What is the Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a proactive strategy that identifies potential hazards — such as floods, severe storms, and cybersecurity threats — that could impact the University. The plan assesses the vulnerability of our critical functions and infrastructure, and outlines actions to reduce the long-term risk to life, property, and operations.
This plan isn’t new; it’s already been implemented at our university, but understanding how it intersects with your Mission Continuity efforts is key to a holistic approach to risk management.
Why Integrate Hazard Mitigation into Mission Continuity?
Incorporating hazard mitigation into your continuity plan offers several benefits:
- Risk Reduction
- By addressing identified hazards, you can anticipate risks and prepare strategies to minimize those risks and/or their impacts.
- Improved Recovery
- Understanding mitigation strategies enables faster recovery by reducing the time and resources needed to resume critical functions after a hazard event.
- Compliance and Grants
- Many federal and state disaster recovery programs require alignment with an existing hazard mitigation plan. Ensuring your Mission Continuity plan reflects mitigating identified hazards can unlock eligibility for mitigation and disaster recovery grants.
Key Actions for Plan Managers
As you review your continuity plans, here are a few steps to strengthen your alignment with our hazard mitigation plan:
- Assess Critical Functions
- Review your critical functions in the context of hazards outlined in the HMP. Are there any new risks that need to be addressed? Are there existing mitigation efforts you should account for?
- Coordinate with Lifeline Affiliates
- Many mitigation strategies affect lifeline systems such as utilities, transportation, and communication networks. Collaborate with those responsible for these areas to ensure their hazard mitigation efforts align with your mission continuity planning.
- Test and Exercise
- Finally, as part of your Mission Continuity exercises, simulate hazard scenarios outlined in the HMP. This will not only prepare your department/unit but also highlight areas where continuity plans can be further aligned with mitigation strategies.
The strength of our university’s resilience depends on the collective effort of each department/unit. As we continue to enhance our Mission Continuity plans, integrating hazard mitigation strategies will position us to better withstand and recover from disruptions. Together, we can ensure a safer, more resilient future for our university.
Stay resilient, be Mission Ready!
Resources for Plan Administrators
