What is the recommended action when facing a known hazardous material situation?

In a known hazardous material situation, the recommended action is to establish a safe perimeter and contact HAZMAT teams. This step is vital for several reasons. First, establishing a safe perimeter helps to protect both emergency responders and the public from potential exposure to harmful substances. It effectively controls access to the area, preventing unnecessary risks and ensuring that only trained personnel engage with the situation.

Contacting HAZMAT teams is critical, as they have specialized training and equipment to handle hazardous materials safely. They are equipped to assess the risks, manage the containment of the materials, and implement the proper decontamination procedures if necessary. Their expertise ensures that any response is appropriate and compliant with safety protocols.

Other options, such as contacting local authorities or evacuating personnel, while important in certain contexts, do not address the immediate need for specialized response in a hazardous materials situation. These actions typically follow once the appropriate perimeter is established and HAZMAT support is on the way. Proceeding with firefighting efforts as usual is not advisable, as it could lead to exacerbating the hazardous situation or putting responders at risk.

Thus, the decision to establish a perimeter and contact HAZMAT teams empowers responders to handle the situation effectively and safely.