Hazard Mitigation Plan

Tornado near an open field

About the Hazard Mitigation Plan

Every five years, local jurisdictions (cities, counties, school districts, public colleges, and other special districts) are required to prepare and update a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible to apply for certain FEMA grants. The plan is valuable, both for the process to consider ways to reduce risks from natural and man-made hazards, and in identifying and gaining public and policy support for mitigation actions.

2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Icons representing different types of hazards in our region. For decoration only.

Every five years, local jurisdictions (cities, counties, school districts, public colleges, and other special districts) are required to prepare and update a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible to apply for certain FEMA grants. This plan will help our region better withstand natural disasters. 

The plan is due for an update in 2025 and MARC is leading the update for our region. 

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update FAQ

What is hazard mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is the process of taking steps to reduce or eliminate the long-term risks posed by natural hazards. By implementing proactive measures, we can significantly protect lives, property, and communities from the devastating impacts

What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP)?

A Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a comprehensive document outlining potential natural disasters, their associated risks, and strategic actions to minimize their impact on communities and schools. It identifies key steps local governments and school districts can take to protect lives and property from natural hazards. While an HMP doesn’t provide direct funding, it is essential for accessing various grant opportunities to implement protective measures and build community resilience.

Why is the HMP being updated?

To ensure our community is best prepared for future disasters, FEMA requires Hazard Mitigation Plans to be updated every five years. Since the last plan was completed in 2020, it's time for a comprehensive review and revision. This process involves active participation from local governments, school districts and the community to develop and formally adopt a new plan.

Why is a HMP important?

A Hazard Mitigation Plan is crucial for protecting our community and its residents from the devastating impacts of natural disasters. By developing a comprehensive plan, we become eligible for essential federal funding to implement protective measures like flood buyouts and tornado safe rooms. This funding is a lifeline for building resilience and safeguarding lives and property. However, it’s important to note that this funding is only available to communities that actively participate in the plan’s development and formally adopt it.

What are the goals of the HMP? 
  1. Safeguard lives: Reduce loss of life, injuries, and illnesses caused by natural disasters, with a focus on protecting those most at risk.
  2. Preserve property and infrastructure: Protect public and private assets, including homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure, crucial to the well-being of all community members.
  3. Build resilient communities: Foster long-term planning to minimize future disaster risks and strengthen the community's ability to support all residents. 

Draft 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Counties, cities, school districts, colleges and other special districts and other special districts have agreed to participate in the 2025 Regional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan which covers jurisdictions in the five counties of Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray in Missouri.  The plan has six chapters, including:

1) Introduction and Planning Process
2) Regional Planning Profile
3) Capabilities Assessment and Safe Growth Audit
4) Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
5) Goals and Mitigation Actions (for counties, cities and school districts)
6) Plan Maintenance

The draft plan is available to view in sections. 

Section 1: Introduction and Planning Process Section 2: Planning Area Profile Section 3: Capabilities Assessment Section 3a: Safe Growth Audit Summaries Section 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Section 5: Mitigation Strategy 5a: Local Jurisdictions' Mitigation Goals and Actions 5b: School District/University Mitigation Goals and Actions Section 6: Plan Maintenance

Share your input

Please take a few minutes and give us feedback about the draft plan. The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. 

Take the public survey Contact us

2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan

The plan identifies those hazards that pose the greatest risk to the local jurisdiction and for which it is most vulnerable to loss of life or property; information on the experience of the community with those hazards; local jurisdiction’s capabilities to address or reduce the risks; and goals and actions that the local jurisdiction is willing to take over the next five years.

View 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan (43 MB) Foreward and Executive Summary
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