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Hazard Mitigation Planning

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:

  • Identifying actions for risk reduction that are agreed upon by stakeholders and the public. 
  • Focusing resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities. 
  • Building partnerships by involving citizens, organizations, and businesses. 
  • Increasing education and awareness of threats and hazards, as well as their risks. 
  • Communicating priorities to State and Federal officials. 
  • Aligning risk reduction with other community objectives.

2020 Oregon Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan


Oregon's NHMP (included in Volume 1 of OEM (Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)) was approved by FEMA on September 21, 2020 It is now a standard plan versus Oregon's enhanced status, which was removed when the previous plan expired on September 23, 2020. The NHMP identifies natural hazards and vulnerabilities in Oregon, proposes a strategy to mitigate risk, and addresses recurring disasters and repetitive losses. The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is coordinated by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and the State Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team.


Read the 2020 Oregon Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) Update

Oregon's current NHMP (2020) will expire on September 24, 2025. With support from Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is leading the effort to review and update the plan and obtain FEMA's re-approval prior to that date. 

See the Oregon NHMP Update web page for further information.

Risk Assessment Upgrade

Oregon’s natural hazards risk assessment is the factual foundation of the Oregon NHMP. The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is leading a project to "develop and implement a public-facing comprehensive risk assessment tool in a geospatial environment that will respond to FEMA's new requirements for incorporating climate change, social vulnerability, lifelines, and equity." The initial results of this project will be used in the Oregon NHMP update.

See the Natural Hazards Risk Assessment Upgrade web page for further information.


Planning Resources

This planning guide​ is designed to help local governments prepare for recovery by developing pre-disaster recovery plans that follow a process to engage members of the whole community, develop recovery capabilities across governmental and nongovernmental partners, and ultimately create an organizational framework for comprehensive local recovery efforts.

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 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. 
  • Offer practical approaches and examples for how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters.​​​​​​

The Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide is intended to help state and federal officials review and approve local hazard mitigation plans. Appendix A is especially useful for ensuring your Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) meets applicable regulations.​​​​​​

The Hazard Mitigation Plan Status Map 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.


For information about statewide hazard mitigation planning or the State Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT), please contact:

Mike Crop 
Special Projects Coordinator 
971-719-0963

Joseph Murray 
Hazard Mitigation Planner
971-719-0950