The cost of these disasters is staggering - in human terms and economically. The cost borne by state and local government, the private sector, and individuals is enormous. Project Impact is an initiative developed by Federal Emergency Management Agency Director James Lee Witt to challenge the country to undertake actions that protect families, businesses, and communities by reducing the effects of natural disasters. This initiative includes a national awareness campaign, the selection of communities that demonstrate the benefits of hazard mitigation through a partnership approach, and an outreach effort to businesses and communities using a formula for a community or business to follow to become disaster resistant. As the federal agency responsible for emergency management, FEMA is committed to reducing disaster losses by focusing the energy of businesses, citizens, and communities in the U.S. on the importance of reducing their susceptibility to the impact of natural disasters.
Disasters threaten the economic and commercial growth of our cities, towns, villages, and counties.
Without the participation of the private sector, comprehensive solutions will not be developed. Disaster losses will not be eliminated overnight. Mitigation is a local issue. It is best addressed by a local partnership that involves government, businesses, and private citizens. Project Impact will make a difference.