What is a major focus of the National Response Framework in terms of emergency planning?

The National Response Framework emphasizes an all-hazards approach to managing incidents as its major focus in emergency planning. This approach recognizes that disasters can take many forms, such as natural disasters, technological incidents, or human-made crises, and it prepares responders to handle a wide variety of situations, rather than focusing on a single type of incident.

By taking an all-hazards perspective, the Framework encourages the integration of resources, plans, and strategies that can be applied universally across different types of emergencies. This comprehensive strategy enhances the overall preparedness and resilience of communities, ensuring that they can effectively respond to and recover from a range of incidents — from hurricanes and floods to terrorist attacks and pandemics.

In contrast, the other options either narrow the focus of emergency planning or do not align with the principles of the National Response Framework. For instance, workplace safety regulations primarily target safety standards in work environments and do not address broader emergency response strategies. Strict budgeting may limit the necessary flexibility or adaptability needed during an emergency, and limiting community participation would undermine the collaborative approach that is vital for effective emergency management.