What role does the concept of readiness to act play in the NRF?

The concept of readiness to act within the National Response Framework (NRF) centers on the importance of proactive planning for emergency situations. This readiness encompasses the activities and measures that organizations and individuals take to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters effectively. By fostering a mindset of readiness, the NRF encourages stakeholders at all levels—local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal—to anticipate potential emergencies and develop comprehensive strategies and plans to address them before they occur.

This proactive approach includes conducting training exercises, making resource allocations, and engaging in community preparedness initiatives. It helps ensure that when an incident occurs, responses are swift, coordinated, and efficient, ultimately reducing the impact of the disaster on people and property. The focus on readiness emphasizes that preparation is a continuous process that involves various partnerships and engagement with the community rather than a reactionary stance taken only after a disaster strikes.