What should be done with equipment during an evacuation?

During an evacuation, the priority is to ensure the safety of personnel while making decisions about the equipment. Retaining only essential equipment for evacuation is critical. This approach allows responders to quickly exit the situation without being burdened by non-essential items, which could slow down the evacuation process or put personnel at further risk. By focusing on what is necessary—like tools needed for immediate safety or communication—resources can be optimized, and the likelihood of successfully managing the emergency situation is enhanced.

Bringing all equipment to safety can be impractical and could hinder evacuation efforts, as it could lead to delays or complications. Checking equipment for damage or transporting everything to the command post may also be secondary and can introduce unnecessary risks, as the immediate focus should be on personnel safety rather than on the condition or location of equipment during a critical moment of evacuation.