Which statement describes FEMA's primary planning objective?

• A. Minimize costs
• B. Rapid urban development
• C. Reduce loss of life and property and protect health and safety
• D. Centralize command

Answer: (C)

The essential idea here is that emergency planning centers on protecting people first. FEMA’s planning objective is to minimize casualties and property loss while safeguarding health and safety, because saving lives and keeping people safe is the top priority in any disaster. Plans are built around reducing harm, supporting rapid and safe response, and enabling swift recovery.

Other options miss the priority. Rapid urban development isn’t a goal of emergency planning and can even raise risk. Centralizing command is an incident-management approach used during response, not the primary planning aim. While cost considerations matter, they come after the fundamental goal of protecting people and public health and safety.