Following the completion of Size-Up, what is the first action that an Incident Commander takes?

Following the completion of Size-Up, determining incident priorities is crucial because it establishes the framework for the entire response strategy. This process involves assessing the situation, identifying immediate threats to life, property, and the environment, and setting clear objectives for the incident response. Prioritizing actions helps ensure that critical tasks such as life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation are addressed effectively.

Establishing incident priorities also facilitates communication among team members and directs the allocation of resources toward achieving those goals. It ensures that all personnel on the scene are aware of the objectives and the actions necessary to achieve them. This step is fundamental as it lays the groundwork for subsequent actions, including evaluating risks, allocating resources, and notifying support personnel, all of which depend on the established priorities.