Hazard Mitigation

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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. Hazard mitigation activities are dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. States, territories, Indian tribal governments, and communities are encouraged to take advantage of funding by Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs in both before and after disasters.

Contact

Dusty Pogones
State Hazard Mitigation Program Supervisor
515- 725-9364

Hazard Mitigation Planning

The purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to identify policies and actions that can be implemented over the long term to reduce risk and future losses of life, property, and economic injury. The State of Iowa Hazard Mitigation Plan is an interagency plan that integrates local and State planning efforts through the State Hazard Mitigation Team and is comprised of representatives of several State, federal, and nonprofit agencies and associations, with the lead agency being HSEMD. The team performed a hazard analysis and risk assessment in which hazards that may affect the state were identified. This information was then used to develop a Hazard Mitigation Strategy with goals, objectives, and measures to address the hazards.

View the 2018 Iowa Hazard Mitigation Strategy (Chapter 5 of the Iowa Hazard Mitigation Plan). To see the full 2018 Iowa Hazard Mitigation Plan, contact a state hazard mitigation planner at 515-725-3231 or via Email.

Iowa is one of only 11 states and territories that has an Enhanced Mitigation Plan that has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Approval of an enhanced plan qualifies state and local governments to receive additional hazard mitigation disaster funding, which is crucial to funding products to reduce or eliminate hazards and avoid disaster-caused damage and associated costs.

FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans are required in order to receive mitigation funding for state or local mitigation projects through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant program.

Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (link to FEMA website)
Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide
Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Tool (MS Word)
Local Plan Status (PDF) – UPDATED AUGUST 2022

The HMA program has three sub-programs: Pre-Disaster Mitigation program (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). HMGP funding becomes available only when a Presidential Disaster Declaration is made. PDM and FMA funding are available annually. Check to see if there are any current HMA grant program funds available.

Iowa Map, Hazard Mitigation Planning text with tornado, fire, flood, and storm icons

Historic Preservation

In the course of executing your disaster recovery grant, you may encounter previously unknown cultural/historic artifacts. The Office of the State Archaeologist should be contacted if any archaeological deposits (artifacts) are exposed so that they can be investigated and the extent of the site determined.

Additionally, HSEMD and the State Historic Preservation Office must be informed to take proper action. In accordance with the Code of Iowa 263B, if human remains are unintentionally exposed, you must cease work immediately, secure the area, and contact local law enforcement and/or the county medical examiner. If the remains are determined to be ancient (greater than 150 years old), the Office of the State Archaeologist’s Bioarchaeology Program must also be notified.

Office of the State Archaeologist, (319) 384-0732

Bioarchaeology Program, Office of the State Archaeologist, (319) 384-0740

Recovery Division, Iowa Dept. of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, (515) 725-3231

Daniel Higginbottom, State Historic Preservation Office, (515) 281-8744

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP)

DR-4483 is now accepting NOIs. The application deadline is June 30, 2022.

DR-4642 is now accepting NOIs. The application deadline is December 23, 2022.

Purpose

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states, local governments, and Native American tribes for long-term hazard mitigation projects after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters by funding mitigation measures during the recovery phase of a natural disaster. States receive HMGP funding when a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been made.

Planning

HMGP Applicant Briefing – (YouTube)
Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance (link to FEMA website)
Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Tool (MS Word)
Local Plan Status (PDF) – UPDATED AUGUST 2022

Safe Rooms

Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms (link to FEMA website)

Hazard mitigation funding for the construction of tornado safe rooms in Iowa is limited to structures which serve a local governmental entity and are available to the public. There are no provisions under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to fund residential safe rooms directly to individuals.

To assist residents with Individual Safe Room criteria, please consult the FEMA 320 Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home. This document outlines the specifications for the construction of a residential tornado safe room.