What are the five phases of an emergency?

• A. Discovery; Verification; Reaction; Resolution; Restoration to Routine Operations
• B. Discovery; Verification; Response; Restoration; Return to Normal
• C. Detection; Verification; Response; Recovery; Restoration to Normal
• D. Discovery; Verification; Response; Resolution; Restoration to Normal Operations

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is the ordered sequence of actions that guide an emergency from first signs to full recovery. The five phases are Discovery, Verification, Response, Resolution, and Restoration to Normal Operations.

Discovery is the moment the incident first comes to attention—the initial awareness that something is happening. Verification follows to confirm that the event is real, assess its scope, and determine if it requires action. With that confirmed understanding, the organization moves into Response, taking deliberate steps to contain, mitigate, and protect people and assets. Once actions stabilize the situation, Resolution focuses on closing out the incident—ensuring the emergency is under control and addressing any immediate root causes or impacts. Finally, Restoration to Normal Operations brings the system back to its regular functioning, repair work as needed, and a return to standard procedures, often with a review to improve future responses.

The other options use terms that aren’t the standard progression here (for example, “Reaction” isn’t the typical stage name, and “Recovery” or “Return to Normal” may not capture the full closure and stabilization implied by “Resolution” plus a formal restoration). Keeping the sequence as Discovery, Verification, Response, Resolution, and Restoration to Normal Operations reflects a clear, logical flow from detection through to full operational normalcy.