Principles of disaster management. Lesson 2: Program planning.

Abstract

Many of the problems that develop in disaster management can be avoided with good program planning. Assessment following a disaster is essential. Needs assessment is essential in the early phases of a disaster and situation assessments become more important as the disaster process continues. Both are dynamic and continuous processes. Program planning requires setting policies, goals, and objectives with the end result of selection of strategies to accomplish the mission. Implementation of the strategies requires identification of funding sources, allocation of the resources, development management, and monitoring of the progress. Together, these elements should result in a balanced and successful program.