Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with state, tribal and local governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
Policy Updates
Updates to State and Local Mitigation Planning Policies Went into Effect April 19, 2023
FEMA’s updated State and Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guides (policies) went into effect on April 19, 2023. All state and local plans must meet the requirements of the updated policies. Visit the Policy Updates webpage to learn more.
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News and Announcements
On April 18, The Natural Hazards Center and FEMA will host a webinar, “Making Mitigation Work,” “Equitable Engagement with Underserved Communities: An Update on State and Local Mitigation Planning Guidance and Research”.
- This webinar will focus on The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updated State and Local Mitigation Planning Policy guides are in effect as of April 2023.
- This session will open with an overview of the changes to FEMA’s Mitigation Planning policies, with a focus on how state and local governments can leverage their planning process to advance social equity and resilience goals.
- Resources from the Natural Hazards Center will be covered about risk communication and building partnerships with socially vulnerable populations.
Learn More
FEMA has released the Enhanced State Validation Toolkit. This toolkit is meant to support enhanced states in their sustained commitment to hazard mitigation. It provides resources that FEMA and state mitigation planning partners can use to jointly develop performance measures and commitments for annual enhanced state validations.
Get Started
Access our handbooks and resources geared toward state, local and tribal governments.
Browse stories from across the country chronicling best practices in mitigation efforts and funding applications.
See when a plan is required for state, tribal, territorial and local officials applying to FEMA for assistance.
Resources to help implement, integrate and maintain hazard mitigation plans.
See quarterly metrics and interactive maps displaying the status of current mitigation plans in the United States
Learn about the laws regulating hazard mitigation plans and access policy and guidance documents.
Contact
Planners should contact the FEMA mitigation planner in their Region for assistance but may also contact:
For resources and information on how to integrate individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into hazard mitigation planning, contact FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination.