A community health nurse is teaching a group of community members about disaster preparedness. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching about when to plan for a disaster?

Rationale: A. While disasters cannot always be predicted, proactive planning is essential to minimize harm and ensure a rapid, organized response. Communities and individuals who prepare in advance experience fewer injuries, less chaos, and faster recovery. Suggesting that planning is pointless promotes complacency and increases risk during emergencies. B. Planning during a disaster is reactive and usually occurs under high stress, limited resources, and time constraints. Decisions made in the moment are often rushed and may compromise safety. While some adaptation is necessary during a disaster, the core plans and preparations must already be in place. C. Disaster preparedness is a proactive process that involves developing emergency plans such as knowing evacuation routes, shelter locations, and communication strategies; gathering resources including food, water, medications, and first aid supplies; participating in training and drills to practice evacuation, first aid, and emergency procedures; and coordinating with the community to ensure local agencies, hospitals, and organizations have plans in place. Planning ahead allows for rapid, organized responses that reduce injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Individuals and communities are better able to protect vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. D. Planning after a disaster focuses on recovery, rebuilding, and mitigation for future events, but it does not prevent immediate harm during the disaster. Waiting until after an event is too late to protect lives or property.