What is the first step in the THIRA process?

The first step in the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process is to identify threats and hazards. This step serves as the foundation for the entire THIRA process as it involves recognizing and detailing the specific threats or hazards that a community may face. By clearly identifying these threats and hazards, emergency managers can better understand the potential risks that need to be addressed in planning and preparedness efforts.

Understanding the context of various threats and hazards helps in evaluating the risks they pose, yet this foundational identification must occur first. Establishing capability targets, giving context, and analyzing preparedness can only happen effectively once the relevant threats and hazards have been pinpointed. Therefore, this identification phase is crucial for guiding the subsequent assessments and planning actions in the THIRA framework.