The following resources can be used to assist with local HMP Updates and other hazard mitigation planning initiatives. For data downloads and resources, please visit the data webpage here. If you are interested in supervising an intern to assist with your local HMP Update or other hazard mitigation planning projects, please view the hazard mitigation planning internship webpage here. Specific resources for individual HMP components can also found on their respective webpages:
- State Profile
- Planning Process
- Risk Assessment
- Capability Assessment
- Mitigation Strategy
- Plan Maintenance
- Plan Adoption
Pennsylvania’s Hazard Mitigation Plan Standard Operating Guide (2020)
The Standard Operating Guide (SOG) documents standard operating procedures for hazard mitigation planning in Pennsylvania by capturing FEMA requirements, clarifying and combining existing guidance, and allowing communities a greater opportunity to excel in the preparation of hazard mitigation plans. The step-by-step “how-to” guidance provided in the SOG makes the hazard mitigation development process more manageable while creating consistency among local hazard mitigation plans. Key standards developed for and included in the SOG are: Model Plan Outline, Risk Factor Methodology, Standard List of Hazards and Hazard Descriptions (with hazard icons), and Multi-Objective Mitigation Action Prioritization Methodology. The updated document also includes information on historic properties and cultural resources, and newly released high hazard potential dam (HHPD) guidance. The guidance provided in the SOG allows PEMA to conduct a more thorough and detailed plan review in less time. Click here or on the image to the left to download the 2020 SOG.
Mitigation Planning Resources
- FEMA – Local Mitigation Planning Handbook
- FEMA – Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide
- FEMA – Getting Started: Building Support for Mitigation Planning
- FEMA – Bringing Life to the Plan: Implementing the Hazard Mitigation Plan
- FEMA – Integrating Manmade Hazards Into Mitigation Planning
- FEMA – Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards
- FEMA – Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Planning
- FEMA – Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses
- FEMA – Using Hazus for Risk Assessment
- FEMA – Developing the Mitigation Plan: Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies
- FEMA – Integrating Hazard Mitigation Into Local Planning: Case Studies and Tools for Community Officials
- FEMA – Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance: Mitigation Strategy
- FEMA – State Hazard Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletins: Mitigation Capabilities
- FEMA – State Mitigation Planning Key Topics Bulletins: Mitigation Strategy
- FEMA – Plan Integration: Linking Local Planning Efforts
- FEMA – Plan Integration Guide
- PEMA – Hazard Mitigation Forms
- PEMA – Hazard Mitigation Planning
- PEMA – Hazard Mitigation Plan Standard Operating Guide
Mitigation Grant Resources
- FEMA – Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program
- FEMA – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- FEMA – Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program
- PEMA – Grants Management Program
Pennsylvania Silver Jackets Resources
- Pennsylvania Silver Jackets/Flood Risk Management Resources Website
- Pennsylvania Interagency Flood Mitigation Program Guide
- Pennsylvania Floodplain Management and Mitigation Success Stories
- Remembering the November 1985 ‘Election Day” Flood
Pennsylvania Plans & Studies
- 2013 Pennsylvania State HMP Update Executive Summary
- Pennsylvania Climate Adaptation Planning Report: Risks and Practical Recommendations
- Pennsylvania State Emergency Operations Plan
- Phase 1 PennDOT Extreme Weather Vulnerability Study: Executive Summary
Federal Agencies
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region III
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS)
- US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- US Economic Development Administration (EDA)
- US Geological Survey (USGS)
- USGS Emergency Operations Portal
- USGS Hazards Data Distribution System
State Agencies
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
- Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
- Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
Regional Organizations
- Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC)
- Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC)
- Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB)
Professional Organizations