The Disaster Response Definition
Disaster response refers to actions taken immediately before, during and after a hazard impact that aim to save lives, reduce economic losses and alleviate suffering. It also entails restoring essential community functions, prioritizing those services that are critical for human life and safety.
Command and coordination of these activities is best facilitated through an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is normally set up away from the disaster scene.
Preparation
An effective disaster plan must be written, approved, implemented and periodically tested. It must also be clear on its purpose and scope to ensure management’s expectations are met.
This stage involves taking preventive measures to mitigate the effects of a disaster and includes structural hardening, such as changing buildings to withstand high winds, and nonstructural measures such as implementing laws and guidelines. It also includes training and drills, education and stockpiling supplies.
It’s important to have a family communication and evacuation plan in case of an emergency, such as an active shooter or hurricane. Learn about disaster plans at work and your children’s schools, as well as local organizations that perform emergency management. Educate your family on how to prepare for different types of disasters and practice the plan with them on a regular basis. Identify the best locations in your area to evacuate and create a list of emergency contacts. Ensure everyone knows how to shut off utilities.
Response
The response phase is defined as “agreement or action aimed at containing the effects of a disaster in order to restore normal operations and meet human needs.” During this part of the process, it’s critical to understand the importance of putting a disaster plan in place.
Disaster preparedness includes any steps that a government, organization or individual takes to prepare for the possible occurrence of a calamity. These measures can include training for rescue workers or stockpiling equipment and supplies.
Mitigation can be structural or nonstructural. Structural measures include building codes that promote safety or clearing trees to prevent them from crashing into homes and buildings. Nonstructural measures involve programs like evacuation plans, warning systems and educating people about the risks. During the response phase, the federal government leads a coordinated effort at the request of and in support of States, Tribes, Territories, and Insular Areas affected by a disaster. Nongovernmental organizations and licensed amateur radio operators also play important roles.
Recovery
The fifth stage of disaster response is recovery, which involves restoring essential community functions after an event. During this phase, ongoing hazards like lingering fires or floodwaters are managed and infrastructure is repaired. This is a lengthy process, and services are prioritized based on their importance to people’s well-being.
Mitigation is another key component of disaster response, which aims to reduce the effects of an event or prevent it altogether. This can include both structural and nonstructural measures. For example, cutting down trees can reduce damage to homes and buildings from dangerous storms. Nonstructural measures may also include public education and training for citizens to better prepare themselves and their communities for an impending disaster.
Businesses should develop and test a comprehensive disaster recovery plan (DRP). This helps minimize data loss, downtime and other financial losses caused by business interruptions. It also ensures the organization can return to normal operations as quickly as possible in the aftermath of an incident.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on reducing vulnerability, including through structural hardening and nonstructural measures like laws and guidelines. Preparedness builds capabilities to manage hazards, and includes training and exercises, inventorying supplies and creating evacuation plans.
Response addresses immediate and short-term needs, such as providing treatment for injuries or helping people find safe shelter and food. It also involves evaluating and containing indirect effects, such as political unrest and economic issues.
A disaster response plan should be updated on a regular basis. Discuss the plan with family members and include any special needs of those with disabilities or who are away from home (military personnel, business travelers). Create a list of emergency contacts and post it near your phone, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Make sure to check your supplies regularly and replace water and food. Also consider making arrangements with neighbors to check on each other if disaster strikes. This will reduce the impact on your community and your neighbors.