What should firefighters always do when entering a hazardous environment?

When entering a hazardous environment, it is crucial for firefighters to have a partner with them and to communicate their location. This practice is essential for safety and effective emergency response. Having a partner means that there is someone available to assist in case of an emergency, such as an injury or equipment failure. This teamwork enhances accountability and ensures that both individuals can support each other in adverse situations, providing immediate help if one becomes incapacitated.

Furthermore, clear communication about their location is vital to ensure that incident command is aware of where all personnel are situated. This information is critical for coordination during operations and for initiating rescue procedures if necessary. It contributes to the overall safety of the firefighting team and helps mitigate risks associated with working in hazardous environments.

Other actions, while important in their own right, do not provide the same level of immediate safety assurance in such dangerous situations. For instance, checking gear for compliance is a necessary practice before entering, but it does not address the immediate risks present within the hazardous environment. Similarly, leaving helmets outside or entering without adequate equipment could lead to severe consequences and should never be considered in a safe operational strategy.