On arrival, what is the primary purpose of size-up?

• A. To locate water supply
• B. To identify hazards, determine conditions, establish strategy, and identify resources
• C. To assess occupants
• D. To determine the building age

Answer: (B)

On arrival, size-up is about quickly gathering the information needed to guide actions. It involves identifying hazards, assessing the current conditions, establishing a strategy, and identifying the resources you’ll need. This comprehensive assessment lets you decide whether to push in or go defensive, what tactical priorities to set (such as life safety, fire control, or exposure protection), and what additional crews or equipment must be brought in. Locating a water supply is important, but it’s one part of the broader assessment used to shape the overall plan. Assessing occupants matters for life safety, yet size-up focuses on a wider picture of hazards, conditions, strategy, and resources. Building age doesn’t directly inform the immediate hazards or actions required.