Section 4: Anticipatory Action
Because anticipatory action takes place before the impacts of hazards are felt, unlike post-disaster response where needs such as shelter or food are already known, its primary objective is to reduce or prevent potential negative impacts. To be effective, anticipatory actions must be coordinated and agreed upon with relevant authorities, aligned with the National Society’s mandate, and designed to be appropriate and safe for at-risk communities—ensuring no harm is caused.
Part 1: Guidance On Selecting Early Actions
This section explores how anticipatory actions can be selected based on National Society mandate in connection to the section on NS capacity and readiness on anticipatory action.
Video: Identifying Impacts & Selecting Early Actions
Additional Guidance
Part 2: Examples of Early Actions
While all Red Cross Red Crescent Early Action Protocols are available on the IFRC Appeals page, the Anticipation Hub offers a more systematic collection of anticipatory actions. It provides an overview across various hazards, lead times, and implementing agencies, serving as a valuable resource for comparative learning and cross-context analysis.
Part 3: Test & Simulate
For sudden-onset hazards—where most RCRC Early Action Protocols are focused—the lead time between early warning and impact is often very short. This makes it essential to test selected anticipatory actions in advance to ensure they are well understood across the National Society and among relevant stakeholders. These actions must also be appropriate and relevant for the communities at risk, and feasible to implement within the available lead time that is indicated by the forecast and data analysis.