True or false: When determining the location of the command post, it is vital that the incident commander can view the scene from it.

True or false: When determining the location of the command post, it is vital that the incident commander can view the scene from it.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Enough Information to Decide
• D. It Depends on the Scene

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the command post is placed where it can best maintain safe, effective command and control, with reliable communications and access to needed resources, rather than simply to be able to see the scene. In hazmat incidents, hazards can make direct observation from the command post unsafe or impossible, so the incident commander relies on reports from the safety officer, sector officers, observers, and radios or cameras. The ICP should be positioned at a safe distance (often upwind) to manage operations, not necessarily to view the scene. So, viewing the scene from the command post is not vital, making the statement false.

The main idea is that the command post is placed where it can best maintain safe, effective command and control, with reliable communications and access to needed resources, rather than simply to be able to see the scene. In hazmat incidents, hazards can make direct observation from the command post unsafe or impossible, so the incident commander relies on reports from the safety officer, sector officers, observers, and radios or cameras. The ICP should be positioned at a safe distance (often upwind) to manage operations, not necessarily to view the scene. So, viewing the scene from the command post is not vital, making the statement false.