This document defines disaster preparedness as dealing with and avoiding risks through preparing for, supporting communities during, and rebuilding after natural or human-made disasters. It discusses that natural disasters can result from weather, geology, biology or outside space factors, while human-made disasters suddenly occur due to natural, technological or intentional human factors. The document also notes that disasters can threaten severe environmental damage and loss of life and property, and covers types of disasters such as civil conflicts and large-scale epidemics.