Chapter 9 - Mitigation Strategies for Natural Hazards

Abstract

This chapter introduces several mitigation measures that can be implemented by communities to protect against natural hazards. Mitigation measures can basically be classified as structural and nonstructural. These divisions can be further categorized into six broad areas: (1) structural projects, (2) prevention, (3) property protection, (4) natural resource protection, (5) public education and awareness, and (6) emergency services. Structural projects include flood control structures such as dams, levees, dikes, and floodwalls; shoreline protection structures, including seawalls, bulkheads, and revetments; and sediment trapping structures, such as groins and jetties. Mitigation measures related to prevention include government regulatory actions or processes that influence land development to avoid hazard areas or reduce damages from hazards. These include zoning, subdivision regulations, setback regulations, eminent domain, and building codes. Property protection measures such as structural retrofitting, acquisition, easement, or relocation can help a community better withstand hazards, or even remove it from the hazard area. Natural resource protection measures such as wetland restoration or erosion control help communities preserve or restore the functions of natural systems, as well as minimizing disaster damage. Public education and awareness programs such as community outreach projects or real estate disclosures can keep citizens, elected officials, and property owners informed about potential hazard risks and how to properly protect themselves and their property. Warning systems and other emergency response services help protect people and property during and immediately after a disaster or hazard event. Also, it is important to preserve critical infrastructure that is essential for emergency services to protect a nation’s economy, security, and public health or safety. Both structural and nonstructural mitigation measures have their advantages and disadvantages. Although government agencies used to take massive structural projects in the past, nonstructural mitigation measures have been emphasized since the 1960s. The chapter concludes by describing the process of incorporating mitigation strategies into a hazard mitigation plan (HMP).