ABSTRACT
The effective management of disasters begins well in advance of any event. Getting ready includes preventing and mitigating the risks to which the community is exposed but it also involves organising the resources required including the people and their capabilities. Indeed, in the absence of frequent events, the only thing we can measure is the degree of preparedness. Preparedness involves a range of strategies that in general aim to prepare for response and recovery. Key to preparation is the process of planning.
