Section 5: Plan Development
Anticipatory actions are most effective when guided by a pre-agreed anticipatory action plan, commonly referred to as an Early Action Protocol (EAP). These protocols are essential because they clearly outline what actions will be taken, by whom, and with what resources—before a hazard occurs. Having a validated and tested EAP in place ensures that responses are rapid, coordinated, and accountable once a trigger is reached, minimizing delays and confusion. National Societies with an approved EAP, validated by the Validation Committee, are eligible to access the Anticipatory Pillar of the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to finance pre-positioning, annual readiness activities and implement anticipatory actions. Where feasible, the RCRC network advocates for government anticipatory action frameworks, with a clear role of the National Society.
Part 1: Early Action Protocol (EAP) Requirements
EAPs require clearly defined hazard impacts, triggers, roles, and responsibilities, as well as pre-allocated funding to ensure timely pre-positioning, readiness and anticipatory action implementation within the IFRC DREF mechanism. The National Societies also encouraged to integrate and align to regional and national anticipatory action frameworks and plans whenever possible.
Part 2: Draft & Validate EAP
This section explores the EAP narrative and budget templates, as well as monitoring and evaluation recommendations, which are critical for ensuring the effectiveness and accountability of anticipatory action.