How does the Incident Commander (IC) assess areas not visible from their position?

The Incident Commander (IC) assesses areas not visible from their position primarily through the use of progress reports. These reports provide critical information from personnel who are on the ground and can relay updates, status, and changes in the situation to the IC. This enables the IC to maintain situational awareness of the incident even in areas that are not directly visible to them.

Using progress reports is essential for effective decision-making during incidents because it ensures that the IC receives timely and accurate information, allowing them to respond to dynamic situations and adjust strategies accordingly. This method is systematic and helps maintain order and clarity, facilitating a coordinated response.

While referring to the preplan is indeed a valuable practice, it does not provide real-time information about the current situation, which is why relying solely on it may not be sufficient for an IC addressing immediate conditions. Similarly, physically going to see the area is not always practical or safe, particularly in rapidly evolving emergency situations. Lastly, operating solely on hunches lacks the necessary foundation for effective incident management and can lead to poor decision-making outcomes.