Mitigation

Mitigation is an action to reduce the loss of life and property by preventing or lessening the impact of disasters. It can include long-term actions that lessen the impact of threats or hazards on people, properties, businesses, and infrastructure.

Disasters may not always be preventable, but their impacts can often be reduced. Mitigation action examples include improving drainage to reduce flooding or managing vegetation to reduce wildfire risk. Investing your time, energy, and money into mitigation can help protect lives, prevent damage to homes and property, reduce disruptions to businesses, and lower the cost to recover after a disaster.

Want to learn more about the hazards that could affect you and what can be done to reduce their impacts? Explore these resources:

• FEMA Hazard Mitigation: Learn how communities identify risks and take action to reduce future disaster losses.
• Washington Emergency Management Division: Learn about Washington's natural hazards, mitigation planning, and programs that help communities reduce risk.
• City of Renton Hazard Mitigation Plan(PDF, 3MB): See which hazards have been identified in your community and what projects and strategies are being considered to reduce those risks.