Mitigation
Finding solutions to minimize the effects of future emergencies or preventing emergencies where possible
Mitigation includes any actions that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or reduce the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Mitigation activities take place before and after an emergency occurs.
Each municipal unit’s approach to mitigation may differ, please check with your municipality as to how it approaches mitigation. As a homeowner, you can also mitigate risk on your own property to be better prepared for an emergency.
Municipal Mitigation Examples
- Hazard mapping
- Adoption and enforcement of land use and zoning practices
- Implementing and enforcing building codes
- Flood plain mapping
- Disaster mitigation public awareness programs
Homeowner Mitigation Examples
- Tying down homes or barns with ground anchors to withstand wind damage
- Digging water channels to redirect water and planting vegetation to absorb water
- Constructing levees or permanent barriers to control flooding
- Reinforcing fencing to prevent animal escapes
- Buying insurance policies
- Raising of homes in flood-prone areas
- Keep trees trimmed and lower than power lines, remove dead trees that are near power lines/poles
- Plant the right type of trees that won’t grow into the power lines.
- Install sump pumps, rain guards, direct downspouts away from buildings
- Implement FireSmart techniques such as cleaning gutters, planting trees and moving combustible material away from structures.
