What action should be taken when a Staging Area is not established during an incident?

When a Staging Area is not established during an incident, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from the scene while still being ready to respond. Stopping a minimum of 1 block away allows personnel to monitor the situation and receive updates without putting themselves in harm's way or congesting the area around the incident. This distance also provides an opportunity to assess the scene for safety concerns and ensure that resources are utilized effectively.

By stopping at least a block away, units can remain in communication with incident command and wait for further instructions. This strategy helps maintain operational effectiveness and ensures that resources are not unnecessarily exposed to potential hazards at the incident scene. It also contributes to incident management by allowing for better coordination and organization of resources.

In contrast, proceeding directly to the incident without a Staging Area could lead to confusion, safety risks, and potentially hinder the progress of managing the incident. Stopping too close or returning to base would not allow for an effective response and could delay necessary assistance to those affected by the incident.