Although the terms prevention, mitigation and preparedness are closely related to each other and are often used interchangeably, there are slight differences between all of them and such differences allude to the purpose of activities carried out during these stages, the timing of such activities as well as the stakeholders involved in carrying out such activities (UNESCO).
Prevention refers to minimization of the risks and the sources of risks which can cause disasters. It includes activities such as inspections, installing detection equipment for early recognition of disaster etc (Ohio Emergency Management Agency).
On the other hand, mitigation is related to reduction of risks as well as the impact of a disaster. It can be thought of as a superset of prevention mechanisms. In addition, it also includes having continuity plans, having proper disaster recovery sites in place etc (Carter Center).
Preparedness refers to making arrangements and plans before the disaster to make people aware of the causes and consequences of the disaster and also preparing them to do certain practices when a disaster strikes (Ohio Emergency Management Agency).
Prevention is generally done both before and after the disaster while preparedness is done before the disaster happens. Mitigation however, is a continuous process and is carried out before, during and also after the disaster.
With respect to various stakeholders involved in these activities, various government and private agencies as well as volunteers are involved in all three. In addition, instructors and the target people are more involved in the preparedness activities (UNESCO).
Mitigation activities and processes are very important for preparing for a disaster, reducing the effect of the disaster when it has struck as well as during recovery. Thus it is a continuous process and it is important that it happens during all phases, before, during and after the disaster (Carter Center).
Works Cited
UNESCO. Disaster Planning. UNESCO. Web. <http://webworld.unesco.org/safeguarding/en/pdf/txt_sini.pdf>.
Ohio Emergency Management Agency. The Four Phases of Emergency Management. Ohio EMA. Web. <http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/COP/The%20Four%20Phases%20of%20Emergency%20Management.pdf>.
Carter Center. Disaster Prevention and Preparedness. Carter Center. Web. <http://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/health/ephti/library/lecture_notes/health_extension_trainees/DisasterPreventionPreparedness.pdf>.
