Which phase of disaster planning involves taking action to minimize risks?

Mitigation is the phase of disaster planning that specifically focuses on taking action to minimize risks and reduce the potential impact of disasters. This involves identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to lessen the likelihood of disaster occurrence or to lessen the severity of its effects. For example, mitigation activities can include infrastructure improvements, implementing building codes, and community education on preparedness practices. These proactive measures are crucial as they enhance a community's resilience and decrease the need for extensive emergency responses in the aftermath of a disaster. This phase is about planning and implementing methods that can prevent a disaster from drastically affecting life and property, thereby setting up a safer environment for the community.