Public policy papers Risk Assessment and Management in Local Government Emergency Planning James A. Gordon
2001
Abstract
Mitigation is the first of the four phases identified under Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM) – the others being preparedness, response and recovery. Mitigation is the process by which the impact of potential emergencies may be reduced, deflected or avoided altogether. It is one of the most critical of the four phases of CEM as it involves recognizing hazards and coming to terms with the potential impact.
Of greatest importance are the steps that can be taken to protect facilities and service delivery functions from disruption. This action must be based on a sound understanding of the issue (the hazard) and balanced against the risk of continuing to do business in an exposed setting. This article will outline the steps necessary to mitigate potential emergencies starting with a proper risk assessment to identify hazards and assess ones vulnerability, managing the risk based on the identified exposure(s), educating those affected by the risk and taking preventative steps to avoid being impacted by the identified hazards.