Disaster prevention and mitigation involve strategic efforts to reduce the potential damage and suffering caused by disasters. Prevention focuses on taking actions to prevent disasters by changing or regulating human behavior, such as preventing fires or car accidents. Mitigation, on the other hand, aims to reduce the impacts of hazards on life and property, especially for emergencies that cannot be prevented, like natural disasters and weather emergencies. Mitigation measures include installing flood gauges, informing residents about how to prepare for floods, and creating and enforcing effective building codes to protect property from hurricanes. These efforts can help minimize the impact of disasters on individuals, communities, and businesses, ultimately reducing the cost of repairs and creating more resilient communities.
Mitigation, in its classical meaning, refers to sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate risk to people and property from hazards and their effects.
