In the context of emergency management, which term refers to actions taken before an incident occurs?

In the context of emergency management, the term that refers to actions taken before an incident occurs is preparedness. Preparedness involves planning, training, and exercises that equip individuals, organizations, and communities to respond effectively to emergencies when they arise. This stage includes the development of emergency plans, training personnel, conducting drills, and establishing communication systems.

Preparedness is key to minimizing the impact of disasters through proactive measures. It is distinct from mitigation, which focuses on reducing the severity or likelihood of incidents but may not involve as direct a focus on specific emergency response readiness. While both preparedness and mitigation aim to enhance safety and reduce risks, preparedness specifically emphasizes readiness for dealing with emergencies once they happen.

Response actions occur during an emergency, recovery refers to activities after an incident to restore functionality, and mitigation focuses on preventing risks from becoming emergencies. Thus, preparedness is the correct term for actions designed to enhance readiness prior to an incident.