Which phase of the Disaster Management Cycle involves identifying hazards and taking steps to avoid disasters entirely?

• A. Prevention
• B. Recovery
• C. Response
• D. Mitigation

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is preventing disasters by addressing hazards before they cause harm. In the Disaster Management Cycle, Prevention focuses on identifying hazards and taking steps to avoid disasters entirely by removing the hazard or its causes or by removing exposure to it. For example, enforcing strict building codes and smart land-use planning can prevent floods or earthquakes from causing damage, and vaccination or disease surveillance can stop outbreaks before they start. This differs from mitigation, which aims to lessen damage if a disaster occurs, while preparedness, response, and recovery relate to planning and actions around an event, during it, or after it.