In NIMS, resource inventorying refers to preparedness activities conducted _________ of incident response?

In the context of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), resource inventorying is a crucial aspect of preparedness activities that are performed outside the immediate framework of incident response. This preparation involves identifying, assessing, and cataloging resources that could be necessary during a disaster or emergency. Conducting these activities outside of incident response ensures that resources are pre-identified and readily available when the need arises, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the response efforts.

Preparedness activities, such as resource inventorying, focus on proactive measures taken to build capacity, ensure resilience, and reduce the impact of potential incidents. This is distinct from the actual response phase, where the focus is on managing an active incident and utilizing the pre-identified resources. Therefore, understanding the timing and context of resource inventorying in the preparedness phase highlights its essential role in enabling a more organized and effective response to emergencies.