What is the role of ‘ongoing assessment’ in incident size-up?

Ongoing assessment is crucial during incident size-up as it allows incident commanders and responding personnel to continuously evaluate the evolving conditions on the ground. This dynamic process ensures that any changes in the incident's nature, such as shifts in hazards, resource needs, or the overall situation, are identified and addressed in real-time.

By continuously assessing the situation, incident commanders can adapt their strategies and resource allocation as needed, ensuring a more effective and coordinated response. This ongoing awareness helps anticipate potential dangers, facilitates appropriate decision-making, and enhances overall situational awareness for all responders involved.

With the incidents often unfolding unpredictably, this continual re-evaluation is vital for maintaining safety and operational effectiveness throughout the response effort. Consequently, ongoing assessment serves as an integral part of effective incident management.