Westchester County wants residents to weigh in on how the county prepares for floods, hurricanes and extreme weather before a new disaster plan is finalized.

County Executive Ken Jenkins announced Sunday, Sept. 20, that the county is accepting public comments on its updated Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan covers natural disaster risks and outlines steps to protect people, property and infrastructure across all of the county's municipalities.

Without an approved and current plan, the county and its local governments lose eligibility for federal disaster mitigation grants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires jurisdictions to update their hazard mitigation plans every five years to qualify for programs like the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which funds projects that reduce future disaster losses.

"Flooding, severe storms and extreme weather can have a major impact on communities across Westchester and preparing before disaster strikes can make all the difference," Jenkins said in the county's announcement.

Westchester County Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said the plan is a tool for identifying vulnerabilities and developing actions to prevent disasters. She said it focuses on neighborhoods that experience repetitive flooding and face other natural disaster risks.

Westchester County Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said the effort is one of several county initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability, noting that her department is working with the county Office of Emergency Management and state and federal partners on hazard and land-use planning.

Flash flooding on Sunday, Sept. 13, triggered water rescues in Rye and Port Chester and prompted officials in southern Westchester to urge residents to stay home unless ordered to evacuate, Patch reported. A flood watch was also issued for the county July 28.

The updated plan will connect with New York State's Mitigate NY platform, giving the county access to expanded state research and data for disaster planning.

Matthew Kavaler, director of the Emergency Management Division within the Department of Emergency Services, appeared in a county video segment posted Monday, Sept. 21, on X to request public feedback on the draft.

Residents can review the draft plan at the county's Mitigate NY page. Comments can be submitted through an online survey in English or Spanish, with links available in the county's press release. The county has not announced a deadline for public comments.