Mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters.

For mitigation to be effective, action needs to happen before the next disaster strikes to reduce human and financial consequences later. A mitigation plan includes projects designed to reduce the likelihood that a natural hazard will result in damage. Examples of mitigation include elevating a home to ensure it remains above flood waters and installing tornado safe rooms to mitigate the threat of injury from a tornado. The plan is federally mandated and requires a complete update every five years.

Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security is updating the Franklin County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan this year. The plan represents the work of residents, stakeholders, and elected and appointed government officials to develop a blueprint for protecting community assets, preserving the economic viability of the community, and saving lives. The plan is endorsed by FEMA as following regulations based on the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

Once approved, the plan must be officially adopted by resolution in all 42 jurisdictions in Franklin County. As a result, officials commit to working with citizens and business owners to make their communities more resilient.