During an incident, new information indicating increased risk to responders should prompt what action according to risk-based decision making?

• A. Reassess priorities and adjust resource allocations to address the new risk.
• B. Ignore new information and proceed as planned.
• C. Immediately halt all operations until a formal review.
• D. Delay any action until the risk disappears.

Answer: (A)

When new information shows greater danger to responders, you update your plan right away by reassessing priorities and reallocating resources to address that risk. This reflects risk-based decision making in action: continuously reevaluating the situation as it evolves and shifting actions, assets, and emphasis to keep responders safe while still moving toward mission goals. For example, if reports indicate a higher possibility of collapse or exposure in a zone, you would re-prioritize life safety, pull or reposition teams, and deploy additional safety measures or air and decontamination resources as needed. Ignoring the new risk, stopping all activity until a formal review, or waiting for the risk to disappear would all fail to protect responders and undermine an adaptable response.