Hazard Mitigation Plan

Weston & Sampson supported Charlestown, Rhode Island in developing its 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) by leading an inclusive, data-driven process grounded in climate science, equity, and resilience.

The project included a robust planning process that focused on community participation. Our team examined Charlestown’s geography with respect to hazard exposure and environmental protection, reviewed recent and projected impacts from climate-driven events, identified vulnerable populations, and conducted a detailed vulnerability assessment across 17 hazard types. The resulting HMP aligned with FEMA’s 2025 Local Mitigation Planning Guidance and includes a prioritized suite of actionable strategies focused on structural upgrades, emergency preparedness, natural systems protection, zoning and regulatory tools, and public education. Goals include protecting critical infrastructure, reducing repetitive flood loss, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring equity in planning outcomes. Each mitigation action is assigned responsible parties, timelines, and funding considerations to facilitate implementation. Charlestown’s updated plan strengthens the town’s eligibility for mitigation grants and advances the town’s commitment to long-term resilience.