Changes in our climate are increasing the intensity of the disasters we experience. Learn about ways communities can plan ahead to mitigate disaster risk.
Looking for Financial or Capacity-Building Support?
FEMA has grant programs dedicated to restoring community infrastructure, increasing resilience and reducing risk from many hazards.
Programs to Mitigate Risk
NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS)
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Over 1,500 communities participate nationwide.
In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts.
Recovery Resources
Before a disaster occurs, prepare your community with the resources it needs to implenment a successful disaster recovery. FEMA has resources to help integrate sustainability and integrate mitigation into your recovery plans.
National Mitigation Investment Strategy
The National Mitigation Investment Strategy is a single national strategy for advancing mitigation investment to reduce risks posed by natural hazard and increasing the nation’s resilience to natural hazards.
Planning for Future Conditions
As weather and development patterns change, local plans and projects must address the changing risks of future disasters. View planning tips and resources. (En espanol)
Environmental and Historic Preservation
FEMA’s Environmental and Historic Preservation experts provide specialized guidance and practical long-term planning assistance to communities across the county to ensure that proposed projects align with environmental planning and preservation requirements.