The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines hazard mitigation as any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future hazards events.
Hazard mitigation differs from disaster preparedness, response and recovery activities in its emphasis on long-term solutions that are often enacted well in advance of a hazard event.
Hazard mitigation actions typically fall into one the following categories:
| Mitigation Categories | Examples of Mitigation Actions |
| Prevention |
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| Property Protection |
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| Public Education & Awareness |
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| Natural Resource Protection |
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| Structural Projects |
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