What are the four primary phases of emergency management?

The four primary phases of emergency management are widely recognized as mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Mitigation involves taking steps to reduce the potential effects of disasters, such as implementing safety measures or developing building codes to lessen damage. Preparedness focuses on planning and preparing for potential emergencies through training exercises, drills, and creating emergency plans. Response refers to the immediate actions taken to ensure safety and address the situation during an emergency, including mobilizing resources and personnel. Recovery encompasses the processes and efforts put in place to restore communities after a disaster, including healing and rebuilding efforts.

This framework is essential for effective emergency management as it allows organizations and responders to systematically address all aspects of disasters, ensuring that risks are minimized and that proper support is available before, during, and after an incident.

In comparison, the other options highlight related but distinct concepts or phases that do not represent a comprehensive model of emergency management.