Following a disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) mitigation 
programs play a critical role developing and integrating disaster operations policies, 
procedures and training under the National Response Plan. The Regional and Disaster 
Support Branch within the Mitigation Directorate acts as the coordination point for mitigation 
disaster operations and activities.

Hazard Mitigation Field Operations Mission
The mission of hazard mitigation is to protect lives and prevent or reduce the loss of 
property from hazard events. Post-disaster, this is accomplished through comprehensive 
efforts authorized by the Stafford Act, as amended by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the 
National Flood Insurance Act, the Flood Insurance Reform Act and Executive Orders. FEMA 
hazard mitigation staff partner with State, local and Tribal governments to:
*	Assess factors that contributed to disaster effects
*	Identify risk reduction opportunities
*	Educate the public and local government officials in methods to reduce future risks
*	Promote hazard mitigation community planning and project development that will 
result in sustainable community development
*	Provide grants to fund hazard mitigation projects
*	Assist communities in marketing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
*	Provide technical assistance to state, tribal and local governments to utilize rebuilding 
as an opportunity for enhanced local codes and ordinances
*	Identify and document proven mitigation actions and projects
*	Quantify the benefits of hazard mitigation
 Scientific Resolution
Hazard Mitigation Organizational Elements
Under the National Response Framework, Hazard Mitigation exists as a Branch under the 
Operations Section. The Hazard Mitigation Branch Director and management support staff 
are responsible for hazard mitigation field operations functions, which are carried out by 
four groups:   Floodplain Management and Insurance, Hazards and Performance Analysis 
(HPA),
Community Education and Outreach (CEO) and Hazard Mitigation Grants and Planning.

Floodplain Management and Insurance
The Floodplain Management and Insurance group serves as the Joint Field Office (JFO) point 
of
coordination and resource on flood insurance. The group also promotes community 
participation in the NFIP and ensures compliance with NFIP regulations, including sub-
damage requirements.



Mitigation Cadre
Mitigation deploys a cadre of staff to help coordinate and implement mitigation and insurance 
activities during disaster response and recovery. The Regional and Disaster Support Branch 
at FEMA Headquarters is responsible for managing the Mitigation cadre through
staffing, training, credentialing and catastrophic deployment.


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“FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, 
sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”


           May 2011


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