The act establishes Samoa's legal framework on disaster risk management. It provides several measures for the management of disasters and emergencies.

The main measures are 1) to establish a structure for the management of disasters and emergencies by promoting cooperation amongst agencies with a role in disaster management, 2) the implementation of a national disaster management plan, 3) to vest authority in persons and agencies to act during times of disaster and emergency, 4) to enhance the capacity of the government, relevant agencies and the community to manage the impacts of disasters and emergencies, 5) to implement mechanisms to reduce risks and hazards, 5) to facilitate procedures aimed at implementing recovery activities in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies.