What should be done first when establishing command at a HazMat incident?

Establishing command at a HazMat incident requires a focused approach to ensure the safety of personnel and the public, as well as the effective management of the situation. The foundational step is to assess the situation and determine resource needs. This involves gathering critical information about the nature of the hazardous materials involved, the extent of the incident, potential risks to responders and the community, and identifying any immediate needs for additional resources or personnel.

Conducting this assessment allows the Incident Commander to make informed decisions about the appropriate actions to take next, whether that involves deploying specialized response teams, coordinating with local agencies, or initiating safety protocols. Without a thorough assessment, any subsequent actions, like evacuation or decontamination, could be miscalibrated or premature, potentially leading to confusion, misallocation of resources, or even increased risk to health and safety.

While waiting for all units to arrive, beginning decontamination, or evacuating nearby neighborhoods may be necessary actions at later stages, they should not precede the initial assessment, as this first step lays the groundwork for a structured and effective response.