According to NFPA 1561, where should command typically be established?

Establishing command at the incident scene is crucial for effective incident management. According to NFPA 1561, the incident commander must have direct access to the scene to make timely decisions based on real-time information. This facilitates immediate situational awareness, allowing the commander to assess the incident dynamics, communicate effectively with teams, and adapt strategies as needed. Being on-site enables the commander to lead operations more efficiently, coordinate resources, and implement safety measures directly at the source of the incident.

While other locations, like a nearby command post or an emergency operations center, may provide benefits such as enhanced communication capabilities or strategic oversight, they can also distance the commander from the immediate unfolding situation. Establishing command outside the scene may hinder the commander's situational understanding and responsiveness, thus impacting overall incident management effectiveness. Hence, establishing command at the incident scene is aligned with best practices for incident command as specified in NFPA 1561.