Mitigation is taking action to prevent or reduce effects of emergencies or disasters before they occur.  By taking action now, residents, governments and businesses can decrease property damage and save lives. There are several grant programs offered by both FEMA and the State of Florida including hazard mitigation pre-disaster flood, repetitive flood claims, severe repetitive loss and residential construction mitigation programs. These programs help to rebuild lives and communities that have been impacted by a major disaster, and to reduce the impact of future disasters through mitigation.

When power interruptions or blackouts occur, people lose their sources of light, heat and water. Safety is a concern in a power blackout situation.  A storm, an accident or widespread loss of electrical distribution system capacity can cause an extended power outage.

Water, gas and electric utilities produce a constant supply to your home. If there is a failure in a pipe, valve, circuit, equipment or appliance, flow of any utility can pose serious damage to your home or even lethal consequences. In case of an emergency, all adults in the home should know where and how to operate the main shutoffs. It is also important the area around each utility shutoff is kept clear of obstructions like furniture or overgrown plants.

The key to protecting your boat from hurricanes or any severe threatening weather is planning, preparation and timely action. Each boat owner needs a plan unique to the type of boat, the local boating environment, and the severe weather conditions likely to occur.