping facilities and sewer facilities, including
their demand for electrical power and connection capabilities. (In
progress with County All Hazards Plan update, Low Cost, Potentially
High Benefits if used for Emergency Operations) COMPLETED ,
also Added Generators in North Belmont Area in 2009
E. Reinforce and strengthen City’s raw water intake facility and
structure(s) in/at the Catawba River. (New initiative, Medium cost
with high benefits. Project could be short term, provided funding is
available.)
FUNDING
SOURCE
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
TIME FRAME
HAZARD
GOAL II. To identify and protect critical
services, buildings, facilities and infrastructure
at risk to natural hazards and undertake costeffective mitigation measures.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
City of Belmont -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Belmont
Public Works
On-going
Local Funding as
available
High
Public Works,
Belmont
Pending
Funding
Local Funding and/
or Grants, as
available
High
Public Works,
Belmont
Funded and
Completed
2009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Belmont
Public Works
Pending
Funding
Local, State,
Federal Funding
and/ or Grants, as
available
High
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 4
High Winds,
Thunderstorms,
Tornado, Snow &
Ice, Extreme Cold,
Extreme Heat,
Flood, Hurricane
MODIFIED
All Weather Related
Hazards
MODIFIED
A. Educate the public to take shelter and /or appropriate actions when
the potential for development of high winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms,
winter storms, floods, hurricanes, etc is present and watches and
warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Education can
take form of Public Service Messages on Government Access TV
Channel, Posters and Fliers. (Low cost with Potentially High Benefits,
Continuation, On-going strategy, limited funding in place.)
B. Encourage purchase and use of weather alert radios. Education can
take form of Public Service Messages on Government Access TV
Channel, Posters and Fliers. (Low cost with Potentially High Benefits,
Continuation, On-going strategy, limited funding in place.)
FUNDING
SOURCE
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
TIME FRAME
HAZARD
GOAL III. To increase public awareness of
natural hazards and mitigation measures and
to foster support and knowledge of efforts
reduce future potential losses.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
City of Belmont -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Belmont Fire
Dept.
On-going to
some extent
w/ PSA,
Pending
Funding
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
High
Belmont Fire
Dept.
Pending
Funding
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
High
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 5
Drought
DELETED
Drought
DELETED
Drought
DELETED
Drought
COMPLETED
A. Encourage underground utilities and removal of trees that could
down power lines. Besides education, codes & planning can make
such suggestions in the field during normal site inspections. (Low Cost
with High Benefits) (New initiative, On-going strategy, no funding
identified)
E. Determine Alternative Water Sources. Alternatives may include
industrial sources, additional surface intakes, additional
impoundments, wells, recycling, etc pending local requirements and
conditions. (New initiative, On-going strategy, no funding identified)(
Low to Moderate Costs with low to moderate benefits)
F. Identify programs to provide financial and physical assistance to
citizens who experience dry wells for both residential and animal
locations. (New initiative, On-going strategy, no funding identified)
(Low Cost with moderate to high Benefits)
G. Evaluate and document elevation differences between water
systems in Gaston County in preparation of interconnections.
(New initiative, On-going strategy, no funding identified) (Low Cost
H. Construct interconnects to facilitate water interchange between
municipal systems. (Continuation, On-going initiative, no funding,
long term strategy) (High Cost with Potentially High Benefits) Funded
and Completed 2009
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
Thunderstorms,
Extreme Cold,
Hurricane, Snow &
Ice, High Winds
FUNDING
SOURCE
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Planning,
Belmont
Pending
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
Medium
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Public Works,
Belmont
Funded and
Completed
2009
N/A
N/A
TIME FRAME
HAZARD
GOAL IV. To enhance the capabilities of local
government to lessen the impacts of future
disasters.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
City of Belmont -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 6
Drought
COMPLETED
Earthquake
Erosion &
Sedimentation
Fire
Fire
I. Develop uniform water use restriction ordinances and criteria when
to enact these.
(New initiative, On-going strategy, no funding identified)
(Low Cost with Moderate to High Benefits)
L. Enforce building, zoning and minimum housing codes.
(Continuation, On-going strategy, long-term) (Low Cost with High
Benefits)
M. Enforcement of Erosion & Sedimentation Ordinances.
(Continuation, On-going strategy) (Low Cost with Moderate to High
long Term Benefits)
N. Actively participate in mutual aid programs to strengthen
suppression capabilities.
(Continuation, On-going strategy) (Low Cost, High Benefits)
O. A mass, train and equip a strong fire suppression force capable of
intervening in fires during incipient stages.
(Continuation, On-going strategy) Moderate Cost with High Benefits)
FUNDING
SOURCE
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
TIME FRAME
HAZARD
GOAL IV. To enhance the capabilities of local
government to lessen the impacts of future
disasters.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
City of Belmont -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
N/A
Complete
N/A
N/A
Codes,
Belmont
On-going
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
Low
On-going
Local Funding
High
On-going
Local Funding, as
available
High
Local Funding,
Grants ,as available
Medium
County
Natural
Resources
Emergency
Management,
Belmont
Emergency
Management,
Belmont FD
On-going
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 7
Flood
Mass Earth
Movement
Thunderstorms,
Tornado, High
Winds
Thunderstorms,
Extreme Cold,
Hurricane, Snow &
Ice, High Winds
Tornado
P. Implement a program to seal and vent sewer system components,
i.e. manhole covers that are located in the 100-year flood plain or other
areas identified as highly probable for flooding.
(Continuation, On-going strategy) (Mod. To High Costs, Mod. To
High Benefits)
S. Enforce zoning and building codes to prevent construction within
the flood zone. (Existing enforcement)
(Continuation, On-going strategy) (Low Cost with High Benefits)
V. Enforce Building Code and educate inspectors as to mass earth
movements.
(New initiative, short term strategy)
(Low Cost with Low to Moderate Benefits)
W. Strengthen building codes so structures are “survivable”. This
may also be included in educations, and the encouragement of building
‘Safe Rooms’ may be included.) (New initiative, On-going, short term
strategy) (Low Cost High Benefits)
X. Require underground utilities for new construction.
(New initiative, Ongoing, short term strategy, amendment to existing
regulatory ordinance where not adopted) (Low Cost with High
Benefits)
Y. Provide alternative sheltering locations that open during times of
Tornado Watches.
(New initiative, On-going strategy) (Low to Moderate Costs with
Moderate to High Benefits)
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
Flood
FUNDING
SOURCE
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Belmont
Pending
Funding
Local Funding,
Grants ,as available
Medium
Codes,
Belmont
On-going
Local Funding
High
Codes
Pending
Local Funding
Low
Emergency
Management,
Belmont
Pending
Local Funding
Low
Planning,
Belmont
Pending
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
Medium
Emergency
Management,
Belmont
Pending
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
Medium
TIME FRAME
HAZARD
GOAL IV. To enhance the capabilities of local
government to lessen the impacts of future
disasters.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
City of Belmont -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 8
Snow & Ice,
Extreme Cold
Flooding and other
Disasters
FLOOD
NEW
STRATEGY
Z. Identify a cadre of persons with 4 wheel drive vehicles that are
willing to provide transportation services during ice/snow events.
(New initiative, On-going strategy) (Low Cost, Mod. Benefits)
AA. Belmont to participate in FEMA’s Community Rating System
(CRS) in order to continue mitigation strategies and to reduce Flood
Insurance Rates for residents within National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) guidelines.
(New initiative, On-going, short term strategy)
(Low Cost with High Potential of Benefits with respect to continued
mitigation efforts and reduce flood insurance rates for citizens)
BB. Strengthen Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to include unstudied streams, CLOMR requirements and other measures to mitigate
flood damages.
Emergency
Management,
Belmont
Pending
Priority
(High, Medium,
Low)
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
FUNDING
SOURCE
HAZARD
TIME FRAME
GOAL IV. To enhance the capabilities of local
government to lessen the impacts of future
disasters.
RESPONSIBLE
PARTY
City of Belmont -HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
Low
Belmont
Planning Dept.
Pending
Staff Time
& CAV
Local Funding,
Grants, as available
High
Belmont
Planning Dept.
2010
N/A
Medium
Gaston County Multi-jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 9
CITY of BELMONT
STRATEGY SUMMARY ANALYSIS
The City of Belmont, like all other jurisdictions in Gaston County have faced budget constraints due to the
economy. This has been detrimental to many mitigation strategies which have not been implemented due
to a lack of funding. In light of the realizations of current in-abilities and a lack of funding, the City will
concentrate limited resources on low cost and no cost strategies where possible. Grants, when available
will also be utilized, however in many instances matching funds requirements place such grant out of reach.
DELETED STRATEGIES
GOAL IV
E. Determine Alternative Water Sources. Alternatives may include industrial sources, additional surface
intakes, additional impoundments, wells, recycling, etc pending local requirements and conditions. With
water interconnections to surrounding municipalities completed, this strategy is no longer needed and is
deleted.
F. Identify programs to provide financial and physical assistance to citizens who experience dry wells for
both residential and animal locations. With water interconnections to surrounding municipalities
completed, this strategy is no longer needed and is deleted.
G. Evaluate and document elevation differences between water systems in Gaston County in preparation of
interconnections. With water interconnections to surrounding municipalities completed, this strategy is no
longer needed and is deleted.
PENDING & ON-GOING STRATEGIES
The City will continue its current on-going strategies and try to enact pending strategies, as limited funding
permits.
MODIFIED & COMPLETED STRATEGIES
GOAL I
A. Institute regulations requiring long-term care facilities to provide emergency generation and selfsustainability capability on-site. May require local amendments to Building Codes, Zoning and or
separate Ordinance. Strategy is modified, removing Gaston County Emergency Management as a
responsible party.
GOAL II
C. Provide and maintain water system interconnects to increase reliability of fire protection water supply.
With completion of interconnects to surrounding municipalities this strategy is completed and is
modified to maintain these connections.
D. Inventory water pumping facilities and sewer facilities, including their demand for electrical power and
connection capabilities. With completion of interconnects to surrounding municipalities this strategy
is completed.
Gaston County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Subsection 3-2, Belmont DRAFT REVISED Strategies, October 2010
S3-2- 10
GOAL III
A. Educate the public to take shelter and /or appropriate actions when the potential for development of
high winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms, winter storms, floods, hurricanes, etc is present and watches and
warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Education can take form of Public Service
Messages on Government Access TV Channel, Posters and Fliers. Modified to remove Public
Information Officer. Fire Department is now responsible party.
B. Encourage purchase and use of weather alert radios. Education can take form of Public Service
Messages on Government Access TV Channel, Posters and Fliers. Modified to remove Public
Information Officer. Fire Department is now responsible party.
GOAL IV
E. Construct interconnects to facilitate water interchange between municipal systems. With interconnects
with surrounding municipalities, this strategy is completed and is will be deleted.
F.
Develop uniform water use restriction ordinances and criteria when to enact these. With adoption of
water use regulations this strategy is considered complete
NEW STRATEGIES
GOAL IV
BB. Enhance Flood Damage Prevention Regulations to better control development in flood prone areas.
Such to include unstudied streams, CLOMR requirements. Also review potential of future conditions
FIRMs in future updates.