What term is used when a hazard actually turns into a risk?

The term that accurately describes when a hazard transforms into a risk is an "incident." An incident refers to an event or occurrence that happens and results from the interaction between a hazard and the vulnerabilities present in a given context. It signifies that the hazard has caused an actual adverse outcome, affecting people, property, or the environment.

For instance, a hazardous situation such as a chemical leak or flood remains just a potential threat until it results in actual harm or damage, which then qualifies it as an incident. Understanding this distinction is crucial in the field of homeland security, as it allows professionals to assess situations, allocate resources effectively, and implement response plans in real-time.

The terms "emergency event," "crisis," and "catastrophe" all refer to significant situations that result from incidents, often with broad impacts or requiring coordinated responses, but they do not represent the specific point at which a potential risk manifests. Instead, they capture the consequences of hazards that have progressed through the phase of becoming incidents.