Which of the following best describes “emergency preparedness”?

Emergency preparedness fundamentally involves the proactive planning and organization designed to reduce the impact of disasters before they occur. This includes assessing potential risks, developing clear action plans, training personnel, conducting drills, and securing necessary resources. The emphasis is on minimizing harm to individuals and communities by ensuring that responses are prompt, efficient, and well-coordinated when a disaster strikes.

In contrast, other options describe approaches that focus on responses after the event or during the disaster itself. Incorporating elements such as response strategies implemented long after an event or providing support only after a disaster would not fall under the umbrella of preparedness, as these actions lack the proactive planning component that characterizes effective emergency preparedness. Similarly, while strategies used during a disaster are crucial for effective management, they do not encompass the planning phase that is central to preparedness. Therefore, the best definition emphasizing foresight and planning is the one that highlights plans made before a disaster to minimize harm.