Which of the following describes mitigation in the context of emergency management?

Mitigation in emergency management refers specifically to actions and strategies designed to lessen the impact of future disasters and risks. This involves identifying potential hazards, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing measures to reduce the likelihood or severity of those hazards. Examples of mitigation activities can include the construction of levees, retrofitting buildings to withstand earthquakes, or developing land-use plans that avoid construction in flood-prone areas.

The focus on minimizing future risks distinguishes mitigation from other aspects of emergency management, such as preparedness, response, or recovery. While response actions address the immediate needs during a disaster and recovery operations help communities regain functionality following a disaster, mitigation is proactive and aims to prevent or lessen impacts before they occur. Engaging the community in drills is a key component of preparedness, which does not specifically relate to reducing risks but rather preparing to respond effectively when a disaster strikes.