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 Applicant? | Required for a 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 Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance. Dams owned by nonprofit organizations must be located in a jurisdiction with a FEMA-approved local or tribal mitigation plan that includes all dam risks in order to receive funds.