What should the EAPD prioritize when managing an emergency incident?

The Emergency Action Plan Director (EAPD) plays a crucial role in managing emergencies, and the safety of all occupants is the top priority during an incident. This focus on occupant safety encompasses several critical responsibilities, including assessing the situation, instructing individuals on evacuation protocols, and ensuring that emergency services are notified and able to respond effectively.

While adhering to established protocols, minimizing operational impact, and communicating with the press are all important aspects of emergency management, they are secondary to the primary objective of ensuring that everyone is safe. In the chaos of an emergency, the well-being of occupants can directly influence the effectiveness of the response efforts and the overall outcome of the situation. By placing occupant safety first, the EAPD can help prevent injuries and save lives, which is the overarching goal in any emergency scenario.