Which phase focuses on disaster preparedness activities before an event?

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

Answer: (A)

The phase focused on getting ready before a disaster occurs is about planning, training, and organizing so that people and systems can act quickly and effectively when a event happens. This includes creating emergency plans, stocking needed supplies, teaching responders and the community what to do, establishing clear communication and command structures, and running drills to practice the response. These pre-event activities aim to reduce delays, confusion, and harm once the disaster strikes.

Other phases describe actions during or after the event and ways to reduce future risk: the response phase deals with immediate actions to save lives and protect property; the recovery phase covers rebuilding and returning to normal after the event; and mitigation involves long-term efforts to lessen hazards and vulnerabilities. While mitigation can occur beforehand, the term that best captures the pre-event readiness activities is preparedness.