G318 Local Hazard Mitigation Planning

PA-PEMA: G-318 Local Mitigation Planning

At the local level, mitigation plans demonstrate intent to reduce or eliminate natural hazard risks. They also guide decision makers’ efforts to reduce the effects of natural hazards as resources are committed. This course is designed to guide local communities through the steps needed to produce, maintain, implement and update a local hazard mitigation plan.

Course Goal

The goal is to provide an overview of the requirements for Pennsylvania local hazard mitigation plans that are found in the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2025). The Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide is FEMA’s official policy on, and interpretation of, local hazard mitigation planning requirements set in 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 201.

Course Objectives

After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Emergency Manager’s role in Hazard Mitigation

• Understand the FEMA requirements for Hazard Mitigation Planning

• Understand how Hazard Mitigation Planning is conducted in Pennsylvania

• Link Hazard Mitigation Planning to funding Hazard Mitigation Projects

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of the entities involved in hazard mitigation planning.

Target Audience

• Local community officials.

• Emergency managers.

• Planners.

• Planning consultants.

• Other partners who are involved in hazard mitigation planning.

Prerequisites

There are no course prerequisites. Participants are encouraged to complete IS-318 Local Hazard Mitigation Planning (if available) to develop awareness of requirements for local hazard mitigation plans.

Core Capabilities

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of mitigation planning and the planning process. Core capabilities addressed in this course include:

• Planning.

• Community resilience.

• Threat and hazard identification.

• Long-term vulnerability reduction.

• Risk and disaster resilience assessment.

Course Design/Methodology

This course is designed to be a 2-day course in-person, or 4 days of 4 hours each for virtual delivery, with approximately 12-15 hours of content. This course can be delivered regionally or regionally via virtual instruction.