Hazard mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. It is most effective when implemented under a comprehensive, long-term mitigation plan. State and local governments engage in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters, and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage.
Developing hazard mitigation plans enables state and local governments to:
- Increase education and awareness around threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities;
- Build partnerships for risk reduction involving government, organizations, businesses, and the public;
- Identify long-term, broadly-supported strategies for risk reduction;
- Align risk reduction with other state, tribal, or community objectives;
- Identify implementation approaches that focus resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities; and
- Communicate priorities to potential sources of funding.
Moreover, a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan is a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. Ultimately, hazard mitigation planning enables action to reduce loss of life and property, lessening the impact of disasters.
Hazard Mitigation Planning Resources
The following resources can help local jurisdictions update their mitigation plans.
- The Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (2011) is FEMA’s policy on and interpretation of the mitigation planning requirements for local mitigation planning.
- Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (Handbook) is a tool for local governments to use in developing or updating local hazard mitigation plans. The Handbook offers practical approaches, tools, and examples of how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards and disasters. The Handbook complements and references the Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide , FEMA’s official policy on and interpretation of the local hazard mitigation planning requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR Part 201).
Hazard Mitigation Plan Status
To search or view an interactive version of this map, click here. This map allows you to search for the current plan status for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial governments.
The national status map shows local jurisdictions with approved plans (green), Approvable-Pending-Adoption (APA) plans (light green), plans that will expire within 90 days (yellow), and expired plans (red).
State of Arkansas Hazard Mitigation Plan
The State of Arkansas Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA on September 6, 2023.
- 2023 State of Arkansas Hazard Mitigation Plan (with adoption proclamation)