"Definition: step taken before, during, or after an incident designed to prevent, minimize, or contain impact of incident "Extended Definition: methods for selecting the best actions within the time constraints of a fastmoving emergency; measures describe preparations taken before an emergency situation to ensure implementation is possible during an emergency; includes decision-making and implementation issues to rapidly reduce the effects of an emergency situation or contamination "Annotation: Protective action involves actions taken to protect lives and property. It involves applying intelligence and other information to a range of activities that may include such countermeasures as deterrence operations; heightened inspections; improved surveillance and security operations; investigations to determine the full nature and source of the threat; public health and agricultural surveillance and testing processes; immunizations, isolation, or quarantine; and, as appropriate, specific law enforcement operations aimed at deterring, preempting, interdicting, or disrupting illegal activity and apprehending potential perpetrators and bringing them to justice". (DHS, Lexicon: Terms and Definitions, October 19, 2007, p. 21)