What is the focus of primary prevention in disaster management?

• A. Preventing the occurrence of a disaster or limiting its consequences.
• B. Providing immediate medical care during disaster.
• C. Rehabilitating infrastructure after disaster.
• D. Conducting post-disaster economic analysis.

Answer: (A)

Primary prevention in disaster management aims to stop disasters from happening or to reduce their impact before they occur. It involves reducing exposure and vulnerability through proactive measures like enforcing strong building codes that withstand hazards, careful land-use planning to avoid high-risk areas, and structural defenses such as flood barriers or wildfire fuel breaks. It also includes public education, community drills, and early warning systems that enable people to act before danger strikes. The goal is to prevent the event or lessen its consequences so communities are less likely to suffer harm when hazards exist.

Immediate medical care during disaster is part of the response phase, addressing injuries after the hazard has struck. Rehabilitating infrastructure after a disaster belongs to the recovery and reconstruction phase. Conducting post-disaster economic analysis occurs after the event to learn and plan, not to prevent harm.