Hazard Mitigation

What is Mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from hazard events. MDEM’s Hazard Mitigation Branch collaborates with governmental and non-governmental partners before, during, and after disaster events to identify, craft, and implement comprehensive hazard mitigation strategies.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Programs

For a detailed listing of eligible activities please visit the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Mitigation Activity Chart page.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): The key purpose of HMGP is to ensure that the opportunity to take mitigation measures is not lost during reconstruction following a disaster. Funding is made available following authorization of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities: The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability - and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency. It provides an opportunity to implement mitigation prior to a disaster. BRIC is an annual, nationally competitive program and funding is based on the previous year's nationwide disaster expenses.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA): Only mitigation activities related to flooding hazards are eligible under this program. FMA grants are funded annually by Congressional appropriations from the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF) and are awarded on a nationally competitive basis.

If you have further questions about Hazard Mitigation and how to receive grant funding, please email the State Hazard Mitigation Officer Caitlin Whiteleather at Caitlin.whiteleather@maryland.gov or the Mitigation Branch email at Mitigation.mdem@maryland.gov

FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Mitigation

Post-disaster hazard mitigation opportunities are available under Public Assistance (PA)

Mitigation. PA Mitigation funding is available to damaged public facilities and certain private non-profits after a Presidential disaster declaraton. Funding is available for any eligible PA permanent work projects (Category C-G) when PA repair funds are made available through a non-competitive grant process. Check out FEMA's brochure for additional quick facts.

2021 State Hazard Mitigation Plan

The State of Maryland's Hazard Mitigation Plan is currently being updated for approval in 2021. Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. The State will conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to identify natural hazards and associated risks and vulnerabilities. A set of mitigation actions will be developed into a comprehensive strategy in order to develop long-term solutions to increase the resilience of the State. Learn more and participate in the planning process by visiting our virtual open house.