Which is the second priority in incident management?

• A. Priority 2: Incident Stabilization
• B. Priority 1: Life Safety
• C. Priority 3: Property Conservation
• D. Priority 4: Incident Recovery

Answer: (A)

In incident management, the priorities follow a clear order: first ensure Life Safety, then bring the incident under control through Stabilization, then protect property, and finally focus on Recovery after the scene is safe. The second priority is Incident Stabilization, because once people are shielded from harm, the immediate goal is to control the situation, halt the spread of danger, and reduce evolving threats. This includes actions like securing hazards, supporting suppression efforts, and stabilizing the scene so responders can operate safely and effectively. Only after stabilization can attention shift to protecting property and planning for recovery. The other choices correspond to either the initial Life Safety focus, the subsequent property protection, or the later Recovery phase, which is not the on-scene second priority.