What are the four phases of disaster management, and give an example of an activity in each?

• A. Preparedness, Mitigation, Recovery, Response
• B. Recovery, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response
• C. Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery
• D. Mitigation, Preparedness, Recovery, Response

Answer: (C)

Disaster management is approached in four phases that cover pre-event risk reduction, planning, action during the event, and rebuilding afterward. The sequence commonly taught is mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery. Mitigation focuses on reducing hazards and exposure before a disaster occurs; examples include enforcing building codes to resist earthquakes, improving flood defenses, and land-use planning to steer development away from high-risk areas. Preparedness means getting ready ahead of time: developing emergency plans, training responders, conducting drills, stocking essential supplies, and establishing clear communication and evacuation procedures. Response involves the actions taken during the disaster to save lives and protect property; this includes search and rescue, triage, setting up emergency shelters, and activating the incident command system. Recovery involves returning a community to normal and strengthening resilience after the event; examples are repairing infrastructure, restoring services, providing mental health and financial support, and updating plans to reduce future risk. This order reflects the standard progression from reducing risk before a disaster through planning and readiness, to immediate action during, and finally rebuilding afterward. Other sequences mix the order, which can undermine the emphasis on pre-disaster prevention and post-disaster rebuilding.