UMCOR Disaster Relief: 5 Phases Of Relief

THE FIVE STAGES OF A DISASTER
Readiness – The Readiness phase includes training, planning, practicing and equipping for any
disaster. A disaster plan should be developed during this phase and teams should be trained
and equipped. Preparations are made and precautions are taken for potential events, including
evacuation.
Who is most active: DISASTER RELIEF SPECIALIST

Rescue – The Rescue phase incorporates the time for first responders to do what they do best.
Among other emergency response activities, public responders work towards the preservation
of life and property. 
Who is most active: PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL.

Relief – The Relief stage includes crisis intervention, emergency assistance, provision of shelter
and housing, distribution of food and clothing, beginning the clean-up process (with ER Teams),
assessment of the extent of damage and planning for long term recovery if needed. 
Who is most active: CHURCH GROUPS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, AID WORKERS.

Recovery – Survivors are assisted in rebuilding their structures and lives in the Recovery phase.
They are also helped in adjusting to the “new normal.
Who is most active: SURVIVORS, SOME CHURCH GROUPS 

Review – The Review phase is an intentional period following the relief and recovery phases of
a where all actions are reviewed and ways to improve future readiness and response for the
next disaster are considered.
Who is most active: DISASTER RELIEF SPECIALIST 

DISASTER TIMELINE
The “Rule of Ten” - In general, a given phase of a disaster is ten times as long as the previous phase.
For example, if the rescue phase lasts 1 day, the relief stage will last 10 days and the recovery phase
will last 100 days.