Which statement about emergency response planning is True?

• A. The main reason to have an emergency response plan is to reduce economic losses.
• B. The first person to contact in an emergency is an attorney.
• C. It is important to make a detailed report of what took place before, during, and after the incident.
• D. Emergency plans are only for large facilities and not required for small businesses.

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is the value of documenting an incident in detail as part of emergency response planning. A thorough record that describes what happened before, during, and after the event provides a clear timeline, identifies what information was known at each point, and shows what actions were taken and by whom. This kind of detailed reporting supports immediate response actions, helps communicate accurately with supervisors, responders, and regulatory agencies, and is essential for investigating the incident, addressing root causes, and making improvements to the plan for future safety. It also ensures there is a reliable trail for regulatory requirements and for learning from the incident to prevent recurrence.

The other statements don’t fit as the best description. Reducing economic losses can be a beneficial outcome, but it isn’t the primary purpose of an emergency response plan. The first person to contact is not typically an attorney; the plan normally designates supervisors, emergency responders, safety personnel, or regulatory contacts as the initial points of contact. And plans are not exclusive to large facilities; they are applicable to organizations of all sizes to protect people, the environment, and property.