Through planning, training and exercising we prepare ourselves, our residents and response personnel to minimize the loss of lives and property. The process of emergency management involves four phases: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. Mitigation:
Mitigation efforts attempt to prevent hazards from developing into disasters altogether, or to reduce the effects of disasters when th
ey occur. The mitigation phase differs from the other phases because it focuses on long-term measures for reducing or eliminating risk. Preparedness:
In the preparedness phase, emergency managers develop plans of action for when the disaster strikes. Common preparedness measures include:
Emergency operations plans with easily understandable terminology and methods. Proper maintenance and training of emergency personnel, including disaster volunteer resources such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). Development and exercise of emergency population warning methods combined with emergency shelters and evacuation plans. Stockpiling, inventory, and maintain disaster supplies and equipment
Develop organizations of trained volunteers among civilian populations. Response:
The response phase includes the mobilization of the necessary emergency services and first responders in the disaster area. This is likely to include a first wave of core emergency services, such as firefighters, police and EMS crews. Recovery:
The aim of the recovery phase is to restore the affected area to its previous state. It differs from the response phase in its focus; recovery efforts are concerned with issues and decisions that must be made after immediate needs are addressed. Recovery efforts are primarily concerned with actions that involve rebuilding destroyed property, re-employment, and the repair of other essential infrastructure.
