Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services identified 3200 commercial structures as target hazards that presented a greater than normal risk to the citizen or firefighter during emergency operations. An annual pre-incident plan and walk-through has been required for these structures. The completion of pre-incident plans has not been performed by CCFES company officers at a level that has provided adequate information that enabled the officer or incident commander to quickly and easily identify the hazards that affect the safety of occupants and firefighters in commercial buildings. The purpose of this research was to identify why the CCFES officer has not valued the pre-incident plan process and incorporated it into their training and operational activities. This project was completed with the descriptive method of research.

This research identified, from the perspective of the company officer, why they have completed pre-incident plans; the strengths and weaknesses; the training received; the common practices to complete them; and what common critical items that were identified during a walk-through. Interviews and a survey were conducted with various CCFES personnel. The results of this project identified that there was not a common approach to conducting and completing pre-incident planning within CCFES. This was attributed to weak program support and a lack of training. On-the-job training has been the primary training method to learn pre-incident planning. Recommendations were to revise the current pre-incident plan policy to include current standards and risk assessment methods. Mandatory and continuing education and training was recommended for existing and upcoming company officers.