Bi-State works with its member governments and community partners to help prepare Hazard Mitigation Plans. Click below for more information about plans that are currently in development.
- Muscatine County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Rock Island County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
What Is Hazard Mitigation?
Hazard mitigation means taking action before a disaster happens to reduce the potential for damage, disruption, and loss. Mitigation is different from emergency response. Response addresses an emergency when it occurs; mitigation focuses on reducing the effects of future emergencies before they happen.
Examples of mitigation activities may include:
• Improving drainage and stormwater systems
• Reducing flood risks to homes, businesses, and public facilities
• Strengthening critical infrastructure
• Improving emergency warning and communication systems
• Protecting essential facilities and services
• Addressing risks from severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, extreme temperatures, and other hazards
• Improving building codes, development practices, and land-use policies
• Identifying projects that could reduce future disaster-related losses
Why Is the Plan Important?
Communities face a variety of natural hazards from flash flooding to tornados. Understanding these risks and identifying ways to reduce their impacts can help communities make informed decisions about infrastructure, development, public facilities, emergency preparedness, and future investments. Hazard Mitigation Plans provide a framework for identifying and prioritizing projects and policies that can make communities more resilient. A current, FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan can also help eligible communities pursue certain federal mitigation funding opportunities.
Your Input Matters
Successful hazard mitigation planning depends on local knowledge. Residents, businesses, community organizations, and local officials are encouraged to participate in the planning process and share information about hazards they have experienced or areas where they believe additional mitigation may be needed.
Participants may be asked to provide input about:
• Hazards that have affected their community
• Locations that are vulnerable to flooding, severe weather, or other hazards
• Critical facilities and infrastructure that need additional protection
• Areas where drainage, transportation, utilities, or communications may be vulnerable
• Actions that could reduce future risk
• Community strengths and resources that can help during and after disasters