Risk Mitigation
Reducing disaster risks before they happen
What is Hazard Mitigation?
Mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. It involves taking action now—before the next disaster—to reduce human and financial consequences later. Mitigation can be as simple as raising utilities above flood level or as complex as regional land-use planning.
Structural Mitigation
Physical modifications to buildings and infrastructure to reduce disaster impacts.
- Flood-proofing buildings
- Earthquake retrofitting
- Storm shutters and safe rooms
- Elevation of structures
Non-Structural Mitigation
Planning and regulatory measures to reduce vulnerability.
- Building codes and standards
- Land-use planning
- Insurance requirements
- Public education programs
Natural Mitigation
Using natural systems to reduce hazard impacts.
- Wetland preservation
- Coastal dune restoration
- Urban tree planting
- Green infrastructure
Community Mitigation
Community-wide approaches to risk reduction.
- Hazard mitigation plans
- Early warning systems
- Emergency shelters
- Community resilience programs
FEMA Mitigation Programs
FEMA offers several programs to help communities implement mitigation measures:
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Funding for post-disaster mitigation projects
- Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) - Funding for planning and projects before disasters
- Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) - Grants to reduce flood risks
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) - Supporting large-scale mitigation