What is the purpose of a pre-incident plan and what information does it typically include?

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A pre-incident plan gives responders advance knowledge about a building so they can respond faster and more safely. It typically includes layout diagrams with entry and exit points and interior access routes; known hazards and high-risk areas; water supply details such as hydrant locations and standpipe connections; locations and status of utilities shutoffs; occupancy information and any critical occupant risks; construction type and potential structural concerns; life-safety and suppression system details (sprinklers, alarms, ventilation) and how they affect tactics; security or access controls; site-specific hazards (hazardous materials, large occupancies, special processes); and current contact information for building management along with updated floor plans or photos. This information guides initial size-up, incident action planning, and resource deployment, helping responders reach the scene faster and operate more safely. It does not replace on-scene risk assessment, nor dictate the exact actions for every fire; rather, it supports decision-making and provides a living reference that should be updated as conditions change. It is meant to be used during incidents, not stored unused at the station.