Hazard Mitigation

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from natural, human-caused, and technological threats and hazards. The Calvert County Division of Emergency Management collaborates with governmental and non-governmental partners before, during, and after disasters to identify, develop, and implement comprehensive hazard mitigation strategies.

Hazard mitigation is most effective when implemented as a comprehensive, long-term plan. Calvert County Government engages in hazard mitigation planning by identifying risks and vulnerabilities associated with threats and hazards. Once identified, long-term strategies are developed to protect people and property from future hazard events. Mitigation plans are the key to creating resilient communities by breaking the cycle of repeated damage.

Developing hazard mitigation plans enables Calvert County 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
Communicate priorities to potential sources of funding

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.