Frequently Asked Questions
- Risks from natural and human-caused hazards
- Strategies we can take to lessen the impacts of disasters
- Complete an online survey
- Provide direct feedback on the Plan
What is the Hazard Mitigation Plan?
The Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan) identifies hazards that could impact San Diego County like floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.
It lays out:
What is Considered a “Hazard”?
A hazard is anything that could cause harm or danger like earthquakes, floods, or wildfires. A hazard becomes a risk when it affects people or homes that are not prepared. Risks can lead to damage, or disruption, which is why we take action to protect lives and keep communities safe.
What is a “Mitigation Action”?
A mitigation action is something we do before a disaster to make it less harmful. It is a way to lower the chances of damage from natural hazards like floods, fires, or earthquakes. These steps protect homes, make communities stronger, and help people get back to normal faster after a disaster. Examples include home hardening, raising homes above flood levels, and installing seismic retrofits.
Why is the Plan being Updated?
The Plan is updated every five years to include current hazards, risks, and potential actions to reduce the impact of those hazards. You can see the 2023 plan here: Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Why is the County Engaging the Public on this Plan?
Your feedback ensures the Plan reflects changes to both the hazards threatening San Diego County, as well as the programs in place to minimize or eliminate those hazards. This engagement process follows a Whole Community approach. The County is committed to ensuring engagement is fully inclusive of all individuals.
How You Can Participate?
Visit this page for updates and opportunities to engage.
How Your Feedback Will Be Used
Your feedback will help identify concerns about hazards and potential actions to reduce the impact of those hazards. A summary of community feedback will be shared publicly.
Who Should Get Involved?
We invite everyone in San Diego County to get involved—especially tribal communities, people with access and functional needs, local groups, businesses, and communities that don’t always get heard. There will be a variety of opportunities for different groups to engage.
Why does the Plan need FEMA Approval?
We need FEMA’s approval to get federal money for mitigation projects. If the Hazard Mitigation Plan isn’t approved, the County and local cities can’t apply for FEMA grants that pay for projects to reduce disaster risks.