Even though there are a lot of sources of data that can help with a departments pre-incident planning efforts, there still is a need for firefighters to go and conduct pre-incident surveys. However with a lot of the leg work complete in developing the foundation of a preplan, the focus can be on the operation, access, and hazard information that is an important part of a preplan.

A part of the preplanning process is identifying locations that firefighters are likely to operate. Operational features are locations that are used to fix, access, shutoff, or indicate something useful for responders. This includes

• Key access location such as stairwell and main doorways

○ Some features map be co located at these areas such as area of refuge, intercom, standpipe discharge

• Fire suppression features such as fire department connections and sprinkler valves

• Utility shutoff such as electrical switches, natural gas shutoff, or water shutoff

• Control panels such as fire alarm control panels, building intercom, HVAC or air management control panels

• Key box whether it is stand alone or attached to existing

This feature can also include locations with a bias toward emergency operation such as a stairwell with an area of refuge, standpipe discharge, and sprinkler control valve