Prior planning for disaster sanitation is beneficial because it:

Prior planning for disaster sanitation is crucial because it significantly expedites response times and helps safeguard public health. When effective sanitation strategies are established beforehand, emergency responders can quickly implement appropriate measures to manage waste, ensure clean water supply, and prevent the spread of disease. This proactive approach allows for a more organized and efficient response during a disaster, which ultimately leads to a quicker recovery process and mitigates potential health risks associated with unsanitary conditions.

The opposite side of this scenario, such as increasing costs, delaying responses, or reducing the perceived need for sanitation, does not align with the realities of disaster management. While some may worry that preparation could add to costs, the long-term benefits of being ready far outweigh these concerns by minimizing the impacts of disasters on public health and infrastructure. Efficient sanitation planning upfront also helps avoid the chaos that can stall responses, which is critical when lives are at stake.