BY RYAN O’CONNOR

In the wake of last May’s floods that destroyed property and washed out roads throughout New Hampshire, Bow selectmen are completing a plan that will allow the town to receive federal aid in the aftermath of natural, technological and/or human disaster.

According to Town Manager Jim Pitts, the purpose of the plan is to identify areas in town that may be threatened by hazards, and to potentially reduce damage before it happens. Pitts noted that FEMA requires such a plan for towns to receive federal emergency aid.

At a public information meeting Tuesday, March 20, the board reviewed a final draft of the plan and bid farewell to Stephanie Alexander of the Central New Hampshire Planning Commission, who helped formulate the plan with a committee, nine town officials and residents.

“Stephanie has done one of the best jobs that’s ever been done for the town of Bow as far as consultant work is concerned,” said Pitts.

Selectman Jack Crisp, who served on the committee, said Alexander provided the perfect guidance and structure while letting members decide what was important to the plan.

“Stephanie provided a skeletal outline that was circulated among the committee, then we put all the meat on the bones, so to speak,” said Crisp. “In the meetings I went to, there were a lot of diverse thoughts from a number of people in the community.”

In addition to Crisp and Pitts, others who served on the committee included included Bow police Lt. Ron Welliver, Deputy Fire Chief Richard Pistey, Janet Shaw of the heritage commission, code enforcement officer Tedd Evans, Nathan Hadaway of the Department of Public Works, Janet Shuman of the building department and Brian Westover of the community development department.

Others who offered assistance during the planning process include Chief Jeff Jaran and Detective David Girard of the police department, public works director Chum Cleverly, Capt. Mitchell Harrington and Lt. Tom Ferguson of the fire department, Sara Swenson of the town clerk/tax collector’s office and Jackeline Jennings and *** Stevens, of the heritage commission.

Together, under Alexander’s guidance, the group came up with a comprehensive list of areas the town needs be concerned about in the event of an emergency, and ways to address those issues beforehand.

The plan, said Pitts, includes  natural hazards such as tornados, floods and earthquakes; technological hazards such as computer hacking, mechanical breakdown and railroad emergencies;  and human events such as large demonstrations or protests, hostage situations and terrorist attacks.

It also identifies buildings, roads and infrastructure in town that may be at risk.

“This committee has attempted to analyze all those types of scenarios and apply them, not only to the town buildings, but also historical sites, schools and other areas of high importance,” said Pitts.

To address those areas in need of upgrade, Pitts said the town will many potential problems through the budget process and others the existing capital improvement plan on a year-to-year basis.

One area that may be addressed in the near future is the stabilization of the banks of Merrimack River along River Road.

Resident Nancy Hendryx complimented the committee’s dedication, but said it failed to address one major area of concern.

“The plan looks very thought out and very well put together, but I’m concerned that there was little reference to the avian flu and no specific reference to pandemic planning,  and I think the report underestimates the possibility,” said Hendryx.

Pitts, however, said the hazard mitigation plan is intended to be preventative in nature, while the emergency management plan, which is already in place, deals with the aftereffects of pandemics and other emergencies.

He added that a pandemic is more of a statewide or regional issue.

Hendryx added that she feels the lines of communication need to be opened up between the town and school district, especially concerning potential hazards within the community.

The board agreed to strive harder to work with school officials.

The plan will now get sent to FEMA, which will suggest recommendations and send the plan back with contingent approval.

Selectmen will then have a chance to enforce the recommendations and adopt a final plan.

The plan will continue to be modified over time, said Pitts, as FEMA must review and approve the plan every five years.