IS-393.B: Introduction to Hazard Mitigation

As the costs of disasters continue to rise, governments and ordinary citizens must find ways to reduce hazard risks to our communities and ourselves. Efforts made to reduce hazard risks are easily made compatible with other community goals; safer communities are more attractive to employers as well as residents. As communities plan for new development and improvements to existing infrastructure, mitigation can and should be an important component of the planning effort. Mitigation means taking action to reduce or eliminate long-term risk from hazards and their effects.

FEMA has produced a series of courses intended to train those who have responsibility for, or simply interest in, reducing hazard risks in their States, communities, or Tribes. This course provides an introduction for those who are new to emergency management and/or hazard mitigation.