This course is designed to guide local communities through the steps needed to produce, maintain, implement and update a local hazard mitigation plan. Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Training is the foundational course for FEMA’s Mitigation Planning Program. It is designed to teach local officials, emergency managers, planners and other partners how to develop hazard mitigation plans that not only meet FEMA’s requirements, but also are effective tools for community risk reduction.

• Know the difference between mitigation and preparedness.
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of the entities involved in hazard mitigation planning.
• Describe the process of gathering information and documentation essential for a successful mitigation plan.
• Differentiate between risk assessment terms.
• List steps involved in identifying and profiling hazards.
• Recall the steps and various ways to assess risk, vulnerability and impacts.
• Describe tools and resources to help with the risk assessment process.
• Know how to identify and prioritize mitigation actions.
• Identify the three components of plan maintenance.
• Identify essential steps and items to consider when updating the hazard mitigation plan.
• Identify some common challenges and solutions to the implementation process.
• Discuss best practices that will help move mitigation actions forward.
• Identify FEMA and other mitigation funding sources and assistance.
• List the steps in the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) application process.