Hazard Mitigation

Natural and manmade hazards present risks throughout Minnesota. Rain and snow bring threats of flooding and utility failure. At any time, we may need to respond to the impacts of fire or tornado, riot or radiation. Our local units of government, first responders and emergency managers effectively respond to hazards as they occur. We can also protect our communities by planning for hazard mitigation before disaster strikes.

What is hazard mitigation? The American Planning Association guide Hazard Mitigation: Integrating Best Practices into Planning offers that "Mitigation, a cornerstone of emergency management, is defined as taking sustained actions to reduce or eliminate the long-term risks to people and property from hazards." 

All Hazards Mitigation Planning

SRDC works with local units of government in Southwest Minnesota to meet the US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) requirements for multi-hazard mitigation planning.  All Hazard Mitigation Plans have been completed for all counties in Southwest Minnesota, and several counties are updating their plans.

On 24 January 2012, FEMA approved the Murray County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan update, pending adoption by the Murray County Board of Commissioners.  On 26 January 2012, FEMA approved the Redwood County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan update, pending adoption by the Redwood County Board of Commissioners.    Cities in both counties are eligible to adopt the plan, to become eligible for certain FEMA mitigation funding.

The following plans have been recently completed and adopted by local jurisdictions:

Planning