During a size up, which of the following occupancy clues should be noted first?

In a size-up during emergency response, recognizing the time of day is crucial as it provides immediate context regarding the occupancy and potential hazards present. Knowing whether it’s day or night can significantly affect the likelihood of occupants being present, their activities, and the urgency required for a response. For instance, residential structures may have more occupants at night, while commercial buildings may be vacant during late hours, impacting your tactics and safety considerations.

Understanding the time of day helps in assessing the risk to potential victims and informs tactical decisions. Firefighters might prioritize search and rescue efforts differently based on whether they are entering a building at night when more people are likely to be present versus the daytime when the building may be mostly empty. Therefore, considering the time of day during a size-up is essential for making informed, strategic decisions in a fire response situation.