The Disaster Cycle

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.

Phase