Which phase of emergency management focuses on preventing future emergencies?

The phase of emergency management that specifically focuses on preventing future emergencies is mitigation. Mitigation involves implementing strategies and actions designed to reduce the likelihood or impact of potential disasters. This can include structural measures, such as building codes and land-use planning, as well as non-structural approaches like public education and community awareness programs. The objective is to minimize the risk and severity of future emergencies by addressing the underlying causes and vulnerabilities.

Preparedness involves planning and training to effectively respond to emergencies when they occur, while response is the immediate reaction to an emergency situation to protect lives, property, and the environment. Recovery focuses on restoring the community to pre-disaster conditions and rebuilding after an emergency has occurred. Therefore, mitigation is distinctly oriented towards long-term solutions that prevent emergencies from taking place in the first place.