A disaster is a serious problem that occurs over a period of time and causes widespread human, material, economic, or environmental loss that exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be caused by natural, man-made, and technological hazards, as well as various factors that influence the exposure and vulnerability of a community. Some examples of natural hazard events include flooding, drought, earthquake, tropical cyclone, lightning, tsunami, volcanic activity, and wildfire. Disasters can have devastating impacts on people and communities, and the frequency, complexity, and severity of their impacts are likely to increase in the future due to factors such as climate change, displacement, conflict, rapid and unplanned urbanization, technological hazards, and public health emergencies.

Disaster damage occurs during and immediately after the disaster, and it is usually measured in physical units (e.g., square meters of housing, kilometers of roads, etc.), describing the total or partial destruction of physical assets, the disruption of basic services, and damages to sources of livelihood in the affected area. Disaster impact is the total effect, including negative effects (e.g., economic losses) and positive effects (e.g., economic gains), of a hazardous event or a disaster. The term includes economic, human, and environmental impacts, and may include death, injuries, disease, and other negative effects on human physical, mental, and social well-being.

Disasters are not restricted to records and information resources. The death of an essential employee, a poisoning, an explosion, a fire, or a chemical spill are disasters that adversely affect the University. The University, as a whole, must protect all of its assets. A disaster prevention and recovery plan can help protect all of the Universitys assets including people, jobs, records, vital records, and facilities.

In summary, a disaster is a serious problem that causes widespread loss and exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be caused by natural, man-made, and technological hazards, and their impacts can be devastating. Disaster damage occurs during and immediately after the disaster, while disaster impact is the total effect of a hazardous event or a disaster.