Which phase of disaster management focuses on containment and lifesaving actions?

• A. Preparedness
• B. Response
• C. Recovery
• D. Mitigation

Answer: (B)

The focus on containment and lifesaving actions occurs during the response phase. When a disaster happens, the priority is immediate action to save lives, prevent further harm, and stabilize the situation. In this phase, responders perform search and rescue, provide emergency medical care, evacuate or shelter people, supply essential needs, establish command and coordination, and implement hazard containment to stop the incident from getting worse.

This differs from preparedness, which involves planning, training, and drills done before an event; mitigation, which aims to lessen the impact of hazards before they occur; and recovery, which concentrates on returning to normal and rebuilding after the immediate danger has passed. Containment and lifesaving work are the hallmark of the rapid, on-the-ground actions that characterize the response period.