Disaster Management · TEE · formulas

The essential terms in one place

Definitions and formulas

Definitions and taught relationships · optional sums separately

Term	Meaning	Example
Risk	Potential loss arising from hazardous events interacting with exposed and vulnerable people/assets.	Possible damage to homes in a floodplain.
Vulnerability	Conditions that make people or assets susceptible to harm.	Weak housing or lack of accessible evacuation transport.
Hazard	A process or event with the potential to cause harm.	A cyclone or toxic gas release.
Preparedness	Knowledge, plans and resources enabling effective action.	A rehearsed evacuation plan and ready shelters.
Mitigation	Measures that lessen likely harm.	Retrofitting a vulnerable building.

Term	Meaning
Exposure	People and assets located where a hazard may occur.
Capacity	Skills, resources and arrangements available to manage risk.
Resilience	Ability to withstand, adapt and recover while maintaining/restoring essential functions.
Preparedness	Readiness to act effectively; includes plans, training, warnings and resources.
Response	Immediate and short-term actions to protect people and address urgent needs.
Recovery	Restoring services, housing and livelihoods and reducing future risk.
GIS	A system for working with geographically referenced information.
Remote sensing	Obtaining information from a distance, for example using satellite sensors.

Yaad rakho: Hazard = threat; exposure = who is there; vulnerability = why harm is likely; capacity = what helps.