Hazard Mitigation


Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024

Background

Natural hazards are naturally occurring environmental risks. Where natural hazards overlap the built environment, they have the potential to cause great harm to communities and their critical infrastructure. Hazard mitigation planning is the process of identifying the risks, vulnerabilities, and the capabilities of our community.  We then develop mitigation strategies to reduce the loss of life and damage to property from these natural events.

Hazard Mitigation Plans are key to breaking the cycle of disasters and making our community more resilient. On average, every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 on future disaster losses (PDF) . As stated in 44 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 201.1(b), “the purpose of mitigation planning is for state, local and Indian tribal governments to identify the natural hazards that impact them, to identify actions and activities to reduce any losses from those hazards, and to establish a coordinated process to implement the plan, taking advantage of a wide range of resources.”  With that in mind, another key benefit of having a FEMA-Approved and Locally Adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan is that Montgomery County would qualify to apply for future mitigation grant funding to implement these strategies. Hazard Mitigation Plans must be updated and adopted every five years to maintain eligibility to apply for hazard mitigation funding and receive Federal Financial Assistance.

In coordination with the County's Climate Action Plan (PDF), the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan will take a closer look at the role climate change plays in hazards affecting Montgomery County, as well as coupling climate resiliency strategies with hazard mitigation strategies. 

The current adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan is available for download: 2018 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF)

Hazard Mitigation Draft Feedback (Completed in November 2023).

We are delighted to announce the release of the draft 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan. We are looking for your input. Please review the draft plan linked below and provide your feedback via the Hazard Mitigation Draft Survey. Comments will be collected through November 8, 2023. ( Survey Complete)

We appreciate your time and feedback!

Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grants

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grants provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. Hazard mitigation is any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.

Open all sections | Close all sections

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes, and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.

The BRIC program's guiding principles are supporting communities through capability and capacity building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency.

How to apply?

The application cycle starts with submitting a Notice of Interest (NOI) to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) in August. The application timeframe depends on the Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) announcement from the federal government. OEMHS reviews and submits the NOIs to the State, and it is crucial that the project to be aligned with the County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).

Upon receiving the State recommendation and approval, OEMHS provides technical assistance and submits the recommended sub-applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through MDEM. MDEM is the pass-through agency and will disburse the grant awards to the awarded sub-applicants.

Eligible Sub-applicants:

  • Local Governments (County agencies and municipalities)
  • Tribal Governments
  • State Agencies
  • Tribal Agencies

Please consider the following criteria prior to submitting your sub-application:

  • Eligible sub-applicants are responsible for the 25% non-federal cost share.
  • Sub-applicant must not use federal funds for their 25% non-federal cost share.
  • The awarded projects cannot be started/completed prior to the kick-off meeting with MDEM.
  • The application timeframe and deadline vary based on the Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) announcement from the federal government.
  • NOIs received after the August of each year will be kept in the OEMHS repository for the next application cycle or NOFO.

Please use the below fillable forms to develop your NOIs and Sub-applications:

If you are interested in developing a strong Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) application, please review the slides of the FY24 OEMHS HMA Grant Application Virtual Webinar under the Meeting and Webinar Materials tab below.

Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Hazard Mitigation Public Meeting

The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security hosted a public meeting on Wednesday, November 1 to review the draft 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF) . The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a common understanding of our community’s risks and the specific and actionable steps towards a more resilient future. It acknowledges the current efforts and capabilities of the county and municipalities and will be integrated into future plans, building and zoning regulations, and environmental projects. Public participation is critical for a successful hazard mitigation plan.

Questions can be directed to [email protected]

  • Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
  • Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
  • Montgomery County Department of Transportation
  • Montgomery County Department of General Services
  • Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission
  • City of Gaithersburg
  • City of Rockville
  • City of Takoma Park
  • Town of Barnesville
  • Town of Brookeville
  • Town of Chevy Chase
  • Town of Chevy Chase View
  • Town of Chevy Chase Village
  • Town of Garrett Park
  • Town of Glen Echo
  • Town of Kensington
  • Town of Laytonsville
  • Town of Poolesville
  • Town of Somerset
  • Town of Washington Grove
  • Village of Chevy Chase, Section 3
  • Village of Chevy Chase, Section 5
  • Village of Martin’s Additions
  • Village of North Chevy Chase