Mitigation vs. Preparedness

What do you think the difference is between mitigation and preparation?

  • Structural retrofits, green infrastructure, and fuel reduction are examples of mitigation.
  • Emergency notification, preparedness kits, and command vehicles are examples of preparedness.
  • Education and outreach efforts can be either—it depends on what you are educating and reaching out about.

Remember, mitigation is an ongoing process that is focused on long-term solutions, while preparedness seeks to rectify the short-term effects of hazards. Mitigation is in it for the long haul, and seeks to permanently reduce the risk from hazards.

Mitigation: Structural retrofits, Green infrastructure, and Wildfire fuels reduction. Prepareness: Emergency notification, hurricane preparedness kits, and buying a command vehicle. Education and Outreach are considered both.