Disasters occur in every State and the direct costs are immense, but indirect and long-term consequences can be even more devastating. In preventing property damage and loss of life due to effects of severe weather, the challenge is to apply advances in building science and planning to prevent or minimize damage. The long-term impact creates the need to redirect community resources from investments for the future to replace losses of the present. Community based mitigation promotes advance preparation for homes, families, and businesses. Pre-disaster actions are emphasized and community partnerships between businesses, volunteer organizations, educational institutions, and governments are encouraged. Building disaster resistance is a long-term process, involving planning, development, economic, educational, critical care, cultural facilities, and emergency management. Steps that form the foundation of community based mitigation are building community partnerships, identifying hazards and community vulnerability, prioritizing hazard risk reduction actions, and communicating success. Eighteen case studies are offered as examples of community based mitigation. A list of points of contact for Federal agency mitigation is included. Federal mitigation programs, activities, and initiatives are listed. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources, such as curriculum, publications, and videos, are listed. Recommendations for protecting homes and businesses from flooding, fire, and wind events are given.