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21 Mitigation Plan Introduction mitigation techniques for almost any type of hazard that may threaten its citizens, businesses and institutions. Hazard mitigation plans can identify a range of structural approaches to lower the costs of fu- ture disasters by meeting the unique needs of the community. For example, structural mitiga- tion projects could include the design of new build- Elevate ings, roads, dams, and other infrastructure and the strengthening and retrofitting of old structures. Mitigation strategies can also involve non- structural initiatives, such as educational programs to inform the community about the risks the public and its property faces in order to encourage them to purchase flood insurance or educate themselves on severe weather awareness. Non-structural mitiga- tion programs can also include developing and en- forcing regulations to prevent construction in haz- ard areas, or to ensure that development that does oc- cur will be resistant to the hazards threatening the area. owrw Elevating electrical boxes is a form of a Non- structural mitigation measures. Mitigation programs and projects serve to lessen a community's vulnerability to the hardships and costs of disasters. The implementation of mitigation programs is a key component to achieving a sustainable community, on in which the economic and social needs of people, businesses, and institutions coexists with natural environment constraints and are protected from the disruptions and impacts of emergencies and disasters. Hazard mitigation planning must be closely coordinated with a community's overall planning and development efforts. The most effective way for a community to initiate this objective is through a comprehensive lo- cal mitigation planting program, as presented here. Comprehensive planning can provide Hennepin County citizens a safe, health and prosperous place in which to live and work. The purpose of the Hennepin County Multi -Jurisdictional All- Windstorm Mitigation Hazards Mitigation Plan is to develop a unified approach among its Manual is an example of a local government for dealing with identified natural hazards and haz- source for structural miti- ard management problems. The process followed a methodology gation measures. prescribed by FEMA. It began with the formation of a Mitigation Planning Team comprised of key County, city, and stakeholder representatives. The planning process examined the recorded history of losses from natural hazards, and analyzed future risks posed to the county by these hazards. Hennepin County is vulnerable to several natwal hazards that are identified, profiled, and ana- lyzed in the plan. The plan puts forth several mitigation goals and objectives that are based on the results of the risk assessment. To meet identified goals and objectives, the plan also in - Page 4