The organization's aspects are categorized as cultural, economic, living things, or non-living things, whereas hazards are classified by their cause, either human-made or natural.
The emergency management process is divided into four different areas to cover risk reduction, preparation of resources for response, response to any damage caused by the hazard, and limitation of further damage.
Emergency management includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The goal of mitigation is to prevent hazards from developing into disasters or to decrease the effects of disasters. There are two types of mitigation measures, known as structural and non-structural. Structural measures use technological solutions (ex. levees), whereas non-structural measures use legislation, land-use planning, and insurance. Mitigation also provides regulations in regards to evacuation, sanctions against those who disobey the regulations, and publication of the risks.
Preparedness is an ongoing sequence of planning and improving in order to enhance capabilities and ensure effective coordination. The goal of preparedness is to effectively prevent, protect against all disasters and acts of terrorism. Emergency managers develop plans to provide emergency services and counter various risks. Typical preparedness measures involve communicating plans with easily understandable terms, maintaining emergency services, and developing and exercising emergency population warning along with emergency shelters and evacuation plans. They also must stockpile inventory, maintain disaster supplies and equipment, and develop organizations of trained volunteers.
During the response phase, important emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and ambulance crews, are immediately sent to the area. If necessary, search and rescue forces are also sent out, because on average victims will die within 72 hours after a disaster if they remain unfound during that time. Response to any significant disaster is based on existing emergency management organizational systems and processes, such as the Federal Response Plan and the Incident Command System. A mixture of discipline and agility is implemented when responding to a disaster to ensure efficiency.
Naturally, the goal of the final stage of recovery is to restore the disaster area to its previous state. These recovery efforts are mostly concerned with rebuilding essential infrastructure. In fact, efforts usually attempt to rebuild better than before to reduce the risks of a repeat disaster and reduce the impact.
The growing field of emergency management is crucial in preventing disasters and reducing loss when unavoidable disasters do occur, such as earthquakes. For example, certain measures can be taken in deemed earthquake zones to reduce its impact. From the disasters that do occur, the cycle of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery repeats itself to better itself. Being able to provide quick and efficient emergency services is very important in order to save as many lives as possible. Therefore, pursuing a career in this crucial field is very rewarding and perfect for those who are very caring about the lives of others.