DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

WHAT TO DO BEFORE ADISASTER STRIKES(MITIGATION TIPS)…There are many things you can do to protect yourself, your home and yourproperty BEFORE any type of natural hazard or disaster strikes. One of themost important things citizens can do is learn about hazards and risks inyour area and take personal responsibility to prepare for the unexpected.Please realize that natural disasters have common elements that overlap(like wind and floods) and we are only summarizing some key topics hereto help get you started.There are many mitigation tips and programs available from governmentagencies, public and private businesses, nonprofits and NGOs listed hereand in Section 4 of this book that can help you and your family learn more.WHAT IS MITIGATION?Mitigation simply means an effort to lessen the impact disasters have onpeople, property, communities and the economy. It is also about reducing oreliminating risks before disasters strike and involves planning, commitment,preparation and communication between local, state and federalgovernment officials, businesses and the general public.Some examples of mitigation include installing hurricane straps to secure astructure’s roof to its walls and foundation, building outside of flood plains,securing shelves and loose objects inside and around the home, developingand enforcing effective building codes and standards, using fire-retardantmaterials ... and the list goes on and on.Remember... the more you prepare BEFORE disaster strikes, the better offyou and your loved ones will be financially, emotionally and physically.FEMA’S MITIGATION DIRECTORATEThe Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Mitigation Directoratemanages the National Flood Insurance Program and oversees a number ofFEMA’s programs and activities like the National Hurricane Program,National Dam Safety Program, National Earthquake Hazards ReductionProgram and others. Plus the Division provides citizens information aboutsafe rooms and flood insurance, and small businesses can learn about Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) loans and other cost-saving mitigation tips forstructures and property. Learn more at www.fema.gov26 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325