Mitigation technologies can be used to strengthen hospitals, fire stations, and other critical service facilities so that they can remain operational or reopen more quickly after an event. In addition, mitigation measures can help reduce disaster losses and suffering so that there is less demand for money and resources in the aftermath. In practice, mitigation can take many forms. Because most of these hazards only occur periodically, however, many homeowners don't even realize the danger they face. Nearly every location in every State is at risk.
Flooding is by far the most prevalent, occurring to some degree in every State in the nation.
Forty-one States have a moderate or higher earthquake hazard. Wildfires can occur anywhere that fuel exists and weather conditions are right. In addition, damaging high winds have caused destruction across the nation, particularly in coastal areas. Given the hazards that are out there, homeowners need to take action to protect themselves and their property. Fortunately, homeowners can reduce their risk through cost-effective mitigation measures.