Hazard Mitigation Planning

​Hazard Mitigation Planning Division

The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Hazard Mitigation Planning Division is responsible for a comprehensive local and state planning program. Mitigation requires the coordinated effort and participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Hazard mitigation is the cornerstone of every communities approach to reducing vulnerability to disasters. Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. The planning process is as important as the resulting plan because it creates a framework for the state of California to reduce the negative impacts from future disasters on lives, property, and the environment.

Areas of responsibility include:

1. Developing and maintaining the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). This includes climate related planning.
2. Implement and administer in cooperation with local governments and communities training and technical assistance on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) development. 
3. Assess and review LHMPs in a fair and consistent manner and ensure approved LHMPs meet the requirements of the Stafford Act and Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 prior to their submittal to FEMA for approval.