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

Resource inventorying in the context of the National Incident Management Assistance System (NIMS) is a crucial element of preparedness that relates to assessing and organizing resources prior to an incident occurring. Properly conducted inventorying allows organizations to identify what resources are available, their locations, and their capabilities. This preparatory work ensures that when an incident arises, responding teams have a clear understanding of what is at their disposal, enabling a more efficient and effective response.

Conducting resource inventorying outside of the actual incident response phase allows organizations to focus on and strategize resource allocation without the pressures and distractions of managing a live incident. This proactive approach is key in strengthening overall preparedness and enhancing the coordination and response capabilities during actual incidents. Thus, resource inventorying is designed to occur well in advance of incident response, contributing to a more organized and efficient management of available resources when an emergency arises.