Living in the South Puget Sound Region entails inherent geologic risks, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and wildfires. Additional factors can affect the magnitude and impact of these threats. For example, climate change increases flooding and wildfire risks in Thurston County. Some community members, such as the elderly and low-income households, need specific considerations to reduce risks from hazards.

The Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Thurston Region serves as a tool to reduce the risk from geologic threats before they take place. Since the first edition of the plan was adopted in 2003, the Emergency Management Council of Thurston County has led the region's hazard mitigation planning, working with Thurston Regional Planning Council and Thurston County Emergency Management. The most recent fourth edition was approved in February 2024.

The plan consists of a regional plan that covers countywide hazard risks and mitigation initiatives, as well as individual jurisdictions' annexes to the regional plan. The following jurisdictions have approved annexes to the plan: City of Lacey, City of Olympia, City of Tumwater, Intercity Transit, Thurston County (Unincorporated), and Thurston Public Utilities District #1.

4th Edition Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Thurston Region

Full Hazards Mitigation Plan

Individual Chapter Downloads

• Chapter 1 - Introduction (includes Title Page, Table of Contents, and Executive Summary)
• Chapter 2 - Mitigation Strategy
• Chapter 3 - Community Profile & Capability Assessment
• Chapter 4 - Risk Assessment: Introduction
  • 4.1 - Dam Failure Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.2 - Earthquake Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.3 - Flood Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.4 - Landslide Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.5 - Sea Level Risk Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.6 - Severe Weather Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.7 - Tsunami Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.8 - Volcanic Lahar Hazard Risk Assessment
  • 4.9 - Wildfire Hazard Risk Assessment
• Chapter 5 - Keeping the Plan Current
• Chapter 6 - Plan Process & Development
• Appendix A - Community Profile Maps & Tables
• Appendix B - Capability Assessment Documentation
• Appendix C - Risk Assessment Ratings Calculation Tables
• Appendix D - Annual Progress Report Template
• Appendix E - Plan Process Documentation

Plan Participant Annexes

City of Lacey

City of Olympia

City of Tumwater

Intercity Transit

Thurston County

Thurston Public Utilities District No. 1

For questions about hazard mitigation planning in Thurston County, please contact Emily Schoendorf at emily.schoendorf@co.thurston.wa.us, or (360) 867-2828.