Final answer:
Contingency plans involve processing abstract information, anticipating novel situations, willingness to make sacrifices, and mounting a timely response, as depicted in the context of a tornado threat through different scenarios of action and inaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of contingency planning encompasses the development of a master plan that acts as a "break glass in case of emergency" safeguard. Contingency plans typically include four subordinate functions aimed at ensuring preparedness for various scenarios. First is the ability to process abstract information, which involves understanding potential impacts of unpredictable events, like a tornado. Next, the plan must anticipate situations that have not yet occurred, ensuring a proactive approach. Third, it should promote the willingness to make individual sacrifices for the greater good, preparing people to take necessary actions. Lastly, recognizing the risk of waiting for a crisis to become clear-and-present, the plan must enable one to mount a timely response when early signs of an impending disaster are evident.
To illustrate these functions, let's consider a tornado heading towards a town. With Plan A (doing nothing), the cost is minimal, but the outcome can be catastrophic if the tornado hits. Plan B (boarding up windows and taking shelter) incurs higher immediate costs but provides safety and peace of mind. After the event, the results of each plan must be evaluated against the relative costs and emotional outcomes, effectively assessing the contingency plan's success under the four possible scenarios outlined in Figure 20.1.