Hazard mitigation planning is the process of determining how to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property damage resulting from natural and human-caused hazards. While most disasters cannot be avoided, there are things people can do to lessen the loss of life and property damage.

Hazard mitigation planning is a collaborative process whereby hazards affecting the community are identified, vulnerability to the hazards are assessed, and consensus reached on how to minimize or eliminate the effects of these hazards. Typical hazards considered during the planning process include: earthquakes, fires, floods, hazardous materials, nuclear, terrorism, thunderstorms, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms.

The Area 15 RPC can assist in county-wide Hazard Mitigation Planning activities, including the preparation of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application for financial assistance in compiling a comprehensive, county-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan. An approved Hazard Mitigation Plan will also allow cities/counties to receive increased levels of recovery assistance during an actual emergency declaration.

For more information on Hazard Mitigation Planning please visit FEMA's website

last updated January, 2006