What is one of the key goals during the initial response to a HazMat incident?

Achieving effective incident stabilization is essential during the initial response to a HazMat incident. This goal ensures that the situation is controlled and does not escalate, thereby minimizing risks to responders, the public, and the environment. Stabilization involves taking actions to prevent further release of hazardous materials, ensuring safety for both the responders and nearby communities, and creating a foundation for subsequent mitigation and cleanup efforts.

Other activities, such as providing medical evaluations or retrieving information from witnesses, may play a role in the overall incident management strategy but are secondary to the primary goal of stabilizing the situation. Organizing community outreach is also important, yet it typically occurs after immediate threats have been addressed to ensure that the communication is effective and accurate without putting anyone at risk.