Hazard Mitigation Planning

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Hazard Mitigation Planning

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has two (2) units focused on mitigation planning: State Mitigation Planning and Local Mitigation Planning. These units are responsible for a comprehensive local and state planning program. Hazard mitigation is the cornerstone of every communities approach to reducing vulnerability to disasters. Mitigation requires the coordinated effort and participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. 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.

If you have a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan and are seeking information and/or assistance with a Hazard Mitigation Grant, vist the Cal OES 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program or contact HMA@caloes.ca.gov.

Areas of responsibility for the Hazard Mitigation Planning includes:

Developing and maintaining the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). This includes the 2020 California Adaption Planning Guide, a framework for climate-related planning.

Implementing and administering, in cooperation with local governments and communities, training and technical assistance on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) development.

Assessing and reviewing LHMPs in a fair and consistent manner, and ensuring approved LHMPs meet the requirements of the Stafford Act and Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 prior to FEMA for review and approval.

Local Mitigation Planning

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.

State Hazard Mitigation Plan

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.