The Washington University Emergency Management Department incorporates programs that address the four phases of emergency management. These programs increase the university’s ability to respond to and recover from an emergency by supporting the preparedness of faculty, staff and students.
The Four Phases of Emergency Management
- Prevention/Mitigation – refers to measures that reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or reducing the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies.
- Preparedness – taking steps to increase our ability to respond in the event of an emergency. Preparedness activities include training, conducting exercises and developing plans.
- Response – occurs immediately before, during and after an incident. Response actions are aimed at saving lives and preserving property.
- Recovery – returns the community’s systems and activities to normal. Activities may include repairing damaged buildings, cleaning up debris and restoring basic services.