When applying for certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, FEMA requires a hazard mitigation plan. These requirements are part of the laws, regulations and policy surrounding hazard mitigation planning.
Developing hazard mitigation plans help state, tribal and local governments to:
- Increase education and awareness on natural hazards and community vulnerabilities
- Build partnerships with government, organizations, businesses and the public to reduce risk
- Identify long-term strategies for risk reduction with input from stakeholders and the public
- Identify cost-effective mitigation actions that focus resources on the greatest risks areas
- Integrate planning efforts and risk reduction with other community planning efforts
- Align risk reduction with other state, tribal or community objectives
- Communicate priorities to potential funders
Ready to write or update your plan? Get started with our handbooks for state, local and tribal governments.
Is a Mitigation Plan Required?
The tables below summarize hazard mitigation plan requirements for state, tribal, territorial and local officials that are applying to FEMA for assistance, either directly or through a state as sub-applicants.
Hazard mitigation plans need to be updated and re-submitted for FEMA approval every five years to maintain eligibility.
Enabling Legislation: Stafford Act
| FEMA Assistance Program | Required for a State/Tribal Applicant? | Required for a Tribal/Local Sub-Applicant? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Assistance (IA) | No | No |
| Public Assistance (PA) Categories A and B (e.g., debris removal, emergency protective measures) | No | No |
| Public Assistance (PA) Categories C through G (e.g., repairs to damaged infrastructure, publicly owned buildings) | Yes | No |
| Fire Mitigation Assistance Grants (FMAG) | Yes | No |
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) planning grant | Yes+ | No |
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project grant | Yes+ | Yes++ |
| Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) planning grant | No | No |
| Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) project grant | Yes* | Yes** |
Enabling Legislation: National Flood Insurance Act
| FEMA Assistance Program | Required for a State/Tribal Applicant? | Required for a Tribal/Local Sub-Applicant? |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) planning grant | Yes* | No |
| Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) project grant | Yes* | Yes** |
Enabling Legislation: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act
| FEMA Assistance Program | Required for a State/Tribal Applicant? | Required for a Tribal/Local Sub-Applicant? |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant Program | Yes# | Yes# |
Notes
+ At the time of the Presidential major disaster declaration and at the time of obligation of HMGP grant funds.
++ At the time of obligation of HMGP grant funds for mitigation projects.
* By the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the BRIC or FMA award.
** By the application deadline and at the time of obligation of BRIC or FMA grant funds for mitigation projects.
# Mitigation plans must include all dam risk in accordance with the requirements set forth in the HHPD Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Nonprofit organizations must be located in a jurisdiction with a FEMA-approved local mitigation plan that includes all dam risks in order to receive funds.