What is always the first step in making plans to control an emergency situation?

The first step in making plans to control an emergency situation is size-up. This involves gathering and evaluating information about the incident to understand its nature, severity, and potential hazards.

A thorough size-up allows firefighters to assess the situation effectively, including identifying risks, resources needed, and potential victims who may require assistance. By effectively sizing up the scene, responders can prioritize their actions and make informed decisions to deploy resources efficiently and safely. This crucial step lays the groundwork for subsequent actions, such as deciding whether to evacuate individuals or notify other agencies.

Without a complete size-up, it would be difficult to implement appropriate control measures, potentially leading to confusion or ineffective responses. Therefore, size-up is foundational in creating an effective emergency management plan.