In an emergency, the first person responding to the incident should assume command of the situation until relieved. Actions include:

  • Respond Immediately. If notified of an issue and you deem it safe, go to the scene immediate to conduct an initial assessment of the situation and render assistance.
  • Initial Assessment. Assess the following and begin formulating your report to higher authority:
    • Is there a continuing danger (example: violence behavior on the part of someone in the area, smoldering fire, etc.)?
    • Is someone in a dangerous or life threatening situation? If so, can you safely and constructively assist them?
    • Has 911 or other appropriate responders been notified?
    • Has management and the ERT been notified? Is someone else present who you can ask to assist you?
    • Should an evacuation or sheltering order be issued?
    • Is valuable property in danger of being damaged? If so, can you safely intercede to prevent this damage?
  • Alerting and Notification. Should a wide-scale announcement be made ordering people to leave the immediate area?
  • Damage Assessment. Are there visible signs of damage to the facility or other valuable assets? If so, can you safely and constructively intercede?

Security. Does the area need to be secured? If so, can you safely perform this task until relieved?