Mitigation

Mitigation is the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by implementing long-term, sustainable measures that prevent and/or alleviate the impact of disasters and emergencies.  This phase of the emergency management cycle involves physical and legal measures.  Physical mitigation activities may include enhancing the structural integrity of buildings, flood control projects, raising building elevations, and clearing areas around structures.  Legal mitigation activities most often entails adopting/changing building codes and forbidding property development in areas prone to frequent flooding, wildfires, or sinkholes.  Mitigation seeks to break the cycle of disasters: disaster, damage, reconstruction, and repeat.

The City of Laurel Department of Emergency Management has implemented the following mitigation strategies:

• Prince George's County and City of Laurel Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Floodplain Management
  • National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
  • Community Rating System
• AWARE Flood Warning System

**Click on each bullet point to learn more about that mitigation strategy.**