Hazard Mitigation

What is hazard mitigation?

Hazard mitigation describes actions taken to help reduce or eliminate long-term risks caused by hazards or disasters, such as flooding, winter storms, and civil disturbances. As the costs of disasters continue to rise, governments and citizens must find ways to reduce hazard risks to our community. As communities plan for new development and improvements to existing infrastructure, mitigation can be an important component of the planning effort.

Hazard mitigation planning

A hazard mitigation plan is a plan that outlines the city’s vulnerabilities for disasters and our plan to prepare for and respond to each of these events. Currently the city is covered under Oakland County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan; however, it recently received a grant from FEMA to develop its own plan that is tailored to Royal Oak’s specific issues and needs. The city is currently working with a consultant to develop that plan, and the final draft of the plan is available for review.

What can I do?

  • Register for the city's emergency alert system. This will allow the city to communicate important emergency related information to you via email, text, or voice message.
  • Visit Oakland County's disaster planning page to see what your family can do to be better prepared in the event of a disaster.
  • Create a family communication plan. FEMA and Ready.gov have templates for both parents and children.
  • Get the kids involved. Visit Ready.gov/kids for kid-oriented hazard information and interactive games that will help them better understand potential hazards in our area.
  • Stay informed. Connect with the city on Facebook and Twitter, or sign-up for our weekly email blast to receive updates on city events, programs, and activities.
  • Review the city's fire prevention services and safety tips and apply them in your home or business.
  • Complete a free File of Life folder to assist emergency personnel in the event of a medical emergency where you are unable to communicate.