Mitigation can be defined as a long term effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. Flooding mitigation has been done in Kansas through flood control projects such as constructing larger culverts, or through grants that buy out properties that are prone to flooding. Many communities also utilize education efforts like safety brochures or outreach to the public. On the other hand, mitigation can be more complicated and include a major brick and mortar project like relocating or demolishing a structure. 

Mitigation efforts lead to more resilient communities that have fewer losses of life and property during a disaster. These communities also tend to recover faster from the impacts of a disaster as they have prepared and planned for them. Resiliency should be a goal for all cities and counties in Kansas. 

One way that communities prepare for disasters is by developing their own local hazard mitigation plans. For more information about mitigation in Kansas, contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) or visit the Kansas Department of Emergency Management's (KDEM) Hazard Mitigation Resources.

There are a variety of mitigation grant programs administered through the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA) which manages the NFIP under FEMA. Communities that have ideas for a mitigation project should review the criteria for some of the hazard mitigation grant programs and work with their local Emergency Management Coordinator as well as the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO).

Here are some helpful links to learn more about some of the existing state and federal grant programs for mitigation:

• FEMA Risk Reduction Resources
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
• FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant
• KDA-DWR Grants Resource Guide
• KDA-DWR CTP Technical Assistance

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