Community-based Pre-Disaster Mitigation for Emergency Managers 
notes: Community-based Pre-Disaster Mitigation for Emergency Managers 
Section 5: Identifying and Implementing Projects Within Your Program 
Learning Objectives: Participants will explore ways to identify projects that are appropriate for their 
community and level of organizational development. Suggested time: 2 hours 
You can jumpstart your community mitigation program by selecting the right projects. The “right” projects are 
going to depend largely on your group’s capacity, understanding, and skill set. In addition, the “right” project will 
address an identified risk for your area and help further long-term mitigation goals identified by local emergency 
managers. Starting small is often the best way to ensure success when engaging in community-based predisaster 
mitigation. 
Instructor’s Note: Facilitate a brainstorming session to identify mitigation 
projects that CBO/FBO volunteers can assist with. Refer to Small Steps to 
Big Success. 
Small Steps to Big Success 
• Involve as many people as possible in the project selection process to assure commitment 
and buy-in. 
• Gather initial project ideas by consulting with FEMA, voluntary disaster organizations, and 
emergency managers, and by reviewing the case studies provided in Section 8. Even 
better, invite representatives from these groups to meet with you during project selection. 
• Select small projects that can be accomplished simply and rapidly. Brainstorm ways to 
break any project down into manageable steps/tasks. 
• Choose a project that CBOs/FBOs can help accomplish. It should be readily achievable 
from a resource and skills standpoint. This will help gather momentum and quickly show 
your group tangible results. 
• Duplicate or build upon previous successes of your own or others. For example, if you have 
successfully completed one daycare center seismic retrofit, try another one. Or, select a 
well-documented project done successfully in another community. Contact the community 
to get advice on what worked and what they wish they’d done differently. 
• Recognize every aspect of the project that is successful, even if the entire project doesn’t 
come off as planned. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. 
• Use lessons learned to plan for future successes. 
(Continued) 
5-1 Community-based Pre-Disaster Mitigation for Emergency Managers 
Small Steps to Big Success (Continued) 
• Organize skill training that will leave participants with lasting benefits. 
• Take appropriate steps to assure the safety of your group. 
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group, and other organizations. Provide information on Good Samaritan laws, 
insurance coverage, etc. 
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appropriately skilled and trained for their roles. 
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versus volunteers. 
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safety plan, and organize the availability of appropriate safety equipment. 
Instructor’s Note: Refer to the Resource Guide for safety and liability 
information, additional project ideas or “lessons learned.” 
Share information on liability and safety from FEMA, your emergency management 
Assign appropriate individuals to appropriate tasks, and assure that individuals are 
Clearly differentiate between tasks that should be completed by professionals 
Organize skills training if needed. 
Appoint a safety officer to assess project safety issues, develop and implement a 
5-2