Which tool is commonly used to document pre-incident planning details?

• A. Oral interviews
• B. Maps
• C. Prop charts
• D. Video games

Answer: (B)

Mapping provides a visual, scalable record of the facility that captures all the details you need before an incident. A map can show floor layouts, exits, stairwells, entry points, hydrants, water sources, and utility lines, along with known hazards and occupancy patterns. With an annotated map, responders can orient themselves quickly, choose the safest and fastest routes, plan resource deployment, and coordinate with other agencies. It’s also easy to update and share so everyone has the same reference during an incident. Oral interviews gather information but aren’t as portable or instantly usable in fast-moving situations; prop charts aren’t a standard way to document facility details; video games aren’t appropriate for real-world planning.