What is the primary purpose of emergency management?

The primary purpose of emergency management is to protect lives, property, and the environment. This encompasses a comprehensive approach that includes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts during and after disasters. The ultimate goal is to ensure public safety, reduce the risk of injury or loss of life, safeguard critical infrastructure, and promote community resilience.

While managing governmental spending during emergencies, enforcing disaster laws and regulations, and minimizing the economic impact of disasters are important components of emergency management, they serve as means to support the overarching goal of protection. For instance, effective economic management and regulatory enforcement are critical in disaster response and recovery, but they are not the foundational purpose of emergency management itself. The focus remains squarely on safeguarding individuals and communities, making it essential for practitioners to prioritize protective measures above all else.