During a hazmat incident, which of the following should be prioritized?

Prioritizing containment of the hazard is critical during a hazmat incident because it is essential to prevent further release or spread of the hazardous materials. Containment helps to protect both people and the environment from exposure to dangerous substances, minimizing health risks and ecological damage.

Effective containment measures may include using barriers, dikes, or absorbent materials to limit the movement of the hazardous substance. When containment is prioritized, it also allows for safer conditions for first responders and enables subsequent actions, such as evacuation or identification of materials, to be carried out more effectively.

In the context of an incident, while the evacuation of non-essential personnel, identification of the material, and communication with media are important, they follow the immediate need to contain the hazard as it directly addresses the root of the danger presented by the incident. Prioritizing containment sets the stage for managing the situation safely and efficiently.