Bismarck Emergency Management, in cooperation with city staff and community involvement, has updated the city’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP), and that draft is now available for public review and comment through February 28, 2026.
The draft plan is available within the Bismarck Emergency Management website. Comments may be emailed to Emergency Manager Gary Stockert or mailed to:
Gary Stockert, Emergency Manager | Bismarck Emergency Management | 221 N. 5th Street | Bismarck ND 58501
Written comments regarding the plan must be postmarked by February 28, 2026.
A key outcome of this planning process is identifying steps we can take now—before a major emergency or disaster occurs—to help reduce the impact on people and property in our community. While the plan outlines actions for city departments, everyone has a role to play. Individuals and businesses can take proactive measures to prepare and lessen potential risks where we live, work, and play.
The MHMP identifies and profiles hazards to assess risk and vulnerability relating to natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. It also outlines mitigation strategies and specific actions to reduce potential impact. Public input is encouraged, including recommendations on how to make the community safer from hazards and disasters.
At the start of the plan update process, residents were invited to provide input through a combined city and county public input survey conducted this past March and April. Both the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) review and approve local mitigation plans. An approved mitigation plan ensures our community remains eligible for various mitigation grant opportunities.
Once finalized and approved, the updated MHMP will remain available on the website for review and comment throughout the 5-year planning cycle. For more information about emergency and disaster preparedness for you and your family, visit Bismarck Emergency Management.