Charleston County Gets Special Recognition From FEMA Region IV 

Release Date: June 21, 2002
Release Number: R4-02-50

» 2002 Region IV News Releases

Atlanta, GA -- Charleston County was recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IV Saturday for its role principal planner, host and manager of the 2002 Southeast Disaster Resistant Communities Summit, held at the Westin Francis Marion Hotel. The county was singled out for its work to involve all municipalities in ongoing hazard mitigation efforts and promoting disaster resistant construction to homeowners and building contractors.

"While we cannot prevent hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters from occurring, we can do something to reduce the possibility of personal injury and the amount of property damage," said FEMA Region IV Director Ken Burris. "That is what Disaster Resistant Communities are all about."

Federal officials noted that in Charleston County historic preservation is embraced as efforts are made to learn from historic structures that have proven to be disaster resistant and to develop sensitive ways to improve the disaster resistance of the majority of historic buildings.

"When you have buildings that withstand hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, you know you are doing something right," Burris said. "Charleston County continues to do the right thing in building to resist disasters and we are grateful that this week they shared their expertise with other disaster resistant communities."

The award was presented during the 2002 Southeast Disaster Resistant Communities Summit in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 22. The award was one of four special recognitions made to individuals for their outstanding work in furthering disaster mitigation in the Southeastern states. Twelve other awards were made in categories ranging from corporate involvement in mitigation, to innovative new construction projects. Each of the 12 recipients was honored for their work in safeguarding communities by making them more resistant to natural disasters. Award recipients were nominated by county, state or federal emergency management workers.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 10:33:44