Writing or updating a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a process—a slow process. And, as hazard mitigation planners can attest, it can get even slower when it comes to identifying and/or updating mitigation actions. Mitigation actions, as you know, are specific actions, projects, activities, or processes taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk and impact to people and property from natural disasters. So, why is developing this portion of a HMP so time-consuming?
For starters, all mitigation actions identified in the previous plan (if one exists) must be carefully reviewed (and updated) to show whether they are completed, ongoing, or no longer needed. Secondly, all projects must be approved by the associated jurisdiction. This can sometimes prove challenging as plan stakeholders may have different ideas for mitigating the hazard(s).
Common examples of mitigation actions include planning and zoning, floodplain protection, property acquisition and relocation, and public outreach (education and awareness) projects, to name a few.
To help state, local, tribal, and territorial governments come up with other meaningful and just as important, realistic, mitigation actions, BOLDplanning is happy to share the following ideas (by certain hazards) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Drought – Consider retrofitting crucial water supply systems or enhancing landscaping and design measures. Also, develop a plan to educate area farmers on soil and water conservation best practices.
Earthquake – Adopt and enforce building codes, and conduct regular inspections of building safety. Additionally, consider implementing structural mitigation techniques, such as strengthening and retrofitting non-reinforced masonry buildings. Last, but certainly not least, think about building safe rooms within the planning area.
Flooding