The Disaster Cycle
Disasters tend to follow a pattern known as the disaster cycle.
There are four main phases after a disaster occurs.
Phase
|
Purpose
|
Example Actions
|
Response
|
Save lives
Prevent further damage |
- Create a triage system
- Plan for continuation of patient care at alternate location(s)
- Establish telemedicine services
- Volunteer with medical reserve corps
|
Recovery
|
Return to normal or “new normal” |
- Provide routine/catch up vaccinations
- Monitor emotional and mental health
- Counsel families how to talk about disaster with children in an age-appropriate manner
|
Mitigation/Prevention
|
Prevent/limit possiblity of disaster
Reduce damage when disaster is inevitable
Reduce future harm |
- Create early warning systems
- Building flood walls
- Purchasing appropriate insurance
- Preventative healthcare
|
Preparedness
|
Develop plans for disaster response |
- Develop policies and procedures for your workplace
- Conduct exercises and drills
- Gather and store resources and supplies
- Create emergency preparedness kit
- Counsel children and families in clinic on disaster preparedness
|
Regardless of who you are and where you work, disasters require a team effort. We can only succeed by working together.
