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. Federal Emergency ~anagement)lgency FACT SHEET '. omce of Emergency Informadon .nd Medi. Aff.l.... W.shlngton, D.C. 20472 (202) 646-4600 PROJECT IMPACT Building a Disaster Resistant Community BACKGROUND PROJECT IMP ACT is an initiative developed by FEMA Director James Lee Wm to challenge the counuy to undertake actions that protect families, businesses and communities by reducing the effects of natural disasters. This initiative includes a national awareness campaign, the selection of pilot communities that demonstrate the benefits of hazard mitigation through a partnership approach, and an outreach effort to businesses and communities using a new guidebook that offers a formula for a community or business to follow to become disaster resistant. RATIONALE The increasing number and severity of natural disasters the past decade demands that action be taken to reduce the threat that hurricanes, severe sto11IlS, earthquakes, floods and wildfires impose upon the economic stability, economic future and safety of the citizens of the u.s, fu the federal agency responsible for emergency management, FEMA is committed to reducing disaster losses by focusing the energy of businesses, citizens, and communities in the u.s. on the importance of reducing their susceptibility to the impact of natural disasters. ' , ' There are three primaly tenets of the PROJECf IMP ACf initiative: . Mitigation is a local issue. It is best addressed by a local partnership that involves government, businesses and private citizens, . Private sector participation is essential, Disasters threaten the economic and commercial growth of our cities, towns, villages and counties. Without the participation of the private sector, comprehensive solutions will not be developed. . Mitigation is a long,term effort that requires long-term investment, Disaster losses will not be eliminated overnight, PILOT COMMUNITIES Director Witt and FEMA have worked closely with seven communities throughout the u.s. to develop a PROJECT IMP ACf plan that localities, businesses and citizens can follow to build disaster resistant communities where they live and WOlk. Director Witt will participate in events in each of these communities to congratulate them on their foresight, commitment, and contribution to a disaster resistant nation, PROJECT IMPACT GUIDEBOOK The guide book presents that steps a community can take to become disaster resistant. It also provides examples of the actions and resources available to accomplish this. goal.