Current as of: 3/23/2026

Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP)

The Hazard Mitigation Program was initiated in response to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which mandates community hazard mitigation planning for FEMA disaster mitigation funding eligibility. Requirements for Local and Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans are outlined in 44 CFR parts 201.6 and 201.7. Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs) are valid for five years from the date of approval by FEMA.

The State of Alaska supports local community, tribal and borough hazard mitigation planning efforts through grant funded opportunities and direct assistance. To ensure HMPs in development meet state requirements, DHS&EM encourages all jurisdictions updating or writing a new HMP to contact the HMP Program Manager prior to submitting an HMP for review.

State of Alaska Additional Requirements for Hazard Mitigation Plans

The State of Alaska has additional requirements for Hazard Mitigation Plans. These are available by writing DHS&EM’s Mitigation Section at mvamitigation@alaska.gov.

Local Jurisdictions

· Completed Executive Summary Requirement Template – Can be requested from DHS&EM

· Completed Plan Review Tool – Can be requested from DHS&EM

Tribal Jurisdictions

Federally recognized tribes are encouraged, but not required, to submit HMPs to the state for review. Tribal Jurisdictions requesting State of Alaska review are encouraged to include the Executive Summary Requirement and Plan Review Tool.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Executive Summary Requirement

In April 2024, the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHS&EM) instituted an additional state requirement for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans submitted through DHS&EM for review prior to submission to FEMA. The requirement, as referenced in section 7.2.2 of the 2023 State of Alaska Hazard Mitigation Plan, is to return a DHS&EM provided template with HMPs submitted for review. The inclusion of this addendum will allow the state and others to more effectively communicate the information included within the HMP in an abbreviated and simplified format.

Included will be a brief description of the community/jurisdiction; as well as the natural hazards, critical infrastructure, and mitigation strategies identified in the HMP during the planning process. This will allow DHS&EM mitigation staff to better analyze threats and hazards as they relate to communities statewide through DHS&EM’s database, also referenced in section 7.2.2 of the 2023 State of Alaska Hazard Mitigation Plan. This added capability allows DHS&EM to more effectively assist communities in building resilience and mitigating impacts during a disaster.