Cost and Benefits of Natural Hazard Mitigation (FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency, 57 p.): VI. Summary and Conclusions

Cost and Benefits of Natural Hazard Mitigation (FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency, 57 p.)

		Acknowledgements
		Executive Summary
		Bibliography
		I. Introduction
		II. Evaluating Costs and Benefits
		III. The Tools of Hazard Mitigation
		IV. FEMA Mitigation Programs
		V. Case Studies
		VI. Summary and Conclusions

VI. Summary and Conclusions

Mitigation against the effects of natural disasters is a community-based undertaking that is long-term in outlook. It requires the efforts of the Federal, State, and local governments; non-profit organizations; and profit-making businesses. Mitigation often requires a structuring of incentives and relies on a recognition of the risks of natural disasters, and the development of new methods to reduce these risks. Most of all, successful mitigation requires leadership. FEMA has exercised such leadership and, with the partnership of the Congress, has made progress in lessening the likelihood that future natural disasters will be as severe as they have been in the past.

Although we cannot stop natural disasters from occurring, we can lessen their impact on people, communities, and the nation as a whole through effective and often creative mitigation. While the case studies presented here provide only a snapshot of the mitigation efforts being implemented across the country, they clearly demonstrate that loss of lives and property can be reduced through cost-effective mitigation measures.