Local mitigation strategy, hazard mitigation viewer, local mitigation strategy working group
Hazard mitigation focuses on long-term actions that yield recurring benefits, not on actions that might be considered emergency planning or emergency services. Actions include strengthening buildings, improving drainage, and protecting natural areas that keep people safe and reduce recovery costs after storms, floods, and other disasters.
The primary purpose of hazard mitigation is to take action now – before the next disaster – to reduce human and financial consequences later. The County leads a unified multi-jurisdictional mitigation planning process to address risks such as floods, wildfires, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hurricanes, and identify techniques that residents, businesses, and local government may implement to help lessen these risks.
Why is hazard mitigation important?
Disasters can’t always be prevented, but their potential impact can be reduced. The cost of recovery and rebuilding is much greater than the cost of planning and preparing before disaster strikes.
What can residents do?
Everyone can contribute to greater hazard mitigation and resiliency in Hillsborough County.
Here are a few ways residents can help strengthen themselves and their community:
- Prepare their property: Clear drains, trim trees, and secure outdoor items before storms, and fortify windows or elevate foundations.
- Stay informed: Know your flood zone and storm evacuation routes.
- Buy flood insurance: Purchase flood insurance even if you don’t live in a flood zone, as flooding can still happen anywhere in Florida.
- Get involved: Join the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (LMS WG) and/or the Community Ratings Systems Working Group (CRS WG), attend preparedness events, or assist with public outreach.
- Report hazards: Provide resident-impacting observations of recurring flooding or safety issues in their area.