Hazard Mitigation

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from hazard events. The Calvert County Division of Emergency Management collaborates with governmental and non-governmental partners before, during, and after disaster events to identify, develop, and implement comprehensive hazard mitigation strategies.

Hazard mitigation is most effective when implemented under a comprehensive, long-term mitigation plan. State, tribal, and local governments engage in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with threats and hazards and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events. Mitigation plans are the key to creating resilient communities by breaking the cycle of repeated damage.

Developing hazard mitigation plans enables state, tribal, and local governments to:

  • Increase education and awareness around threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities
  • Build partnerships for risk reduction involving government, organizations, businesses, and the public
  • Identify long-term, broadly-supported strategies for risk reduction
  • Align risk reduction with other state, tribal, or community objectives
  • Identify implementation approaches that focus resources on the greatest risks and vulnerabilities
  • Communicate priorities to potential sources of funding

Moreover, a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan is a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. Ultimately, hazard mitigation planning enables action to reduce loss of life and property, lessening the impact of disasters.

The Calvert County Division of Emergency Management is in the process of reviewing and updating the hazard mitigation plan for 2023. Public participation in the hazard mitigation planning process is very important. Residents and business owners may participate in several ways: 

1. Complete the Community Preparedness Survey to provide Emergency Management with valuable data used to update the plan

2. Attend a public meeting (hosted both virtually and in-person):

3. Review the draft plan and provide feedback during the public comment period July 26th - August 24th. 

Comments, questions, or recommendations for the new plan may be sent to the Division of Emergency Management at oem@calvertcountymd.gov.