See how best practices in mitigation at different government levels can lessen future disaster effects and validate their economical and effective nature.
DISASTER
RECOVERY
TODAY
INSIGHTS FOR THE EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY
Mitigation Measures A commitment to prevention and resilience
Inside This Issue The mitigation best practices presented herein can be utilized at state, local, territorial and tribal governments to lessen the impact of future disasters and demonstrate that investments made in mitigation measures are an affordable, effective, and prudent use of public funds. Mitigation grants create opportunities for safer, more resilient communities when disasters do occur.
Published by and for Emergency Management Professionals
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A hazard mitigation
Understanding the foundation of hazard mitigation Mitigation grant funds provide crucial resources for local jurisdictions. By strategically prioritizing, assessing risks, submitting eligible projects, and shielding against future losses, we can mitigate recurring damage.
plan can help communities become more resilient.
FEMA defines hazard mitigation as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.” 1
Essential steps for hazard mitigation planning
Creating a plan The planning process is as
Hazard mitigation involves creating lasting solutions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to both people and property arising from natural hazards and their effects. These activities aim to break the cycle of damage, reconstruction, and recurring damage. Mitigation planning marks the initial phase in the four-step risk management process, followed by preparedness, response, and recovery. Although the mitigation planning stage of risk management often gets the least attention, it is one of the most essential steps in creating a disaster-resistant community. Finding funding The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
offers funding to develop hazard mitigation plans, including support for qualified mitigation projects to reduce loss of life, property, and economic damages resulting from future disasters while breaking the cycle of disaster damage. In order to receive grant funding for mitigation, a community must have a hazard mitigation plan approved by FEMA, which needs updating every five years. This plan is the jurisdiction’s blueprint for reducing potential losses identified in a comprehensive risk assessment of facilities, existing policies, programs, and resources. Adopting a whole community approach and development, the hazard mitigation plan forms the foundation of a community’s long-term strategy and provides a framework for risk-based assessments.
important as the plan itself, and will determine its overall effectiveness. To ensure the most comprehensive approach, the process should: • Provide opportunities for public comment during the drafting stage • Engage neighboring communities in planning activities • Review and incorporate all available studies, plans and technical data Taking action Although the best opportunities for mitigation are during the preparedness and recovery phases of an incident, mitigation planning should be part of your thought process during all phases of the emergency management lifecycle.
Designing a successful hazard mitigation strategy After identifying the location of hazards and the entities or elements that could be impacted by a disaster, a mitigation strategy is devised to either prevent the disaster from occurring or minimize the effects if one does occur.
Conducting a risk assessment A thorough risk assessment will provide critical information, enabling a jurisdiction to identify and prioritize appropriate mitigation actions to reduce losses from recognized hazards. Profiling hazards probabilities for future hazard events will help to identify natural hazards that are a threat to the community. Assessing vulnerability A comprehensive vulnerability Including information on any previous occurrences and the assessment estimates the potential dollar losses to identified facilities,
analyzes development trends, and provides general descriptions of land uses. Identifying and analyzing the mitigation action Identifying and considering an extensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects is necessary to reduce or eliminate the effects of individual hazards. Planning the potential implementation of mitigation actions
Describing how each of the jurisdiction’s actions will be prioritized, implemented, and administered will give a clear picture of the mitigation path.
1 44 CFR § 201.2
4 | DISASTER RECOVERY TODAY Mitigation Measures Common hazard mitigation projects
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Acquisitions Acquisition projects involve the community or other eligible entity purchasing at-risk structures and the underlying property from a voluntary owner, demolishing all structures, and maintaining the property in open space. air conditioner, to more intricate endeavors such as relocating structures away from flood-prone areas, fortifying essential facilities to withstand wind damage, and establishing detention or retention ponds. Effective mitigation can encompass a range of projects and activities, from raising a home’s furnace, water heater, and
erosion and landslides by installing erosion control measures such as geotextiles, stabilizing sod, rip rap, vegetative buffer strips, or other activities such as preserving mature vegetation, decreasing slope angles or other means of slope anchoring. Safe Room Safe room projects are designed and constructed to provide immediate life-safety protection for people in public and private structures from severe wind events, including hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornadoes.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Program HMA programs funded by FEMA and administered by states provide funds for eligible activities that reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.
Flood Control Flood risk reduction projects are designed to eliminate or reduce flood events’ frequency, extent, and water depth. Flood sources for these projects could be coastal, riverine, rainfall events, or a combination of any of those sources. Hazard Mitigation Plan Update This includes requests to update or develop Hazard Mitigation Plans. Mitigation Reconstruction Mitigation reconstruction is constructing an improved, elevated structure that conforms to the latest building codes on the same site where an existing structure and/ or foundation has been partially or entirely demolished or destroyed. Retrofits Retrofit projects modify existing structures to reduce or eliminate the risk of future damage. Stabilization and Restoration Stabilization projects reduce risk to structures or infrastructure from
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Program provides mitigation grant opportunities to local, state, tribal, and territorial governments to reduce the effects of natural hazards and mitigate vulnerability to future disaster damage. Efforts to build resilience to natural hazards have shifted from a solely
post-disaster discussion to one of improved pre-disaster actions aided by grant assistance programs. With an approved plan complete, jurisdictions can obtain funding for mitigation measures from a variety of HMA programs, including: • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
• HMGP Post-Fire Assistance • Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) • Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program • Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) • Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Utility/Infrastructure Protection Utility/Infrastructure Protection projects elevate, move, or improve critical infrastructure, such as elevating a pumping station or enhancing power poles to resist fire and/or wind. Wildfire Mitigation Wildfire mitigation projects mitigate at-risk structures and associated loss of life from the threat of future wildfires.
Elevation Elevation is where a structure is physically raised so potential floodwaters may flow underneath.
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FEMA developed the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to address national public infrastructure pre-disaster hazard mitigation objectives. The program focuses on mitigation projects benefiting disadvantaged communities with nature-based solutions and climate resilience. BRIC aims to shift the focus from reactive, or post-disaster, spending toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. Program goals include: • Utilizing nature-based solutions that lower carbon emissions • Promoting natural risk mitigation measures for public infrastructure and disadvantaged communities • Utilizing eco-friendly solutions that also aim to lower carbon emissions • Strengthening climate adaptation and resilience • Boosting support for adopting and enforcing up-to-date hazard- resistant building codes • Supporting multifaceted mitigation projects that match program objectives
Through the BRIC program, FEMA also provides comprehensive, non-financial Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) to communities that lack resources. This includes activities such as climate risk assessments, community engagement, mitigation planning, and guidance on BRIC grant applications. Community Disaster Resilience Zones The primary goal of the Community Disaster Resilience Zones is to channel federal, public, and private resources toward underserved communities that are particularly vulnerable to natural hazards. FEMA utilizes a natural hazard risk assessment index to identify census tracts most at risk from the effects of natural hazards and climate change. In September 2023, FEMA announced the first 483 Community Disaster Resilience Zones in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A map and a list of designated census tracts are available on FEMA’s Community Disaster Resilience Zones page.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has Post-Fire Assistance available to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures for wildfire disasters. Funded by Sections 404 and 420 of the Stafford Act, it allocates grants to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in areas with a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration independent of a Presidential Disaster Declaration. The FMAG program provides federal assistance for fire suppression activities and is available to mitigate, manage, and control fires in public or private forests or grasslands, as such destruction could become a major disaster. Eligible firefighting costs may include expenses for: • Field Camps • Repair and replacement tools The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides mitigation grant opportunities to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments with a focused mission of preventing or reducing future loss of life and property for presidentially declared disasters. HMGP encourages a proactive approach to mitigate future
damages from natural disasters, focusing on implementing mitigation measures in long-term recovery. The implementation of hazard mitigation measures aids in response and strengthens a community’s overall ability to withstand the effects of a natural disaster in the future.
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program is a pre-disaster mitigation program focused on mitigation projects benefiting disadvantaged communities
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding for SLLTs
HMGP Post-Fire Assistance offers grants to communities to implement mitigation measures that reduce wildfire risks
• Mobilization and demobilization activities • Equipment use • Materials and supplies The HMGP Post-Fire Assistance program consolidates grants from multiple FMAG declarations into one award per recipient each fiscal year to streamline the administration process.
Proper planning can help utilize significant federal funding for mitigation activities before an incident occurs.
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The PDM program, authorized by Section 203 of the Stafford Act, provides congressionally directed federal funds to SLTT governments for cost-effective, sustainable measures that lessen future natural hazard risks to people and property while decreasing dependence on federal disaster relief funds. This program complements other FEMA grants by addressing increasing nationwide mitigation demands. FEMA can award revolving loan funds via capitalization grants to states, tribes, and territories, providing direct loans tailored to local governments’ mitigation needs and goals. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program is authorized under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act and prioritizes: • Empowering eligible entities with innovative funding solutions • Ensuring equitable investments and broadened access • Simplifying the grant application process • Providing maximum administrative flexibility Entities interested in applying must complete a capitalization grant application and develop an Intended Use Plan and local government project proposal list.
The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program supports the reduction of natural hazard risks from future disasters
Mitigation measures are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program provides capital to support local mitigation initiatives
Fiscal Year 2023 funding opportunities for the BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs total $1.8 billion.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program is a nationally competitive grant program that provides federal funding to SLTT governments to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), prioritizing socially vulnerable communities. Annual FMA funds may be used for activities such as lifting, buying, or moving NFIP-insured structures. FEMA identifies recipients based on the applicant’s ranking, eligibility, and project cost-effectiveness. Eligible applicants receive financial assistance for: • Technical assistance • Capability and capacity building
• Flood mitigation projects • Management costs A sub-program of FMA, Swift Current Flood Mitigation Assistance funding aims to speed up the FMA funding award to reduce the damage-repair cycle of repetitively flooded or substantially damaged properties. Instead of annual grant cycles, Swift Current provides resiliency dollars for properties insured through the NFIP as quickly and equitably as possible after a flood disaster event. Projects eligible for this funding include property acquisition, demolition, elevation, and relocation. To be eligible, buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program aims to reduce or eliminate flood risk to buildings and structures
The Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act allows FEMA to award capitalization grants for eligible entities to make funding decisions and award loans directly to local communities.
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Comprehensive listing of projects eligible for FEMA mitigation funding
Mitigation funds are available now Mitigation grant funds are enormously valuable for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to reduce the risks of catastrophic damage within their communities. Understanding the foundation of hazard mitigation, strategizing your jurisdiction’s priorities while assessing and documenting your risks, and submitting eligible projects will help break the cycle of repetitive damage and protect against future losses. The following resources will help you start planning. Click to get started: > FEMA.gov > H azard Mitigation Assistance Grants > H azard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide (Updated March 2023) > N ational Mitigation Framework > National Mitigation Investment Strategy If you need additional assistance, reach out to a professional for help navigating the system. Best practices in mitigation planning Take an all-hazards approach Causes of disasters can vary, but the effects often do not. Consider similar effects caused by various hazards instead of having a unique plan for each type of disaster. Use available guidance and planning materials Sample planning materials are available through state and FEMA websites – just add your data and tailor the contents to address specific local circumstances. Engage multiple teams The most realistic and complete who will execute the plan. This approach helps ensure the plan is comprehensive and realistic, with minimal duplication of effort. Implement multi-jurisdictional planning Single jurisdictional plans provide autonomy for the municipality but limit opportunities to collaborate with neighboring communities that may have the same challenges. Multi-jurisdictional planning is most plans are prepared by a team that includes representatives of departments, agencies and groups effective when communities face the same threats/hazards, operate under similar authorities, and have closely aligned capabilities. Also, they tend to be looked at more favorably when being considered for approval. Involve elected officials Seek support from elected officials to make mitigation planning a priority. Build on what exists in the jurisdiction A review of recent emergency operations and hazard events can help identify future issues. Seek professional assistance The addition of experts like professional consultants and engineers can be extremely valuable. Emergency management and disaster recovery consultants are available to provide advice and assistance from conception to completion.
HMGP Post-Fire
Eligible Activities
HMGP
BRIC FMA
Capacity and Capacity-Building New Plan Creation and Updates
4 *
4
4
4
Planning-Related Activities
4
4
4
Project Scoping/Advance Assistance
4
4
4
4
Financial Technical Assistance
4
Direct Non-Financial Technical Assistance
4
Partnerships
4
4
Codes and Standards
4
4
4
Innovative Capability- and Capacity-Building †
4
4
4
4
Mitigation Projects Property Acquisition Structure Elevation
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
Mitigation Reconstruction
4
4
4
4
Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects Non-Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects
4
4
4
4
4 4 **
4
4
Stabilization
4
4
4
4
Dry Floodproofing Non-Residential Building
4
4
4
4
Tsunami Vertical Evacuation
4
4
4
Safe Room
4
4
4
Wildfire Mitigation
4
4
4
Retrofit
4 †
4
4
4
Secondary Power Source
4
4
4
Warning System (excluding Earthquake Early Warning System)
4
4
4
Earthquake Early Warning System
4
4
4
Aquifer Recharge, Storage, and Recovery
4 4 ***
4
4
Innovative Mitigation Project ††
4
4
4
4
Management Costs
4
4
4
4
* For FMA, new plans and plan updates must provide for the reduction of flood losses to structures for which National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage is available. ** For FMA, non-localized flood risk reduction projects such as dikes, levees, floodwalls, seawalls, groins, jetties, dams and large-scale waterway channelization projects are not eligible unless the administrator specifically determines in approving a mitigation plan that such activities are the most cost-effective mitigation activities for the National Flood Mitigation Fund. *** For FMA, aquifer recharge, storage and recovery projects may be eligible under FMA if the purpose of the project is to provide flood mitigation benefits to NFIP participating communities and is demonstrated to eliminate future claims against the NFIP. † Only flood-related retrofitting projects are eligible. †† Innovative Capability- and Capacity-Building Activities and Innovative Mitigation Projects not described in the HMA Guide will be evaluated on their own merit against program requirements. Eligible activities will be approved on a case-by-case basis if assistance is available.
About the authors The information in this issue was written by Tidal Basin’s specialists, including former State Hazard Mitigation Officers (SHMOs) and professionals with decades of experience developing mitigation solutions for complex risks and hazards.
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