What must the emergency action plan director consider when selecting the primary assembly area during an evacuation?

When selecting the primary assembly area during an evacuation, the consideration that the assembly area should be far enough to avoid potential hazards is crucial for ensuring the safety of all evacuated individuals. This means identifying a location that is not only removed from the immediate dangers posed by the building or the incident (such as fire, explosions, or structural collapse) but also away from other risks that might arise in the vicinity, such as falling debris or hazardous materials.

By prioritizing safety in terms of distance from these potential hazards, the emergency action plan director can help to mitigate risks during and after an evacuation. This consideration is a critical component of developing a comprehensive emergency action plan, ensuring that the area designated for gathering is secure and allows for effective accounting of all individuals who have evacuated.

While distance from the building and access to transportation are important factors, they do not take precedence over safety from hazards when determining the assembly area. The requirement for the assembly area to be in the same building is not practical in most emergencies, as individuals need to evacuate to a location that is clearly separated from danger. Therefore, ensuring that the assembly area is strategically chosen based on hazard avoidance is paramount.