What is the primary purpose of hazard mitigation planning?

The primary purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to identify and prioritize actions that effectively reduce disaster risks. This involves evaluating potential hazards that a community may face—such as natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes—and determining strategies that can be implemented to minimize their impact. The process encourages communities to consider both short-term and long-term measures to limit the potential damage caused by future disasters.

Such planning involves a comprehensive assessment of vulnerabilities, resources, and capabilities, leading to well-informed decisions on where resources and efforts should be focused. This proactive approach not only enhances community safety but also fosters resilience, ensuring that communities can recover more swiftly after incidents.

While promoting community engagement, establishing response protocols, and creating fundraising initiatives are necessary components of disaster management, they fall under broader umbrella strategies linked to hazard mitigation rather than defining the core purpose of mitigation planning itself.