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What is hazard mitigation planning?

FEMA defines hazard mitigation planning as “any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effect.”  Actions that have a long-term effect distinguish hazard mitigation from immediate preparedness, response and recovery activities.

What is Section 406 and Section 404 funding?

Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration after a catastrophic disaster, there are two main types of funding for recovery and mitigation available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Section 406 and Section 404.  Section 406 funding is for basic assistance to repair the damaged elements of public facilities and infrastructure (“recovery funds” or “public assistance”).  Section 404 funding, which this website addresses, is generally known as mitigation funds, and is administered through a program called the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

How can the University of Iowa apply for Section 404, or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), funding?

To be eligible for HMGP funds, a jurisdiction must have a FEMA approved mitigation plan.  The planning process and plan requirements are outlined in section 201.6 of Title 44.  The University followed the statutory criteria and now has a draft Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDMP).

Who was involved in writing the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan?

Writing of the PDMP was coordinated through the Department of Risk Management.  A Steering Committee including individuals from across campus, the City of Iowa City, the City of Coralville, Johnson County Emergency Management, and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  Acknowledgements are located in the PDMP.  The Plan Coordinator also worked with individuals from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop certain sections of the PDMP and ensure all statutory requirements for specific content were met.

What is the timeline for plan approval?

Following institutional adoption of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDMP), The University of Iowa will forward the Plan to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) in September 2009 for initial review and coordination.  The SHMO will then pass the plan to the appropriate FEMA Regional Office for formal review and approval.  Regional review will be completed within 45 days after receipt from the State, whenever possible.

How can the public be involved in mitigation planning at The University of Iowa?

The University of Iowa will host a public meeting on Tuesday August 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Indiana Room at the Iowa Memorial Union. This meeting is open to all interested community members, regardless of their affiliation with the University.  Everyone is welcome to learn about the PDMP, the planning process and hazard mitigation in general.  The meeting will begin with a Power Point slideshow, which will last for approximately half an hour, followed by an open question and answer format.

How is the PDMP different from “all the other emergency plans” at The University of Iowa?

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan is not an emergency plan, per se.  The PDMP is not intended to be used to respond to emergencies as they occur, in comparison with the Critical Incident Management Plan.  The PDMP is a structured document based on a risk assessment of all natural disasters that could occur on The University of Iowa campus, as well as a few combination or man-made hazards.  Hazards are rated using a hazard rating system.  The PDMP reviews mitigation actions that could be implemented before a disaster to make the University more resilient.  One of the primary functions of mitigation planning is to enable a community to identify and diminish risks prior to a disaster.

Who can I contact at The University of Iowa for more information on mitigation planning?

For more information on The University of Iowa Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, please email elizabeth-hosmanek@uiowa.edu in the Department of Risk Management.