Which process is the first step in making plans to bring a situation under control?

• A. Establishing command
• B. Size-up
• C. Preincident planning
• D. Drafting an IAP

Answer: (B)

Gaining a handle on what’s happening is the essential starting point. Size-up means quickly assessing the incident to understand its scope, the hazards present, the people involved, weather and terrain, structural conditions, and what resources are available or needed. This information provides the facts you need to judge risk, decide on immediate actions, and determine how to allocate personnel and equipment.

With a solid size-up, you can establish command with a clear understanding of the situation and then start shaping a plan to bring it under control. Drafting an Incident Action Plan follows, built on the realities uncovered during size-up, and guides coordinated actions. Preincident planning is preparedness done before incidents occur, not the immediate response step. So, the first step in making plans to bring a situation under control is size-up.