According to the IFC, how often should fire departments review pre-incident plans?

The requirement for fire departments to review pre-incident plans at least annually is rooted in the need for maintaining safety and preparedness in emergency situations. These plans are crucial for ensuring that firefighters and first responders have up-to-date information about buildings and locations they may need to respond to during an incident.

Annual reviews allow departments to incorporate any changes in building use, occupancy, or relevant codes that may have occurred over the past year. This frequency also helps ensure that personnel remain familiar with the specifics of each location, which can significantly enhance response effectiveness and safety.

In contrast, options suggesting less frequent reviews, such as every two years or five years, may not account for the changes that could occur in a building's structure, occupancy, or hazards within that timeframe. Monthly reviews might be impractical given resource constraints and the volume of pre-incident plans that need to be managed. Thus, the annual review strikes a balance between thoroughness and practicality in maintaining up-to-date operational readiness.