Which activity should a nurse include when planning to increase disaster preparedness in the community?

• A. Identify emergency shelter locations
• B. Distribute flyer's about nutrition
• C. Install solar panels in homes
• D. Create a neighborhood watch program

Answer: (A)

In disaster preparedness, having a clear plan for where people will go and what resources are available during an emergency is essential. The first practical step a nurse plans for is identifying emergency shelter locations. By mapping where shelters are, who they can serve (including the elderly, disabled, and those without transportation), and how people will reach them, the community gains a concrete refuge option during evacuations. This information also supports coordination with local authorities, shelter staffing, supply needs, and communication to residents about where to go if a disaster occurs. It lays the groundwork for drills, resource allocation, and ensuring access for vulnerable populations.

Distributing nutrition flyers, while valuable for general health, doesn’t directly establish sheltering or evacuation plans. Installing solar panels is about long-term resilience but isn’t an immediate planning step for disaster refuge logistics. Creating a neighborhood watch improves safety in daily life but doesn’t specifically address where people will seek shelter during disasters.