Hazard Mitigation

Every community in Georgia is at risk of serious loss of life and/or property due to natural disasters, be it hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other severe weather events. Due to the enormous costs associated with disasters, numerous programs exist to lessen the effects or mitigate natural hazard events should they occur. Mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazard events. It is a continuous process that occurs before, during and after disasters, and serves to break the cycle of damage and repair in hazardous areas. It is estimated that for every dollar spent on mitigation using federal grants, $6 dollars in future damages can be avoided. Effective mitigation is taking action now - before the next disaster happens.

The GEMA/HS Hazard Mitigation Department administers FEMA funded grant programs that provide assistance to state and local governments for cost-effective projects that reduce the actual or potential risk of loss of life or property. These programs include:

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program
• Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities Program

This website is not only an introduction to hazard mitigation in Georgia, but also a resource for those communities that wish to implement mitigation actions in their jurisdiction. More information on how state and local governments can receive assistance for hazard mitigation can be found by clicking the links below:

• Planning Information
• Grants Information
• Resources
• Success Stories

For more information please contact the GEMA/HS Hazard Mitigation Department.