This document provides an overview of key concepts for an emergency management course unit on disaster response and recovery. It discusses the response phase, which aims to minimize risk and provide emergency assistance in the initial disaster period. Recovery has short-term efforts to restore minimum operations within two weeks and longer-term recovery over 30-90 days depending on the disaster. The document also outlines challenges for emergency managers, like coordination between agencies and acquiring financial resources, and stresses the importance of planning, communication, and stakeholder involvement in both response and recovery phases.