What is a best practice when identifying water supply locations in a pre-incident plan?

Identifying water supply locations in a pre-incident plan is a critical aspect of fire response strategy. Evaluating flow rates and accessibility is essential because it ensures that the water sources identified can actually meet the demands of firefighting operations. High flow rates are necessary to supply sufficient water for effective fire suppression, while accessibility ensures that apparatus can reach these sources quickly and efficiently during an emergency situation.

By focusing on flow rates, responders can determine whether a water supply has the capacity to support the firefighting operations required for different types of incidents. Additionally, accessibility considerations ensure that firefighters can tap into these resources without delay, which can be the difference between controlling a fire and letting it spread.

While designating backup water supplies, considering seasonal changes, and including volunteer fire associations are important aspects of comprehensive planning, the primary goal of a water supply plan is to ensure that adequate and accessible water is available when needed. Thus, evaluating flow rates and accessibility is a fundamental best practice in pre-incident planning.