By employing mitigation technologies and practices, our society can safeguard more Americans and their communities from falling victim to natural disasters. For instance, these measures can be applied to fortify homes, providing enhanced protection for families and belongings against floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural hazards. Businesses and industries can benefit from mitigation efforts, preventing damage to their facilities and enabling them to remain operational during catastrophic events. Mitigation technologies also play a crucial role in reinforcing critical service facilities such as hospitals and fire stations, ensuring they can either continue operations or reopen swiftly after an event. Moreover, these measures contribute to the reduction of disaster losses and alleviation of suffering, leading to decreased demand for financial and resource assistance in the aftermath.

In practical terms, mitigation can manifest in various actions, including:

• Investing in flood insurance to safeguard personal belongings.
• Relocating or elevating structures out of floodplains.
• Securing shelves and water heaters to adjacent walls.
• Installing hurricane straps to securely attach a structure’s roof to its walls and foundation.
• Establishing, adopting, and enforcing effective building codes and standards.
• Engineering roads and bridges to withstand earthquakes.
• Incorporating fire-retardant materials in new construction.
• Developing and implementing hazard reduction plans in businesses or communities.