Which phase focuses on reducing or limiting the impact of future disasters?

Which phase focuses on reducing or limiting the impact of future disasters?

• A. Preparedness
• B. Mitigation
• C. Response
• D. Mapping

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how to reduce losses from future disasters through proactive measures. The phase that focuses on reducing or limiting the impact of future disasters is mitigation. Mitigation involves actions taken before and sometimes after a disaster to lower risk and vulnerability, so that when a disaster does occur, the damage and losses are minimized. Examples include enforcing building codes, implementing floodplain management, retrofitting structures to withstand earthquakes, and land-use planning that avoids placing homes in high-hazard areas. Preparedness, by contrast, is about getting ready in advance—planning, training, drills, and stocking resources to respond effectively. Response covers the immediate actions taken during a disaster to save lives and protect property. Mapping is a planning tool used to identify hazards and vulnerabilities; it supports mitigation and preparedness but is not a phase focused on reducing impact by itself.

The main idea being tested is how to reduce losses from future disasters through proactive measures. The phase that focuses on reducing or limiting the impact of future disasters is mitigation. Mitigation involves actions taken before and sometimes after a disaster to lower risk and vulnerability, so that when a disaster does occur, the damage and losses are minimized. Examples include enforcing building codes, implementing floodplain management, retrofitting structures to withstand earthquakes, and land-use planning that avoids placing homes in high-hazard areas.

Preparedness, by contrast, is about getting ready in advance—planning, training, drills, and stocking resources to respond effectively. Response covers the immediate actions taken during a disaster to save lives and protect property. Mapping is a planning tool used to identify hazards and vulnerabilities; it supports mitigation and preparedness but is not a phase focused on reducing impact by itself.