Hazard mitigation is best defined as any action taken to permanently eliminate or significantly reduce the long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards and their effects.  The Town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina Community Hazard Mitigation Plan has been drafted with this goal being its central theme.  The plan is intended to promote sound public policy designed to protect citizens, private property, critical town facilities, infrastructure, and the natural environment.  Although natural hazards cannot be prevented, by increasing public awareness, documenting resources for risk reduction and loss-prevention, and identifying activities to guide the community towards the development of a safer, more sustainable community the impacts of such events can be lessened.