Which of the following is a phase of disaster management?

• A. Preparedness
• B. Emergency
• C. Recovery
• D. Prevention

Answer: (A)

Disaster management unfolds as a continuum of activities that prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Preparedness is the pre-event phase that builds the capacity to act quickly and effectively when a disaster strikes. It includes risk assessments, developing and practicing emergency plans, training responders, establishing communication protocols and incident command systems, coordinating with mutual-aid partners, and stockpiling essential supplies. By strengthening these capabilities in advance, responders can mobilize faster, use resources efficiently, and protect lives and property. In contrast, emergency actions describe the immediate response during the incident, recovery focuses on rebuilding after the event, and prevention (often part of mitigation) aims to reduce hazard occurrence or impact before it happens. Therefore, preparedness is the phase that best fits as a pre-event, proactive part of disaster management.