Preposition or no?

[James M]

"We must prepare for disasters, and that means ___ providing the kind of assistance that you need in such disasters."

Would you language professionals please tell me:

What should go in the blank space?

(a) The preposition "in."

(b) The preposition "by."

(c) nothing.

Thank you so much.

[Anitymnunsess]

thanks good for topic

[Dozy]

My answer is (c).

I'm wondering, though, if the sentence actually makes any sense. Is providing assistance in disasters a means of preparing for disasters?

[James M]

Thank you. Maybe it's my fault for simplifying the sentence too much. I plan to return soon with the full sentence.

Thanks, too, to Anitymnunsess. I'm glad that you also found this sentence interesting.

[James M]

Okey-doke. I'm back.

Here's the situation.

Someone read this sentence (I AM going to delete a few words): We've got to better prepare ourselves to manage these kinds of weather events [such as droughts, floods, etc.], and that means IN providing the kind of health assistance that you need in the aftermath of those kinds of events.

That sentence comes from a very reputable news source. Well, that "someone" wanted to know whether the preposition "IN' was being used correctly. He thought that there should be NO preposition. I suggested that "BY" might be a better preposition.

What say you language professionals now?

Thanks a million!

[Beeesneees]

I agree with Dozy that no preposition would be the best option.
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Cheers m' dears!