Key Terms

Foundational principles of VOAD coordination:

• Cooperation – Working together toward common goals.

• Communication – Sharing timely and relevant information.

• Coordination – Organizing efforts to prevent duplication and ensure effectiveness.

• Collaboration – Strategically aligning resources and plans for mutual benefit.

Affect human health and safety on a large scale. Examples are pandemics (COVID-19, Ebola, Influenza), bioterrorism, and water contamination.

A combination of human, environmental, and societal factors leading to a prolonged crisis. Examples are refugee crises, pandemics, food shortages, and widespread economic collapses.

A disaster is a sudden or progressive event that causes significant disruption, damage, or loss to life, property, environment, or essential services. Disasters overwhelm local or national capacities to respond effectively, often requiring external assistance.

Result from human actions, either accidental or intentional.

• • Technological Disasters: Industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear reactor failures, dam failures, cyberattacks.
  • Terrorism & Violence: Bombings, mass shootings, bioterrorism, cyberterrorism.
  • War & Conflict: Armed conflicts, genocide, civil unrest.
  • Transportation Disasters: Plane crashes, train derailments, major highway accidents.

Long-term strategies to reduce disaster risk and impact.

Examples of natural disasters are hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

The national coordinating body for VOAD members and partners in disaster response across the U.S.

Actions taken before a disaster to build capacity, educate the public, and plan response strategies.

Efforts to restore communities to pre-disaster conditions or better, including rebuilding and emotional support.

Immediate activities following a disaster to address urgent needs like shelter, food, and medical care.

A coalition of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations that coordinate disaster response and recovery efforts collaboratively.