Other Relevant Standards

NFPA 1620

Recommended Practice for Pre-Incident Planning

Overview

This standard sets guidelines for fire departments to develop a pre-incident plan for specific locations that can be used by responding personnel to manage fires and other emergencies. Pre-incident planning involves evaluating protection systems, building construction, contents, and operating procedures that can impact emergency operations of the area (§ 1-1.1) and coordinating with an incident management system (NFPA 1561).  Specifically, the standard covers the elements that should be considered when developing and implementing a pre-incident plan: the planning process, the types of data that must be collected, special hazards, emergency operations, and plan testing and maintenance.

NFPA 1620 requires the following when designing a Pre-incident Planning Support System:

• Collect and evaluate the following data of a particular location:  

• Physical elements

• Site considerations

• Number and type of building occupants

• The available water for fire fighting purposes

• Consider any special circumstances based on the type of occupancy (e.g., health care, residential, assembly, etc.)

• Develop instructions for responding to unusual hazards

• Create procedures for plan testing and maintenance

• Create procedures for preparation, presentation, communication and maintenance of information for the purpose of aiding personnel responding to emergency incidents.

• Document and disseminate findings

Learn More

• NPFA web site – http://www.nfpa.org

• NFPA 1221 – Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems

• NFPA 1500 – Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program

• NFPA 1561 – Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System