In ISO standards, what does 'emergency preparedness' refer to?

The reference to 'emergency preparedness' in ISO standards specifically relates to ensuring that an organization is ready to handle potential emergencies that may disrupt its operations. This concept is integral to maintaining continuity and safeguarding resources, including both human and material assets, as it emphasizes the need for organizations to develop plans and procedures to effectively respond to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, technical failures, or other crises.

By preparing for emergencies, organizations can minimize the impact on their operations, protect their staff, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This preparedness is typically part of a broader risk management framework that involves identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and implementing strategies to mitigate them.

The other options do not align with the concept of emergency preparedness as they focus on different aspects of business operations, such as product development, employee skill training, or marketing strategies, which do not address the urgent and proactive approaches required for managing emergencies.