Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. Cal OES assists local and tribal governments in the development of Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMPs) and provides technical assistance, training, and outreach to local jurisdictions. Cal OES reviews all LHMPs in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6, and FEMA Guidelines and coordinates with local jurisdictions throughout the process. Once Cal OES planning staff find the LHMP to be “approvable,” the plan is forwarded to FEMA Region IX mitigation planning staff for review and approval.
It starts with local jurisdictions identifying risks and vulnerabilities that are common in the area. After identifying these risks, it is important to develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
Is a Mitigation Plan Required?
For more information regarding mitigation planning and grants, visit FEMA's webpage to see what types of non-emergency disaster assistance requires a hazard mitigation plan at: FEMA Mitigation Planning and Grants.
Questions and/or Technical Assistance for Developing LHMPs
For more information and resources on creating your local hazard mitigation plan, visit the Cal OES Local Hazard Mitigation Planning webpage. If you have questions and/or need assistance with your plan, please contact our program at mitigationplanning@caloes.ca.gov.
The State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) sets the mitigation priorities, strategies, and actions for the state. The plan also describes how risk assessment and mitigation strategy information is coordinated and linked from local mitigation plans into the SHMP, and provides a resource for local planners of risk information that may affect their planning area. States are required to review and revise its SHMP and resubmit it for FEMA approval at least every five (5) years pursuant to Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations §201.4 and §201.5 to ensure the continued eligibility of Stafford Act funding.
Cal OES leads the coordination efforts to update the SHMP and supports related implementation efforts. The plan represents information gathered from State Hazard Mitigation Team (SHMT) members, Strategic Working Groups, and other valuable stakeholders and sources of information. Feedback and participation in the SHMP planning process is encouraged to help support the most comprehensive plan update possible and help to highlight all of the great hazard mitigation work the state is doing.
SHMP Questions, Information, and/or Updates
For more information regarding SHMP updates and implementation efforts, visit the Cal OES State Hazard Mitigation Planning webpage. For questions and/or concerns, or if you would like to participate in the next SHMP update, please contact our program at SHMP@caloes.ca.gov.
Hazard Mitigation Planning Contacts