What must a RIC do before departing from the staging area to begin recon or size up?

Before a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) departs the staging area to conduct reconnaissance or size up, it is crucial to inform the Incident Commander. This step ensures that communication is maintained and that the Command understands the RIC's intentions and readiness. Informing the Incident Commander allows for proper coordination of resources and personnel, ensuring that everyone is aware of the RIC's actions and objectives.

Communicating with the Incident Commander is vital for situational awareness and maintaining the overall safety and efficiency of operations at the incident scene. It allows the Command to assess the situation and make necessary adjustments to the incident action plan, which may include reallocating resources or modifying strategies based on the RIC's findings.

While checking equipment status, gathering additional supplies, or completing a written report might be important tasks under different circumstances, notifying the Incident Commander is the priority before engaging in any action that involves entering a hazardous area. This ensures that the RIC operates within the structure of the incident management system and remains aligned with the overall incident objectives.