Foster City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Maps

An image about hazard mitigation that reads Identify the Hazards, Assess Vulnerabilities, Reduce the Risks

The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for Foster City is part of the 2021 San Mateo County's Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan efforts. The plan is currently undergoing approval by CalOES and FEMA. This document includes information about hazards facing the Foster City community, such as:

earthquakes
floods
severe winter storms

The plan also identifies ways to reduce the damage from these risks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires local governments to update their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan every 5 years.

DID YOU KNOW? Every $1 spent on mitigation saved an average of $4*.
*SOURCE: GAO cost-benefit analysis of a sample of hazard mitigation grants awarded by FEMA

What is Hazard Mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.

A hazard mitigation plan:

identifies the hazards a community faces,
assesses the vulnerability to the hazards, and
identifies specific actions that can be taken to reduce the risk from the hazards.

The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)/Safety Element supports Foster City's emphasis on hazard mitigation prior to disasters such as earthquakes, storms and fires, including maintenance of infrastructure, requirements for new construction beyond the uniform codes and education of residents and community groups.

Lives

Protects public safety and prevents loss of life and injury
Improves community health and safety

Property

Reduces damage to buildings and infrastructure
Protects the community's unique economic, cultural and environmental resources

Economy

Reduces the economic and financial impact of disasters
Speeds community recovery following disasters
Ensures Foster City's eligibility for pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant funding

I Want to Know More About My Hazards and Reducing Risks!

We're glad that you want to take action to lean about your hazards and find ways to reduce your risk. Please explore the following resources to learn more.