The mission of hazard mitigation is to reduce the potential impacts from future events or disasters. Evaluation of mitigation opportunities is a part of all aspects of emergency management; further, local governments are required to have a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP).

Identification of mitigation opportunities in the recovery process is crucial to reducing the impact of a future event or disaster. Mitigation planning is similar to recovery planning in that it requires input from all stakeholders, as well as prioritization of efforts and financial resources.

There are significant benefits to including mitigation planning in all parts of public works and emergency management, including recovery. Some of them are:

• Increased public awareness
• Reduced future loss of life and property
• Reduced future needs for response and recovery
• Increased funding eligibility (potentially)
• Reduced business and economic interruption
• Strengthened community partnerships