What is Hazard Mitigation?

Natural disasters can cause loss of life, damage buildings and infrastructure, and have devastating consequences for a community’s economic, social, and environmental well-being. Pre-disaster mitigation reduces disaster damages and is defined as sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. Outreach programs that increase risk awareness, projects to protect critical facilities, and the removal of structures from flood hazard areas are all examples of mitigation actions.

Does UNM have a Hazard Mitigation (PDM) Plan?

Yes – the current (2015) PDM plan it can be reviewed and downloaded using the link in the following section.  The Hazard Mitigation Plan is intended to identify actions that can be taken before a disaster strikes, and is not the same as the UNM Emergency Operations Plan which addresses how the university would respond to a threatening or in-progress disaster. The PDM plan is aimed at raising awareness and reducing the loss of life and property from natural disasters on the main and branch campuses. The planning process seeks to develop ways to lessen the impact of natural disasters on the university's resources through strategic long range planning.   

How does UNM’s plan keep up with the changes on campus?

The University of New Mexico is in the process of updating our Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The current plan was developed in 2015 and requires an update every five years. The PDM Advisory Committee is working in partnership with City and County emergency management agencies, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA to insure that UNM's mitigation planning will be successful in minimizing the impact of natural disasters on our campuses. The update of the plan will be completed by December of 2021.

How can I learn more or contribute to the process?

The University of New Mexico is in the process of updating our Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The current plan was developed in 2015 and requires an update every five years. The PDM Advisory Committee is working in partnership with City and County emergency management agencies, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA to insure that UNM's mitigation planning will be successful in minimizing the impact of natural disasters on our campuses. The update of the plan will be completed by December of 2021.

If you have questions about UNM’s Hazard Mitigation Plan or would like to provide comments about the plan update, please send an email to:  HSC-CDM@salud.unm.edu