What is a key characteristic of a contingency plan?

A contingency plan is fundamentally designed as a backup for a primary plan, serving as a proactive strategy for unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt standard procedures. This characteristic makes it essential for ensuring that operations can continue smoothly or be adapted in the face of unexpected events. By preparing alternative actions and measures ahead of time, a contingency plan enhances an organization's resilience and ability to recover from various types of challenges.

The focus on the contingency plan being a backup also highlights the importance of having a structured approach to risk management. By recognizing potential risks and having predefined responses, organizations can effectively mitigate negative impacts. Other options may imply urgency or limitations that do not represent the broader utility and purpose of a contingency plan.