Final answer:
The correct answer is a. response phase, which focuses on immediate actions like controlling or stabilizing the situation during a disaster, involving emergency services and first responders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The response phase is the phase associated with implementing the initial reaction to a disaster; it is focused on controlling or stabilizing the situation, if that is possible. Therefore, the correct answer is a. response phase.
This phase is critical as it involves the deployment of emergency services and first responders to the disaster area to provide immediate assistance. The goals during this phase include saving lives, preventing further property damage, and meeting basic human needs. It precedes other phases of emergency management such as recovery, where the focus shifts to returning the affected community to normal or improved status.