What does the term 'risk assessment' refer to in emergency planning?

The term 'risk assessment' in emergency planning specifically refers to the process of analyzing hazards and vulnerabilities. This involves identifying potential threats to safety and security, evaluating how likely those threats are to occur, and understanding the potential impact they could have on people, property, and the environment. Through this analytical process, planners can prioritize risks and develop strategies to mitigate or manage them, ensuring a more effective response to emergencies.

This process includes examining various factors such as the likelihood of different types of emergencies (like natural disasters, technological incidents, or human-made threats) and how susceptible a community or organization is to these events. By comprehensively understanding both hazards and vulnerabilities, emergency planners can create more targeted and effective preparedness plans.