What actions are taken during the preparedness phase of disaster management?

During the preparedness phase of disaster management, the focus is on ensuring that healthcare staff are well-informed about the response plans and capable of executing them effectively when faced with a disaster. This involves education about specific roles, responsibilities, and protocols that should be followed during an emergency. Conducting drills simulates real-life scenarios, allowing staff to practice their response in a controlled environment. This preparation is vital for enhancing coordination, understanding procedures, and reinforcing knowledge among team members, all of which lead to a more efficient and effective response when a disaster occurs.

Other actions mentioned, while essential in various phases of disaster management, do not primarily occur during the preparedness phase. For example, opening shelters and providing emergency care relates more to the response phase, whereas revising policies and performing community risk assessments are typically associated with planning and mitigation phases rather than preparedness.