Pre-Incident Planning and NFPA 1620

Learn the importance of NFPA 1620 in pre-incident planning. WFCA offers practical solutions to enhance emergency response and protect your community.

Pre-incident planning is a fundamental aspect of effective emergency response, and NFPA 1620 serves as the cornerstone for developing these crucial strategies. By outlining comprehensive guidelines for identifying site-specific risks, occupancy types, and fire protection systems, NFPA 1620 equips fire departments with the tools needed to manage incidents efficiently.

Understanding NFPA 1620

NFPA 1620, the Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, provides guidelines for preparing comprehensive plans that help emergency responders manage incidents effectively by identifying site-specific risks, occupancy types, fire protection systems, and available resources. It covers areas like building layouts, water supply, and operational procedures for different types of occupancies, such as schools, hospitals, and industrial plants. Regular updates to these plans ensure responders always have accurate information, enhancing their ability to protect life and property during emergencies. NFPA 1620 has been encompassed into NFPA 1660 as part of broader emergency response and safety standards.¹

The Importance of Pre-Incident Planning

Pre-incident planning is critical for fire departments as it enhances their ability to respond effectively to emergencies, improving safety for occupants, firefighters, and property. Pre-incident planning reduces the likelihood of injuries and property damage by familiarizing responders with a facility’s layout, hazards, and fire protection systems. It strengthens situational awareness, allows for better coordination between agencies, and ensures more efficient use of resources during an emergency. Annual updates to these plans also improve firefighter training and keep critical data accurate while fostering communication between fire departments and property owners to ensure comprehensive preparedness.²

NFPA 1620 Success Stories

NFPA 1620 is vital in enhancing fire department responses and safeguarding lives and property. Through collaboration between property owners and local fire services, various organizations have successfully implemented comprehensive pre-incident planning strategies that significantly improve emergency preparedness. These success stories highlight how proactive planning not only facilitates effective responses during actual incidents but also fosters stronger relationships between first responders and the communities they serve.

A distribution warehouse implemented a pre-incident plan in conjunction with the fire department, focusing on hazardous materials storage. During a fire incident, the firefighters’ prior knowledge of the facility allowed them to quickly implement containment measures to prevent a hazardous materials spill and minimize property damage. The warehouse owner praised the collaboration, highlighting its importance in protecting employees and assets. Another example includes a metropolitan hospital that worked closely with local fire services to create a comprehensive pre-incident plan, particularly for high-risk areas like surgical suites. When a small fire broke out, the familiarity of the firefighters with hospital protocols allowed them to respond efficiently, protecting patients and staff. The hospital administration emphasized the value of regular updates to the pre-incident plan to accommodate changes in operations.¹

NFPA 1620 and Pre-Incident Planning Training and Resources

Here are additional resources for NFPA 1620 and pre-incident planning training:

U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) – National Fire Academy (NFA)

The NFA offers courses on pre-incident planning that align with NFPA 1620 standards. These courses cover risk assessments, facility surveys, and developing effective pre-incident plans for various types of buildings and hazards.

Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI)

ESCI provides consulting services to fire departments, including training on NFPA 1620 pre-incident planning. They help fire agencies implement comprehensive pre-planning systems for their jurisdiction, integrating with other emergency response frameworks.