NCJ Number
199550
Date Published
September 2002
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This CD-ROM discusses hazard mitigation planning for the community or State.
Abstract
Hazard mitigation planning is the process determining how to reduce or eliminate loss of life and property damage resulting from natural and human-caused hazards. There are four basic phases. Phase 1 involves organizing resources. The steps in this phase are to assess community support, build a planning team, and engage the public. Phase 2 involves assessing risks and includes the steps of identifying hazards, profiling hazard events, determining inventory assets, and estimating losses. Phase 3 involves developing the mitigation plan. The steps of this phase are developing mitigation goals and objectives; identifying and prioritizing mitigation measures; preparing implementation strategy; and documenting the mitigation plan. Phase 4 involves implementing the plan and monitoring progress. Some considerations during this phase are community interest and information sensitivity, project funding, and monitoring and evaluation. Special topics discussed are evaluating potential mitigation measures through the use of benefit-cost analysis and other techniques; special considerations such as historic structures and cultural resources; human-caused hazards; multi-jurisdictional approaches; and technical and financial resources. Mitigation planning helps communities become more sustainable and disaster-resistant. Efforts are focused on the most important hazard areas. Mitigation planning can help save money by engaging in partnerships to provide technical, financial, and/or staff resources. The mitigation planning process is rarely linear and requires revision and additional information as time goes on. 4 appendices