Which phase is the first step in the Crisis Action Planning process?

The first step in the Crisis Action Planning (CAP) process is the Warning Order. This phase serves to inform all relevant personnel about a potential or imminent crisis, enabling them to begin preliminary preparations. The Warning Order outlines initial guidance and helps establish a framework for subsequent actions and decisions. It sets the stage for the planning process by alerting commanders and staff to focus their efforts on developing an appropriate response.

This phase is critical because it allows teams to assess the situation and gather information while also establishing an awareness of the context and urgency of the crisis. By issuing a Warning Order, leaders signal the need for planning and resource allocation, helping to ensure that all necessary preparations are made swiftly and efficiently in anticipation of further developments. Each subsequent order in the planning process builds upon the groundwork established during this initial phase, which is why it is pivotal in the overall structure of crisis response.