What should be the first step when responding to a hazmat incident?

When responding to a hazmat incident, ensuring scene safety and establishing a control zone is paramount. This first step serves several critical purposes: it helps protect responders and the public from potential harm, minimizes the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, and allows for a structured response to the incident.

By prioritizing scene safety, responders can assess the situation without putting themselves or others in immediate danger. Establishing a control zone delineates areas that are safe, restricted, and hazardous, enabling orderly management of the incident and guiding the action plan for containment, evacuation, or mitigation strategies. This foundational step is crucial for effective incident management and forms the basis for all subsequent actions, including gathering information or identifying materials involved, which are both important but should not overshadow the initial need for safety.