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Identifying and Implementing Projects Within Your Program

Learning Objectives: Learn to identify projects that are appropriate for their community and level of organizational development.
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.

Brainstorm mitigation projects that CBO/FBO volunteers can assist with.

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,

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.
• Organize skill training that will leave participants with lasting benefits.
• Take appropriate steps to assure the safety of your group.

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.

Sourced from FEMA