What is the first step when responding to a disaster situation?

The first step when responding to a disaster situation is to ensure personal safety before assisting others. This fundamental principle is critical because if responders do not prioritize their own safety, they may become additional victims, complicating the situation further and potentially putting others at risk. Ensuring personal safety involves assessing the environment for hazards, securing any necessary protective equipment, and establishing a safe area from which to proceed.

Once personal safety is assured, individuals can then effectively engage in assisting victims and managing the situation. Without this crucial first step, any subsequent actions—like contacting emergency services, assessing victims, or gathering medical supplies—could be jeopardized by an unsafe environment, leading to a less effective response overall.