Mitigation consists of planned and orderly efforts to prevent those hazards that are preventable and to lessen the impact of those that are not.
The design and implementation of a hazard mitigation strategy requires technical capability, resources, and the cooperative efforts of a number of diverse groups. While many targets of opportunity will be present after a disaster, an effective mitigation strategy should begin as soon as the hazards analysis is completed and should focus on a set of deliberate, well-reasoned policy decisions based on a long-term view.
Over time, the cumulative effect of mitigation actions, even if individually small, can make a significant impact on the degree of risk faced by a facility, and may serve to lessen the damage to property and the harm to life and limb.
Prepared by: Guy Corriveau, B.Sc., MPA, CEM®
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