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<br />1.4. Definitions <br /> <br />The following definitions are offered as a guide toward <br />better understanding the similarities and subtle differences be- <br />tween the major concepts discussed in this plan, all developed to <br />reduce flood damages. <br /> <br />> <br /> <br />Hazard Mitigation - A plan "to alleviate by softening and <br />making less severe the effects of a major disaster or emergency <br />and of future disasters in the affected are'as, including reduc- <br />tion or avoidance" (Reference 4). "Hazard mitigation can reduce <br />the severity of the effects of flood emergency on people and <br />property by reducing the cause or occurrence of the hazard, <br />reducing exposure to the hazard, or reducing the effects through <br />preparedness, response and recovery measures. Hazard mitigation <br />is a management strategy in which current actions and expendi- <br />tures to reduce the occurrence or severity of potential flood <br />disasters are balanced with potential losses from future floods" <br />(Reference 1). <br /> <br />, <br />" <br /> <br />Floodplain Management - A comprehensive approach "to reduce <br />the damaging effects of floods, preserve and enhance natural <br />values and provide for optimal use of land and water resources <br />within the floodplain. Its goal is to strike a balance between <br />the val ues obtainable from the use of floodplains and the poten- <br />tial losses to individuals and society arising from such use" <br />(Reference 11). <br /> <br />Dam Safety - A program to inventory, classify and inspect <br />dams to identify hazardous conditions and insure proper mainten- <br />ance through corrective orders for the purpose of protecting <br />human life and property. A dam (including the waters impounded <br />by such dam) constitutes a threat to human life or property if it <br />might be endangered by overtopping, seepage, settlement, erosion, <br />sediment, cracking, earth movement, earthquakes, failure of bulk- <br />heads, flashboards, gates on conduits, or other conditions <br />(Reference 13). <br /> <br />Emergency Preparedness - A process to "reduce vulnerabil i ty <br />of people and communities of this state to damage, injury, and <br />loss of life and property resulting from natural or man made <br />catastrophes" (Reference 12). <br /> <br />i <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />-3- <br />