What is Hazard Mitigation?
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), hazard mitigation is: “the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. It is most effective when implemented under a comprehensive, long-term mitigation plan. State, tribal, and local governments engage in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events.”
Hazard Mitigation Planning
To be eligible for pre- or post-disaster mitigation funding, the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires local governments to prepare a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), which identifies strategies to minimize the impact of these hazards. Hazard Mitigation Plans focus on the risks posed to residential properties and public infrastructure by a myriad of natural and manmade hazards such as severe thunderstorms, wildfires, flooding, infrastructure failures, and civil disorders.
In November 2024, Bloomfield Township formally adopted Oakland County’s Multi-jurisdictional HMP to replace the Township specific plan first published in 2011. The most recent update includes each of the 62 communities within Oakland County, and builds on the previous plans. By increasing public awareness of potential harm, documenting resources for risk reduction and loss prevention, and identifying activities to guide the development of less vulnerable and more sustainable communities, this plan aims to protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private property, and the natural environment.
The HMP can be viewed below:
Hazard Mitigation Plan
FEMA Project Plan Map
Please contact the Bloomfield Township Engineering and Environmental Services Department through Email or 248-594-2800 if you have questions about the current HMP.
Residents are encouraged to review Bloomfield Township Fire Department's fire prevention page.