Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update

The Anne Arundel County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 update was formally adopted by Executive Order 68 and Resolution No. 22-25. The 2025 update has met all applicable laws, regulations and policies of FEMA Region 3 Mitigation Division. The approval period for the 2025 update is September 8, 2025 through September 7, 2030.

A digital version of the Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 update can be found here, and the compiled Appendix here.  

Hazard mitigation is the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. It aims to minimize or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, as well as human-caused hazards like industrial accidents and terrorist attacks. For more information on how you can mitigate the potential effects of disasters check out our Disaster Mitigation webpage. 

Community resilience is the ability of a community to prepare for anticipated natural hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. 

Risk is the likelihood that a threat will harm an asset with some severity of consequences and deciding on which actions can reduce that risk.

Hazard mitigation risk assessment is a process used to identify potential hazards and analyze what could happen if a disaster or hazard occurs. There are numerous hazards to consider, and each hazard could have many possible scenarios happening within or because of it.

Hazard mitigation planning is a crucial process that helps communities prepare for and reduce the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters. These plans outline strategies to lessen the impact of disasters on people, property, and the environment. Understanding the importance of these plans, how often they should be updated, and how the public can get involved is essential for building safer, more resilient communities.

Importance of Hazard Mitigation Plans:

1. Hazard mitigation plans identify and prioritize risks, allowing communities to take proactive measures to reduce vulnerabilities.
2. Investing in mitigation measures before a disaster can save lives and reduce recovery costs.
3. By implementing mitigation strategies, communities become more resilient to disasters, ensuring quicker recovery and less disruption to daily life.

How Often Plans Should be Updated:

1. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires hazard mitigation plans to be updated every five years to remain eligible for certain mitigation funding.
2. As communities grow and environmental factors change, mitigation plans need to be updated to reflect current risks and vulnerabilities.
3. Regular updates allow communities to assess the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures and make improvements as needed.

How the Public Can Get Involved:

1. Stay informed about hazards in your area and educate others about the importance of mitigation planning by following us on social media.
2. For any other questions or concerns email hazardmitigationupdate2025@aacounty.org.

Check back in to see what phase we are in: