The goal of the Natural Hazards Program is to create a disaster resilient Oregon by managing and supporting local mitigation planning. We assist cities, counties, tribes, and special districts with incorporating natural hazards data into land use plans and regulations, and advancing local and state resilience and post-disaster recovery planning. The program works across the state with other state agencies, universities, local governments, and federal agencies to identify and understand which hazards are most likely to affect a community. Impacts from past hazard events are studied to help recognize who and what are affected. We work with the community to develop actions that can be taken to reduce impacts to people, property, and the environment. Program staff maintain and update the State of Oregon’s Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) and help local governments and tribes maintain and update their NHMPs.
The mission and vision of Oregon's natural hazards program are: to create a disaster-resilient state of Oregon such that natural hazard events result in no loss of life; events cause minimal property damage; and the long-term impacts to the economy are reduced. This mission and vision are supported by the Statewide Planning Goal 7. Local governments and tribes implement Goal 7 by identifying and planning for the hazards they are most likely to face. While there are many natural hazards, the 2015 Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan identifies eleven natural hazards in the state.
Learn more about Oregon's Natural Hazards and how local communities can use land use planning to mitigate their hazard risks.
A natural hazards mitigation plan (NHMP) identifies and examines the hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks facing local, state, and tribal governments. DLCD maintains the Oregon NHMP and assists local governments and tribes with developing and maintaining their local NHMPs. These plans are most effective when implemented with comprehensive, long-term planning.
Learn more about Natural Hazards Mitigation Planning.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. It does so by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. In exchange, flood insurance is made available to property owners and renters. These efforts help mitigate the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. DLCD coordinates the NFIP in Oregon through an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. DLCD also provides assistance and training to local floodplain managers, property owners, surveyors, real estate agents, and others. For more information, go to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Oregon page.