Hazard Mitigation Planning (HMP) Overview
Mitigation is most effective when it is based on a comprehensive, long-term plan that is developed before a disaster occurs. The purpose of mitigation planning is to identify local policies and actions that can be implemented over the long term to reduce risk and future losses from hazards. These mitigation policies and actions are identified based on an assessment of hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks and the participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Benefits of mitigation planning include:
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Identifying actions for risk reduction that are agreed upon by stakeholders and the public.
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Focusing resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities.
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Building partnerships by involving citizens, organizations, and businesses.
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Increasing education and awareness of threats and hazards, as well as their risks.
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Communicating priorities to State and Federal officials.
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Aligning risk reduction with other community objectives.
The Local Mitigation Planning Handbook is a tool for local governments to use in developing or updating a local hazard mitigation plan. The purpose of the Handbook is the following:
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To provide guidance to local governments on developing or updating hazard mitigation plans to meet the requirements of Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.
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To offer practical approaches and examples for how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters.
The Handbook is a companion to the Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide released by FEMA. While the Plan Review Guide is intended to help state and federal officials review and approve local hazard mitigation plans, the Handbook is intended to help local officials develop these plans.
However, the Plan Review Guide, Appendix A is a useful tool for reviewing your Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) to help ensure that it meets applicable regulations.
Local Mitigation Planning Handbook
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide
Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide for Local Governments
NHMP Consultants List
Natural Hazard Mitigation Status Dashboard
The Natural Hazard Mitigation Status Dashboard is an online portal for accessing information with regards to the following:
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Hazard Mitigation Status
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Verification of Plan Status if expired or within one year of expiration
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Statewide Mitigation and Recovery Coordinators
Natural Hazard Mitigation Status Dashboard
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Status
The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Status website is an interactive portal that is available to verify Plan status. Because of the amount of data represented on this website, it normally takes a few minutes to load the data for the chosen area.
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Status