Define 'emergency preparedness.'

Emergency preparedness is fundamentally about planning and organizing resources to effectively respond to potential emergencies before they occur. This involves developing comprehensive plans, identifying necessary resources, training personnel, and establishing protocols to ensure a swift and efficient response in the event of an emergency. It emphasizes proactive measures, which are essential for minimizing the impact of disasters and ensuring public safety.

In contrast, responding to emergencies as they happen focuses on the immediate actions taken during an event rather than the preparatory steps that are crucial for effective response. Conducting post-incident evaluations pertains to analyzing the response after an emergency has been managed, which is vital for future improvements but does not encompass the full scope of preparedness. Training only frontline emergency responders limits the preparedness to a specific group and overlooks the critical need for a comprehensive approach that includes all stakeholders in emergency management.