Otero County Emergency Plan Updates - Community Survey
Your input matters! Click the link to take a short survey to provide your perspective on hazards that impact the county and its communities, including wildfire, flooding and severe weather. Your input will be used to guide updates to each plan.
Otero County is updating three major emergency management plans by June 30, 2026. These plans will strengthen how our community prepares for, responds to, and reduces the impacts of disasters. This is also a major investment by the County in long-term community resilience, helping to keep our residents, property, and natural resources safer for years to come.
This site is your one-stop location for project updates and opportunities to provide input and participate in the process.
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What it is: The AHEOP is the County’s playbook for coordinating emergency response across agencies and partners. It covers all types of hazards — from wildfires and floods to severe weather and public health emergencies.
Why it matters: When disaster strikes, responders need a clear, tested plan. The AHEOP ensures resources are managed effectively, roles are understood, and communities receive the help they need quickly.
Prior plan: View the current AHEOP
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What it is: The CWPP identifies wildfire risks in Otero County and sets priorities for reducing them. It includes strategies like fuel reduction, defensible space, structural hardening, and strengthening firefighting capability.
Why it matters:
- Reduces wildfire risk to homes, infrastructure, and forests.
- Helps Otero stay eligible for state and federal wildfire mitigation funding.
- Provides the information insurance companies need to properly assess risk, which can help keep coverage available and affordable.
- Brings residents, agencies, and land managers together to create fire-adapted communities.
Prior plan: View the 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan
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What it is: The HMP identifies and provides a thorough risk assessment of natural hazards that affect Otero County (such as flooding, drought, and severe wind) and outlines long-term strategies to lessen their impact.
Why it matters: Mitigation is about being proactive. The HMP helps the County qualify for FEMA hazard mitigation funding, guides safer development, and reduces future disaster costs by protecting people, property, and essential services.
Prior plan: View the 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Your input is critical to the success of these plans. Opportunities will be posted here as they become available, including:
- Online community surveys
- Public meetings and workshops
- Draft plan review and comment periods