Disaster management or emergency plan is understood as the body of policies, administrative decisions and operational activities within the different stages of the disaster, at all levels. It can also be defined as the set of provisions, measures and actions aimed at the preparation, response and rehabilitation of the population in the event of disasters.

It is based on the set of knowledge, measures, actions and procedures, which, together with the rational use of human and material resources), are oriented towards the planning, organization, direction, execution and control of activities that allow avoiding or reducing the effects of disasters on the population and the service and productive infrastructure.

The actions and tasks carried out for the administration or management of disasters are permanent in time and space, forming a cycle comprised of three phases: