Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Hesperia has updated its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). This important plan is designed to help create a safer and more resilient community for Hesperia’s residents, businesses, and visitors. The LHMP provides a comprehensive assessment of the natural hazards that pose risks to our city. It also outlines proactive strategies and actions that city officials, emergency responders, and the public can take to reduce those risks before disasters happen. This collaborative effort supports a stronger, more prepared Hesperia.
WHY HAVE AN LHMP
An LHMP helps the City of Hesperia plan more effectively for future emergencies. While most communities focus on recovery after a disaster strikes, the LHMP enables Hesperia to take proactive steps ahead of time to reduce the impacts of those disasters. By preparing in advance, the City can lessen property damage, prevent injuries, and save lives when emergencies occur.
Beyond enhancing local safety, having an adopted LHMP makes Hesperia eligible for federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support further mitigation efforts. It can also increase the City’s access to state financial assistance when disasters do occur.
WHAT IS IN OUR LHMP?
- Community Demographics & Profile: A detailed breakdown of Hesperia’s population, infrastructure, and development trends to understand our community’s needs.
- Hazard Risk Assessment: A comprehensive review of natural hazards impacting Hesperia, including wildfires, flooding, extreme heat, earthquakes, and more.
- Vulnerability Assessment: Identifies areas at greatest risk, vulnerable populations, and critical infrastructure.
- Mitigation Strategies: Includes prioritized actions to reduce risks, along with a Capabilities Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Goals to guide future preparedness efforts.
- Plan Maintenance: A section on maintaining the plan, which will help ensure that the LHMP is kept up-to-date, and will also keep the City eligible for additional funding.
WHAT HAZARDS WILL OUR LHMP HELP PROTECT AGAINST?
- Earthquake/Geologic Hazards
- Wildfire
- Flooding
- Severe Weather Events (High winds, extreme heat, and severe rainstorm/thunderstorm)
- Climate Change (Discussed within each hazard)
HOW IS OUR LHMP BEING PREPARED?
The City organized a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), which includes representatives from City Departments and supported by key stakeholders. Together, these participants form the project team responsible for maintaining, updating, and evaluating the effectiveness of the LHMP.
WHEN WILL OUR LHMP BE UPDATED AGAIN?
The Hesperia City Council adopted the final LHMP on May 6, 2025. In order to continue to be eligible for hazard mitigation funding, the City of Hesperia will need to update the LHMP every 5 years, which will be, May 6, 2030.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW TO BETTER PREPARE FOR DISASTERS IN HESPERIA?
Know the hazards in your area. Understand the natural and human-caused risks that could impact your home, workplace, or school. Visit http://myhazards.caloes.ca.gov to learn more about potential threats in Hesperia.
Assemble an emergency kit. In the event of a disaster, you may need to rely on your own supplies for at least 72 hours. Include essentials like water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Don’t forget supplies for pets and individuals with special needs. Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/kit.
Create a disaster plan for your household. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to contact each other during an emergency and where to meet if separated.
Connect with your neighbors. Emergency responders might not be able to reach every neighborhood immediately. Knowing your neighbors—and their potential needs—can help build a stronger, more supportive community during and after a disaster.
Review your insurance coverage. Make sure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance includes protection against disasters common to the Hesperia area, such as earthquakes or floods.
Volunteer locally. Get involved with a local emergency response or community service organization that focuses on disaster preparedness and education.
Talk to your employer. Encourage your workplace to develop or review disaster recovery, communication, and business continuity plans. Make sure employees are familiar with them.
For questions regarding the LHMP, please contact Jacquelyn Castillo at jmcastillo@hesperiaca.gov.