USA: FEMA releases the national mitigation investment strategy

WASHINGTON -- On Aug. 13, FEMA and its federal partners, in close coordination with experts across governmental agencies, academia and non-governmental organizations, released the National Mitigation Investment Strategy (NMIS).

The NMIS provides a national, whole-community approach to investments in mitigation activities and risk management across federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and the private and non-profit sectors.

“Investing in mitigation is a top priority for us and our partners,” says Dr. Daniel Kaniewski, Deputy Administrator for Resilience. “This Investment Strategy will help align our collective efforts to continue building resilience nationwide.”

The Investment Strategy’s overarching goal is to improve the coordination and effectiveness of “mitigation investments,” defined as risk management actions taken to avoid, reduce, or transfer risks from natural hazards, including severe weather.

“Disasters are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. Investing in mitigation efforts before disaster saves lives and money,” says David Maurstad, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation. “This approach provides an innovative and collaborative way for the whole community to design and implement investment opportunities.”

Recommendations proposed in the NMIS will reduce loss of life and injures, damage to property, and negative impacts to the economy and the environment, and lead the whole community in building a more resilient future.