What is the second stage of size-up during an incident?

The second stage of size-up during an incident is the acknowledgment of alarm. This stage is critical because it involves recognizing and confirming the alert received about the incident, which sets the groundwork for response actions. Once the alarm is acknowledged, responders can begin gathering initial information about the situation, evaluating potential hazards, and deploying resources accordingly. This phase helps firefighters transition from preparedness into taking action based on situational assessment, making it fundamental to effective incident management.

Following the acknowledgment of alarm, first responders can utilize other information and data to assess the scene upon arrival, but without first acknowledging the alarm, they wouldn't be prepared to develop an effective strategy to address the incident. Understanding this stage enhances situational awareness and helps in coordinating an effective response.