Disaster management is a process or strategy that is implemented when any type oI

catastrophic event takes place. Sometimes reIerred to as disaster recovery management,

the process may be initiated when anything threatens to disrupt normal operations or puts
the lives oI human beings at risk. Governments on all levels as well as many businesses
create some sort oI disaster plan that make it possible to overcome the catastrophe and
return to normal Iunction as quickly as possible.
One oI the essential elements oI disaster management involves deIining the types oI
catastrophes that could possibly disrupt the day to day operation oI a city, town, business,
or country. IdentiIying those potential disasters makes it possible to create contingency
plans, assemble supplies, and create procedures that can be initiated when and iI a given
disaster does come to pass. A truly comprehensive disaster management plan will
encompass a wide range oI possibilities that can easily be adapted in the event one
disaster sets oII a chain reaction oI other types oI disasters in its wake.
Because oI the need to continue Iunctioning in emergency situations, disaster
management plans are oIten multi-layered and can address such issues as Iloods,
hurricanes, Iires, bombings, and even mass Iailures oI utilities or the rapid spread oI
disease. The disaster plan is likely to address such as important matters as evacuating
people Irom an impacted region, arranging temporary housing, Iood, and medical care. It
is not unusual Ior the plan to also work toward containing and possibly neutralizing the
root causes oI the disaster iI at all possible.
The process oI disaster management will oIten address the issue oI ongoing
communication. Since many disasters can cause communication networks to Iail, a
competent disaster plan will include the quick setup oI alternative communication
capabilities that do not rely on the various switches, towers and hubs that are usually part
oI telephone and cellular communication networks. OIten making use oI short-wave
transmissions that are supported with satellite technology, the communication Ilow can
continue Irom the area impacted by the disaster to other points where aid can be extended
when and as possible.
As part oI the crisis management component oI a disaster plan, it is not unusual Ior some
type oI disaster kit to be developed. The kit may include Iood and clothing Ior people
who are evacuated Irom an area that has experienced Ilooding or extensive damage Irom
a hurricane or tornado. Kits may also include basic medication to help with headaches,
Ievers, and other minor ailments. In some cases, the kits may include items such as
sleeping bags or other necessities that will help displaced persons to cope with the aIter
eIIects oI the disaster.