Preparation activities are designed to help save lives and to reduce property damage by preparing people to respond appropriately when an emergency is imminent. The development of the city emergency operations plan is a preparation activity, just as assembling an individual disaster kit. Response activities occur during and immediately following a disaster. They are designed to provide emergency assistance to victims of the event and reduce the likelihood of secondary damage. Police, fire and rescue services are the primary responders during the response phase.
Recovery is the final phase of the emergency management cycle.
Recovery continues until all systems return to normal, or near normal. Short-term recovery returns vital life support systems to minimum operating standards. Relocation of portions of a flood-prone town and turning the area into an open space or parkland is a recovery example. Recovery planning should include a review of ways to avoid future emergencies.