Which nursing activity is commonly carried out during the preparedness and planning stage of disaster management?

Conducting disaster scenario drills is a critical nursing activity during the preparedness and planning stages of disaster management. These drills simulate potential disaster situations, allowing nursing staff and other responders to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment. This preparation helps to ensure that personnel are familiar with protocols, understand their roles and responsibilities, and can work effectively as part of a team when a real disaster occurs.

Through these drills, nursing staff can identify potential weaknesses in their response plans, enhance communication, and foster coordination with other community services and emergency responders. This proactive approach reduces uncertainty and enhances the overall readiness of the healthcare system in the face of an actual disaster.

Other activities listed—such as providing follow-up care, executing emergency evacuation plans, and evaluating response effectiveness—are crucial but typically occur in the response or recovery phases rather than during the initial preparedness and planning stage.