In pre-incident/pre-emergency planning, what should the initial priorities focus on?

Focusing on items of life safety in pre-incident or pre-emergency planning is essential because the primary goal of any emergency response is to protect lives. This approach prioritizes the safety of individuals present at the scene, including civilians, emergency personnel, and any at-risk populations.

By addressing life safety first, planning efforts help ensure that sufficient resources and strategies are in place to mitigate potential hazards before they escalate into emergencies. This includes identifying high-risk areas, understanding building layouts, and establishing communication protocols that safeguard human life during an incident.

While resource allocation, post-incident recovery, and budget planning are important components of overall emergency management, they are secondary concerns that can be effectively addressed once life safety priorities are established. Thus, a strong emphasis on life safety sets the foundation for all subsequent planning and decision-making in emergency management.