There are no crystal balls in life. That does not mean that people cannot plan for ahead to develop strategies to deal with things that go wrong. One cannot, howeve,r plan for every potential problem. Determining where dangerous or significant incidents will occur, when they will occur, and how they will occur, however, is a necessary part of many people's lives. Risk assessment is necessary because public and private safety and security workers, and many other people, need to determine the resources they will require, the techniques they will use, the roles employees will fulfill, and the budgets required for any incidents that may occur (Shonkwiler, 2008). Likewise, these people need to determine what incidents are likely to occur so they can accurately determine how they will react in such circumstances. This is where risk assessment processes are used. There are different forms of risk assessment. These forms all involve a "'process of risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation'" and all go about it in different ways (Markiewicz, 2010). They use different formats, such as those based on the use of probabilities or statistical models (such as Monte Carlo theory), brainstorming (free thinking and subjective analysis), event trees, matrices, and even just simple checklists, to identify potential risks and determine how likely they are to occur (Markiewicz, 2010). To be effective a risk assessment technique must identify all potential incidents that may occur and then help people focus on the ones most likely to occur. "No risk assessment technique is perfect. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses and limitations. Risk assessment techniques, however, are necessary to help decision makers make informed choices, prioritize actions and distinguish among alternative courses of action" (Markiewicz, 2010). The organization using the risk assessment technique, the ability of those using it to effectively understand their internal and external environments, and ability of the method to accurately predict what is likely to happen will all determine the effectiveness of the technique chosen. References Markiewicz, D. (2010). Fish bones and bow ties: Learn more about risk assessment techniques. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News. Retrieved March 9, 2012 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-221433273.html Shonkwiler, D. A. (2008). Community risk assessment: Planning for future disasters in the City of Alhambra.