Floodplain Mitigation - What is it?

While we cannot prevent natural hazards, it is however possible to reduce some of their consequences. We have tools and techniques which, when put into effect in a timely fashion, allow us to avoid the worst-case scenario when a hazard does occur. These tools and techniques are known as mitigation.

The goal of floodplain mitigation is to lessen the impact floods have on people, property, and the environment.

In practice, mitigation can take many forms. It can involve actions such as:

• Promoting sound land use planning based on known flood hazards
• Buying flood insurance to protect your belongings
• Relocating or elevating structures out of the floodplains
• Developing, adopting, and enforcing effective building codes and standards
• Developing and implementing a plan in your business or community to reduce your susceptibility to hazards

See FEMA´s mitigation Web site [exit DNR] for more information.

Financial Assistance is Available for Communities

We have more information on Communities and about these grants.