Keep up with the latest developments and find out what's new in Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) policy. Follow the links below to view or download current HMA policies as well as policies of other federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration divisions that affect HMA funding.

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Policy Publications

The following policies guide project-type requirements and general eligibility requirements under the HMA programs.

• Safe Room Policy
• Wildfire Policy
• Wind Retrofit
• Disaster Specific Policy

HMA-Related Policy Publications

The following Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration policies directly impact HMA funding availability and project eligibility:

• Environmental and Historic Preservation
• Mitigation Planning
• Risk Insurance

Current HMA Policy Publications

Safe Room Policy

The FEMA Mitigation Safe Room Policy provides guidance on the use of HMA funding for extreme wind mitigation activities including safe rooms under the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

• Mitigation Interim Policy, MRR-2-09-1, "Hazard Mitigation Assistance for Safe Rooms" - 04/30/2009
• Memo to waive elements of sections VII. D. and VII. E. of the Safe Room Policy 2/7/2012

Wildfire Policy

The FEMA Mitigation Wildfire policy establishes the requirements for wildfire mitigation projects for the HMGP and PDM programs in accordance with sections 203 and 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207.

• MRR-2-08-1 Wildfire Mitigation Policy for the HMGP and Program and Pre-Disaster Management Program (PDM) - 09/08/2008
• Update of Wildfire Mitigation Policy - 09/08/2008

Wind retrofit Projects for existing residential buildings

The purpose of this policy is to require comprehensive design solutions for wind retrofit projects on existing one- and two-family residences in coastal areas that are funded under the HMGP and the PDM programs.

• Wind Retrofit Projects for Existing Residential Buildings FEMA Policy 104-008-01 11-19-2012

Disaster Specific Policy

Pilot Activity for Hurricane Sandy Major Disaster Declarations

• Elevated Foundation System 03/18/2013

If you are interested in applying for a Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant under this policy, please contact the Hazard Mitigation Assistance helpline by telephone 866-222-3580 or email  hmagrantshelpline@fema.dhs.gov for more information.

Based on unique circumstances after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, several disaster specific policies were provided. Many of these policies respond to legislative changes. 

• Floodplain Management Ordinances.  Provides Guidance on eligibility of costs for compliance with local floodplain management ordinances. 4/13/2007
• Procurement requirements for Homeowners hiring contractors HMGP 10/19/2007
• DHS Response to SMART Response Act 1/30/2008
• Louisiana Flood Recovery Guidance for Reconstruction 2/1/2008
• HMGP funding for Reconstruction Pilot in Coastal High Louisiana Flood Recovery Guidance for Reconstruction Hazard Areas or V-zones 12/2/08
• New Construction & Substantial Improvements Coastal High Hazard areas (V-Zones) for PA Projects 6/2/2009
• Limited Changes to HMGP Reconstruction Grant Pilot Activities DR-1603-LA, 1604-LA and 1604-MS 12/11/2011
• Non-federal cost share changes to HMGP for Hurricane Katrina Declarations DR-1602-FL, 1603-LA, 1604-MS and 1605-AL 10/4/2010

On October 16, 2007, based on unique circumstances in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Office of Management & Budget (OMB) Circulars granted a waiver to FEMA from OMB Circular A-87 pertaining to pre-award costs to allow for approval of costs incurred prior to award of HMGP funds. 

• Eligibility Criteria for Limited Exception for Retroactive Approvals under HMGP for Louisiana and Mississippi 1/15/2008
• Eligibility Criteria for Deadline Removal from Limited Exception for Retroactive Approvals under the HMGP for DR-1603-LA, 1607-LA and 1604-MS 1/31/2012

HMA-Related Policy Publications

Environmental and Historic Preservation

The following policies set forth requirements for environmental and historic review of HMA projects:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) FEMA Implementation – NEPA Desk Reference
• Environmental Policy No; 1: CATEX Acquisition of Damaged Properties; Implementation of E.O. 12898 - 4/18/1994
• Environmental Policy No. 2 - Other Agency Clearance for Environmental Assessments - 5/24/1994
• Environmental Policy No. 3 - Policy for Projects Initiated Without Environmental Review - 3/24/1995



Risk Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program provides Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage to assist payment for the cost of compliance with State or local floodplain management laws or ordinances. Terms of ICC assistance are addressed in the following policies.

• Waiver of Two Year Limit for ICC - 3/14/2006
• Assignment of ICC - 1/16/2007