A pre-incident survey should start with which aspect of the building?

Starting a pre-incident survey with the exterior of the building provides essential foundational information that sets the stage for understanding the structure and its potential hazards. The exterior evaluation allows responders to assess various critical elements such as entry points, the overall condition of the building, surrounding access routes, and any visible hazards like utility connections or debris that may impede emergency operations.

During the exterior survey, personnel can also identify which side of the building may have the most access for apparatus, evaluate the presence of any significant features such as fire escapes or adjacent structures that could influence a fire scenario, and note the distance to hydrants or access points for water supply.

Once the exterior condition and potential challenges are acknowledged, officers can proceed to understand the interior layout, fire protection systems, and other specific aspects of the facility. This structured approach helps ensure that all critical factors affecting response and operational safety are considered effectively.