WASHINGTON—The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday introduced three hazard-mitigation bills, which won praise from the Reinsurance Assn. of America.

The measures, sponsored by panel chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., would provide federal funds through grant programs to help consumers, businesses, the public sector and first responders be better prepared for natural catastrophes.

Among other things, the three bills—the Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Enhancement Program Act of 2009, the Hazard Mitigation for All Act of 2009 and the First Responder Innovation and Support Act of 2009—encourage mitigation efforts that include increasing the structural integrity of houses and commercial structures, coordinating the use of natural and man-made storm barriers, giving states incentives to improve their mitigation programs, and identifying and implementing innovative programs for first responders.

The Washington-based RAA welcomed the measures.

In a statement, RAA President Frank Nutter commended Rep. Thompson for his “continued support of “sensible ‘storm-proofing' initiatives as a priority in federal natural disaster legislation.” Mr. Nutter described the bills as “fiscally and socially responsible.”