Environment

Hazard Mitigation Planning

SRPEDD partners with communities to develop Hazard Mitigation Plans that identify and reduce risks from natural and human-made hazards. These plans help minimize potential impacts to infrastructure, finances, and public safety - building resilience and ensuring long-term protection for towns and cities.

Why Plan for Hazard Mitigation?

Planning for hazard mitigation helps communities reduce the loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption caused by natural and human-made hazards. It is a proactive steps that empowers communities to become more resilient, better prepared, and able to recover more quickly from future disasters.

In the SRPEDD region, we develop Hazard Mitigation Plans that are practical, community-driven, and aligned with local goals, state guidance, and FEMA requirements. These plans are not just regulatory tools - they are roadmaps for building safer, more sustainable communities.

Our Hazard Mitigation Plans:

Assess risks from past and current natural and man-made hazards
Evaluate future climate impacts and how they may intensify existing threats
Identify vulnerable populations and areas that may require additional support
Ensure compliance with FEMA and MEMA guidance and eligibility for funding
Recommend mitigation actions that reduce risk and enhance resilience
Review local policies, procedures, and infrastructure needs across departments
Align with existing plans, including Master Plans, Open Space Recreation Plans, and Municipal Vulnerability Plan strategies.

By planning for hazard mitigation, communities can make informed decisions, prioritize investments, and take meaningful steps today to protect people, property, and resources tomorrow.

ADDITIONAL HMP LINKS

Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide

State Mitigation Planning Policy Guide

Local Mitigation Planning Handbook

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs

FEMA Fact Sheet: Local Mitigation Planning

ResilientMA Climate Data Clearinghouse

FEMA and MEMA Guidance

Understanding FEMA and MEMA Guidance in Hazard Mitigation Planning

To develop effective and fundable Hazard Mitigation Plans, communities must follow guidance from both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). These agencies provide the framework and standards that ensure hazard mitigation planning is consistent, comprehensive, and eligible for federal and state support.

What is FEMA's Role?

FEMA sets standards for hazard mitigation planning through its Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2025) and relevant federal regulations (44 CFR § 201.6). Communities must meet FEMA's requirements in order for their plans to be approved and to remain eligible for pre- and post-disaster funding programs, such as:

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

Key FEMA requirements include:

A clear description of hazards and vulnerabilities (Risk Assessment)
A mitigation strategy with goals, actions, and prioritized projects
A robust community engagement process
Documentation of plan adoption by the local governing body
A commitment to monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan every five years.

What is MEMA's Role?

MEMA is the state-level agency that coordinates with FEMA and provides direct support to Massachusetts communities during the hazard mitigation planning process. MEMA reviews draft plans to ensure they meet FEMA's standards and reflect state priorities. MEMA also offers:

Technical assistance and feedback throughout the planning process
Planning tools, resources, and data specific to Massachusetts
Support in aligning plans with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adoption Plan (2018)

MEMA ensures that local plans not only comply with federal requirements but also integrate climate resilience, equity, and regional coordination - critical priorities in Massachusetts.

Why It Matters

Following FEMA and MEMA guidance ensures your Hazard Mitigation Plan:

Meets approval requirements and remains eligible for federal and state funding
Reflects best practices in risk reduction and disaster preparedness
Aligns with broader climate resilience and land use planning goals
Helps protect the community's people, infrastructure, and natural resources

At SRPEDD, we work closely with both agencies to ensure your plan is compliant, locally relevant, and ready to support implementation and funding success.

Past and Current HMP Projects

Town of Fairhaven

SRPEDD is assisting Fairhaven in the preparation of an update to the Town's 2018 HMP.

Town of Mansfield

SRPEDD is assisting Mansfield in the preparation of an update to the Town's 2008 HMP.

Request Information

Looking to Update or Create a Hazard Mitigation Plan?

SRPEDD works with communities across Southeastern Massachusetts to develop FEMA- and MEMA-compliant Hazard Mitigation Plans that identify local risks and outline actionable strategies to reduce vulnerability.

If your community is looking to update an existing plan or create a new one, we're here to help!

Examples of past plans and projects
Guidance on the planning process and requirements
Information about funding opportunities and timelines

Let's work together to build a safer, more resilient future for your community.