What is the first step in an incident response plan?

The first step in an incident response plan is to assess the situation for safety and call for help if necessary. This step is crucial because it involves evaluating the immediate environment to ensure that it is safe for personnel and determining the nature and extent of the incident. Recognizing potential hazards allows responders to make informed decisions about the next steps, which is vital in minimizing risk and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

Once the situation has been assessed, and any required assistance has been requested, additional actions—such as alerting employees to evacuate or notifying local authorities—can be conducted with a clearer understanding of the circumstances. Furthermore, documenting the incident, while important for post-incident analysis, comes after addressing safety and immediate response needs. Prioritizing safety and a clear assessment serves as the foundation for an effective and coordinated response to any incident.