Chapter 7

Preincident Planning

Objectives

• Describe the concept of a preincident plan.• Describe the phases of preincident

planning.• Describe the various formats available for

a preincident plan.• List and describe the various occupancy

classifications.• Identify the various building types.

Introduction

• Fire fighters should be in a different building in their response area every day they report to the firehouse.

• The preincident plan is developed long before an incident occurs and is updated regularly.

• Preincident plan refers to the completed documents.

• Preincident planning is the task of creating the document.

The Concept of Preincident Planning

• Knowing the buildings– Critical to your survival– Know the buildings and their components.

• Walk through.• Obtain information from the owner/occupant.• Draw the layout.

– Place the preincident plan on the apparatus.

Phases and Methods ofPreincident Planning

© Jones & Bartlett Learning

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Touring the building and obtaining information– Set up an appointment.– Assign various tasks to the crew.– Meet the owner/occupant.– Begin the tour in the parking lot.– Perform a systematic tour of the interior.

• Include all levels.

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Creating the rough sketch (diagram)– Critical component– Must be legible

• Maps or plans of the building

• Locations of hydrants, hazards, etc.

– Clean-up at the station

Courtesy of William Lombardo.

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Incorporating photos– Greatly enhances the finished product

• Single photo• Full portfolio• Satellite imagery

– Laminated sheets– Property maps

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Completing the drawings and documents– Final, usable product– Two main aspects:

• Easy to find the information needed• Easy to input and store information

– Software can help finalize the documents and drawings.

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Placing the plans on the apparatus– Each department

decides best method.– Any method is

acceptable as long as plans are stored where they can be used.

Courtesy of Craig Maciuba.

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Sharing and training– Preincident planning typically happens in

one’s response jurisdiction.– Prudent to provide information to others

• Second- and third-due companies• Second- and third-alarm companies

– Methods• Copies for companies to bring on their own walk-

through• Including a video with the plans

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Touring regularly– Walk through buildings in response zone.– Preincident plan is the starting point to regular

tours.– Tour buildings and/or review preincident plans

daily.

Phases and Methods of Preincident Planning

• Updating plans– Final phase of preincident planning– Update the plan regularly.

• New tenants• New businesses• Structural changes made by building owners

– ISO recommends annual updates.

Plan Format

• Format for the preincident plan– Specific to the needs of a given agency– Commonalities

• Information page• Map of the building and grounds

Plan Format

Courtesy of South Trail Fire District.

Occupancy Classifications

• Common classifications– Assembly– Business– Day care– Educational– Factory/industrial

– Hazardous– Institutional– Mercantile– Residential– Storage– Mixed

Building Types

• Common building type classifications– Type I: Fire-resistive– Type II: Noncombustible– Type III: Ordinary– Type IV: Heavy timber– Type V: Frame (wood)

Summary

• The preincident plan details the various aspects of a building that may be needed when fighting a fire or responding to an incident at the building.

• The purpose of preincident planning is to know the buildings and their various components before an incident occurs.

Summary

• Completing the preincident plan document includes several phases.

• Each preincident plan begins with a thorough tour of the building and property.

• The rough sketch (diagram) of the building and property is a critical component of the preplan.

• Photos can be invaluable in understanding the building.

Summary

• Once the site work has been completed, the information must be configured into a final preincident plan.

• Each fire department will decide how best to store its preincident plans.

• A fire company is typically assigned preincident plans in its response jurisdiction; however, it is prudent for other companies to be provided the information.

Summary

• Walk through the buildings in your response zone. Get to know the buildings.

• The final phase in preincident planning is to update the plan regularly.

• The format chosen for preincident plans is usually specific to the needs of a given agency; however, there are commonalities that should be included in all preincident plans.

Summary

• Occupancy classifications are identified by various codes, laws, and ordinances.

• For the purposes of preincident planning, the actual name of the building type should be listed rather than the Roman numeral.