In the context of emergency management, what does the term "mitigation" refer to?

Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or eliminate risks associated with disasters and emergencies. This involves implementing strategies designed to lessen the impact of potential hazards before they occur. For example, building codes may be enforced to ensure structures are more resilient to earthquakes or engaging in community planning to avoid developments in flood-prone areas.

Mitigation is a proactive approach aimed at preventing disaster-related losses and minimizing the severity of impacts when disasters do happen. It differs fundamentally from responses such as providing aid after a disaster, evaluating response effectiveness, or restoring services, which are reactive or recovery actions taken after an event has already occurred. Understanding the concept of mitigation is crucial for emergency management professionals as it lays the groundwork for building more resilient communities.