Disaster Preparedness

Abstract

Disaster is increasing rapidly, causing death and loss of properties immensely. All countries worldwide were interested in working together to develop guidelines for disaster management that includes concepts of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, and recovery and development. Each step consists of practices as appropriate for disaster cycle including pre-impact, impact, and post-impact phases. Nurses are one of health team playing a key role in disaster preparedness. Therefore, nurses should be encouraged for disaster management competencies to be able to apply knowledge and skills in a disaster situation. Disaster preparedness is not a role and function of a specific organization. It is a responsibility of all citizens to build a cooperative network, addressing the community participation, in order to enhance effectiveness of disaster management and reduce losses to a minimal scale.