What is a characteristic of the Cold Zone in incident management?

The Cold Zone in incident management is designated as the area that serves a specific purpose in supporting the overall response efforts. This zone is primarily used for rehabilitation and staging, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that personnel can rest and recover after operating in more hazardous areas.

In the Cold Zone, emergency responders can safely regroup, receive medical evaluations if necessary, and prepare for subsequent assignments without the immediate pressures of the hot and warm zones. This area is significantly removed from the scene of active operations, which enhances safety and minimizes the risk of exposure to hazards present in more critical zones, such as the hot zone where direct action takes place.

This distinction helps ensure that responders can perform their duties effectively while maintaining their health and safety throughout an extended incident response. The focus on rehabilitation and staging is vital for sustaining operational capability and reducing fatigue among personnel.