Disaster management is a process or strategy that is implemented when any type of catastrophic event takes place. Sometimes referred to as disaster recovery management, the process may be initiated when anything threatens to disrupt normal operations or puts the lives of human beings at risk. Governments on all levels as well as many businesses create some sort of disaster plan that make it possible to overcome the catastrophe and return to normal function as quickly as possible.

One of the essential elements of disaster management involves defining the types of catastrophes that could possibly disrupt the day to day operation of a city, town, business, or country. Identifying those potential disasters makes it possible to create contingency plans, assemble supplies, and create procedures that can be initiated when and if a given disaster does come to pass. A truly comprehensive disaster management plan will encompass a wide range of possibilities that can easily be adapted in the event one disaster sets off a chain reaction of other types of disasters in its wake.

Because of the need to continue functioning in emergency situations, disaster management plans are often multi-layered and can address such issues as floods, hurricanes, fires, bombings, and even mass failures of utilities or the rapid spread of disease. The disaster plan is likely to address such as important matters as evacuating people from an impacted region, arranging temporary housing, food, and medical care. It is not unusual for the plan to also work toward containing and possibly neutralizing the root causes of the disaster if at all possible.

The process of disaster management will often address the issue of ongoing communication. Since many disasters can cause communication networks to fail, a competent disaster plan will include the quick setup of alternative communication capabilities that do not rely on the various switches, towers and hubs that are usually part of telephone and cellular communication networks. Often making use of short-wave transmissions that are supported with satellite technology, the communication flow can continue from the area impacted by the disaster to other points where aid can be extended when and as possible.

As part of the crisis management component of a disaster plan, it is not unusual for some type of disaster kit to be developed. The kit may include food and clothing for people who are evacuated from an area that has experienced flooding or extensive damage from a hurricane or tornado. Kits may also include basic medication to help with headaches, fevers, and other minor ailments. In some cases, the kits may include items such as sleeping bags or other necessities that will help displaced persons to cope with the after effects of the disaster.

Creating an effective disaster management plan is often easier said than done. As many nations have learned, what were thought to be comprehensive emergency plans turned out to be partially effective at best. In recent years, many government agencies stretching from the local to the national level have taken steps to revisit the structure of their disaster plans and run computer simulations to identify weaknesses in the plans, and refine them so they can operate with more speed and efficiency.