Top of page 3.2. Key elements of disaster management Examples of disaster management strategies are provided below. These are not the only ways that disasters can be managed and are only meant to prompt institutions dealing with disasters to become better prepared for disasters. Prevention Government departments and municipalities can better prevent a disaster by conducting certain activities before a disaster occurs. Mitigation Disaster mitigation refers to measures that can be taken to minimise destructive and disruptive effects of hazards and thus lessen the scale of a possible disaster.
Disaster mitigation can occur at any time.
Each plan will be site or local specific and as such must be tailored for the municipalities concerned. For example, coastal towns may develop a series of building codes so as to reduce losses in the event of heavy rains and strong winds associated with a cyclone. Rural towns may have to plan for veld fires, droughts and improved water management. Disaster mitigation can be achieved through proper engineering, spatial planning, municipal management and conflict resolution. Preparedness Preparedness measures such as the maintenance of inventories of resources and the training of personnel to manage disasters are other essential components of managing a disaster.