What best describes primary prevention in the context of disasters?

• A. Providing emergency medical treatment after a disaster.
• B. Recovery efforts including housing reconstruction.
• C. Surveillance after a disaster to detect outbreaks.
• D. Activities to prevent or lessen the impact of a disaster, such as building codes or immunizations.

Answer: (D)

Primary prevention in disasters means taking actions before a disaster occurs to reduce risk and vulnerability, so harm is less likely or less severe when a hazard strikes. Examples include enforcing strong building codes and safe land-use planning to prevent collapse and injury, and immunization programs to reduce disease transmission after a disaster. These measures target prevention before the event or its immediate impacts.

The other options describe activities that happen after the hazard has occurred. Providing emergency medical treatment is urgent care aimed at addressing injuries during the response phase. Recovery efforts like housing reconstruction occur after the disaster to restore normalcy. Surveillance after a disaster to detect outbreaks is a form of secondary prevention, aimed at identifying and containing health problems as soon as they arise.