Hazard Mitigation Planning Resources

Local Mitigation Planning Handbook

The Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (Handbook) is the official guide for local governments to develop, update and implement local mitigation plans. While the requirements under §201.6 have not changed, the Handbook provides guidance to local governments on developing or updating hazard mitigation plans to meet the requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 44 – Emergency Management and Assistance §201.6, Local Mitigation Plans for FEMA approval and eligibility to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. It also offers practical approaches, tools, worksheets and local mitigation planning examples for how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters. The Handbook complements and liberally references the Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (October 1, 2011), which is the official guidance for Federal and State officials responsible for reviewing local mitigation plans in a fair and consistent manner. 

Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses

Mitigation Planning How-To Guide Number 2 (FEMA 386-2), the second guide in the State and Local Mitigation Planning How-To Series, provides step-by-step guidance on how to perform a risk assessment. Through a series of general and hazard-specific guidance and worksheets, the guide will help State, Indian Tribal, and local planning teams determine (1) which natural hazards could affect a jurisdiction; (2) what areas of the jurisdiction are vulnerable to the hazards; (3) what assets will be affected; and (4) to what degree they will be affected, as measured through dollar losses. This Guide is multi-hazard in scope, addressing flood, earthquake, tsunami, tornado, coastal storm, landslide and wildfire hazards. For communities dealing with multiple hazards, guidance is also provided on how to develop a composite loss estimate. Once the risk assessment is completed, State. Indian Tribal, and local officials will have the information necessary to develop a strategy and plan for reducing their losses.

Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies

Mitigation Planning How-To Guide Number 3 (FEMA 386-3), the third guide in the State And Local Mitigation Planning How-To Series, is about developing the mitigation strategy and documenting the planning process. This Guide builds on the resources and organizational framework discussed in Mitigation Planning How-To Guide # 1 (FEMA 386-1) and the results of the loss estimation conducted according to Mitigation Planning How-To Guide # 2 (FEMA 386-2). This Guide provides planners the tools necessary to develop mitigation goals and objectives, identify and prioritize mitigation actions, formulate an implementation strategy, and assemble the planning document.

Using the Hazard Mitigation Plan to Prepare Successful Mitigation Projects

How-To Guide #9 (FEMA 386-9) shows how a community can move from the hazard mitigation plan to developing mitigation projects that may be implemented fully using FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance as appropriate. This Guide explains the process of developing the scope of a project, identifies the key components of a successful mitigation project funding application, and describes how to identify funding available through FEMA and other agencies. This Guide explains how valuable information in the mitigation plan can be used to develop the project scope of work and how to use lessons learned through the implementation of mitigation projects to improve the mitigation plan when it is updated. This Guide is intended for grant writers, project developers, planners, emergency managers, and community leaders. It is particularly helpful for State, Tribal, and local government officials, department heads, nonprofit organizations, and other parties responsible for implementing hazard mitigation actions.