Natural hazard mitigation saves: an independent study to assess the future savings from mitigation activities

Vol. 1: Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
Vol. 2: Study documentation.

This report presents the results of an independent study to assess the future savings from hazard mitigation activities. The study shows that money spent on reducing the risk of natural hazards is a sound investment. On average, a dollar spent by FEMA on hazard mitigation (actions to reduce disaster losses) saves the nation about $4 in future benefits. In addition, FEMA grants to mitigate the effects of floods, hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes between 1993 and 2003 are expected to save more than 220 lives and prevent almost 4,700 injuries over approximately 50 years. Hurricane Katrina painfully demonstrates the extent to which catastrophic damage affects all Americans and the federal treasury.