The Disaster Management Cycle is generally understood to be comprised of four cyclical components. These four deeply interrelated and symbiotic components include Preparation, Response, Reconstruction or Recovery, and Prevention or Mitigation. Each of these four stages relies upon the success and capacities built during the previous stage. The cycle itself is initiated by identification of risk events, which are intangible descriptions of a hazard to society and its likelihood …show more content…
Though it is frequently marginalized in importance, the very first step in managing disaster is the Preparation phase. Preparation involves the identification and evaluation of risks to society as well as establishing early warning systems and disaster management plans which account for the risk becoming a reality. It is important to note that this process is a constant work in progress. Ideally revisited on a rolling basis, effective preparation develops response resources such as organizational and logistics plans, supply caches, medical facilities, and civil services which will be needed during a response phase. As preparation infrastructure improves, society can address broader ranges of risks, resulting in a better prepared society. In that sense, regardless of whether society is well prepared, the Preparation phase sets the stage for the Response …show more content…
It relies heavily on planning and organization of assets done as part of the preparation phase. One of the most important components of the preparation phase is the establishment of a robust rapid assessment and information management program. Having developed the organizational architecture for assessing the situation, collecting data, disseminating information, and supporting decision makers ahead of the event streamlines the deployment of response resources and coordination between response space actors. In addition to response efficiency, accurate data collection and sharing also helps Government and the response community develop plans to more effectively communicate with media outlets. This is critical as the media has the ability to help corral social behaviors and prevent the spread of misinformation or the establishment of stigmas. As effective planning and preparation for the event is executed on, negative consequences of the event are addressed. In most cases this will include re-establishing or bolstering sanitation, medical services, local economic activity, security and justice systems, the education system, civil infrastructure (transportation, utilities, communications), and residential infrastructure. Depending of the nature of the disaster, these concerns may vary in