In the eight-step incident management procedure, what is the first step?

The first step in the eight-step incident management procedure is to isolate the area and deny entry to the general public. This action is crucial because it ensures the safety of both responders and bystanders. By establishing a secure perimeter, responders can focus on managing the incident without the risk of interference or additional dangers from the public. It also helps to prevent potential injuries to civilians who might unknowingly enter a hazardous area. Proper isolation allows for a safer and more effective response, enabling the incident management team to execute further steps with minimized risk to everyone involved.

In the context of incident management, the other choices represent critical aspects of the response process but come after the vital first step of securing the area. Assessment of resources is important for understanding the capabilities at hand to handle the incident, while decontamination becomes relevant after ensuring safety and containment of the situation. Identification of responsible parties is essential for accountability and managing the response strategy but occurs later in the incident command process.