What should be done before entering a structurally compromised building?

Assessing exterior conditions before entering a structurally compromised building is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel. This step involves examining the building for signs of distress such as cracks, leaning, or visible smoke and fire, as well as evaluating environmental factors like weather conditions and the presence of hazards in the surrounding area.

By conducting a thorough assessment from the exterior, firefighters can gather vital information that will inform their actions upon entry. This approach helps identify potential dangers, such as weak structural elements or additional fire sources that may not be visible from the inside. A proper assessment allows for a safer strategy to be developed before any interior operations are initiated, thus prioritizing the safety of both the responders and any potential victims inside the building.

Other actions, such as beginning an interior search or shutting off utilities like gas, should not take place until a thorough exterior assessment has been completed. Activating smoke alarms is also not relevant to assessing structural stability and would not be effective if the structure itself is compromised. Therefore, assessing exterior conditions is the most logical and necessary first step in these scenarios.