Hazard Mitigation
What is Hazard Mitigation?
Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. This definition distinguishes actions that have a long-term impact from those that are more closely associated with immediate preparedness, response, and recovery activities. Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. As such, states, territories, Indian tribal governments and communities are encouraged to take advantage of funding provided by Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs in both the pre-and post-disaster timeframes.
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Hazard mitigation falls into the general categories of preventive measures, property protection measures, public education and awareness, natural resource protection, emergency services, and structural projects (e.g., tornado safe rooms). Local and state governments must have approved hazard mitigation plans to be eligible for mitigation project funding.
Iowa's state hazard mitigation plan is an inter-agency plan developed by the state hazard mitigation team. The team performed a hazard analysis and risk assessment in which hazards that may affect the state were identified, profiled and ranked in order of priority. This information was then used to develop hazard mitigation goals, objectives, and measures to address the hazards.
Click to expand the tab to view the plan files.
The Iowa State Hazard Mitigation Plan file is a very large document, too large to be downloaded in one file. Here, it has been broken up into several parts to make it more easily accessible.
INTRODUCTION |
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Intro |
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Intro |
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Intro |
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PREREQUISITE |
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Section 1.1 |
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PLANNING PROCESS |
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Section 1.2 |
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Section 1.2 |
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RISK ASSESSMENT |
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Section 1.3 |
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Section 1.3 |
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MITIGATION STRATEGY |
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Section 1.4 |
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Section 1.4 |
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Section 1.4 |
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Section 1.4 |
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Section 1.4 |
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LOCAL COORDINATION |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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Section 1.5 |
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PLAN MAINTENANCE |
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Section 1.6 |
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ENHANCED PLAN |
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Section 2.0 |
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Section 2.0 |
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Section 2.0 |
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Section 2.0 |
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Section 2.0 |
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Section 2.0 |
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Section 2.0 |
FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans are required in order to receive mitigation funding for state or local mitigation projects through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
- Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (link to FEMA website)
- Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (link to FEMA website)
- Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Tool (MS Word)
- Local Plan Status (PDF) UPDATED May 3, 2013
As a result of Presidential Disaster 4114, declared May 6, 2013, hazard mitigation funding is now available statewide. Click here to visit the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program page to learn more. Notice of Interest (NOI) applications are due by Aug. 15, 2013.
Hazard Mitigation Program Contacts:
| Deputy State Hazard Mitigation Officer |
(515) 725-9369 |
| Planning & Safe Rooms |
(515) 725-9403 |
| Acquisitions ("Buyouts") & Relocations |
(515) 725-9384 |
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Electric Utilities |
(515) 725-9402 |
Dennis Harper State Hazard Mitigation Program Supervisor |
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Go to Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Program page.








