What is a primary guideline for restoring infrastructure after a disaster?

Restoring safety and functionality is a primary guideline when it comes to rebuilding infrastructure after a disaster. This approach ensures that critical systems and services, such as transportation, utilities, and communication, are operational and safe for the community. Priority is given to making the infrastructure not only return to its previous state but also to enhance its resilience against future disasters. This includes assessing the structural integrity, implementing safety standards, and potentially reinforcing systems to better withstand future events.

In contrast, objectives like focusing only on aesthetic improvements or cost reduction can lead to inadequate solutions that don't address the fundamental needs of the community. Ignoring future disaster risks could result in repeated vulnerabilities, exacerbating the challenges for the community in subsequent incidents. Thus, the emphasis on safety and functionality is essential for a resilient recovery process that genuinely serves and protects the community.