What should you avoid bringing into the affected area?

• A. An ignition source
• B. Personal protective equipment
• C. A radio
• D. Barriers

Answer: (A)

Avoiding ignition sources in the affected area is critical because fires or explosions can occur if flammable substances, vapors, or dust are present. Even a small spark or heat from a device can start a fire in an emergency scene, so anything that can spark should stay out of the area. That’s why you would not bring ignition sources into the scene. Personal protective equipment is important to keep you safe, a radio helps coordinate the response, and barriers help control access and protect the scene; none of these introduce ignition risk and they are typically used during the response. The key point is to keep anything that could create a spark or flame away from the affected area.