Purpose Statement

The Pre-Planning module in First Due allows users to add, edit, and manage hazardous materials (HazMat) information within a pre-plan.

This functionality enables departments to document hazardous materials stored at an occupancy, including chemical identification, quantities, locations, hazard ratings, and supporting documentation.

By maintaining accurate HazMat information, departments can provide responding personnel with critical information to support situational awareness, hazard identification, and safer emergency response operations.

Background Information

HazMat items can be added to a pre-plan using two methods:

• Right-Side Map Tools: Place a HazMat tile directly onto the pre-plan map at a specific location.

• Left-Side Menu: Create a HazMat item and store it within the Unmapped Items list without immediately placing it on the map.

Both methods allow users to document detailed hazardous materials information, including:

• UN identification numbers and chemical names

• Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) information

• NFPA 704 hazard ratings

• Pre-plan levels

• Material quantities and locations

• Verification dates and expiration settings

• Comments and supporting images

• Visible Zoom Levels

The Unmapped Items list is especially useful when documenting multiple hazardous materials at a single occupancy without overcrowding the map.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate First Due permissions to access and modify pre-plans and HazMat information.

The specific permission names required to add, edit, or delete HazMat items were not identified in the training transcript and should be verified against the current First Due permissions configuration.

Contact your department's First Due administrator if you cannot access the Pre-Planning module or modify HazMat information.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to the Pre-Plan Map

1. Click the First Due logo in the upper-left corner of the screen.

2. Select Pre-Planning from the navigation menu.

3. Click Pre-Plan Map.

Note: From the Pre-Plan Map, you can create a new pre-plan or access an existing pre-plan by selecting an occupancy icon on the map.




 

Step 2: Access a Pre-Plan

1. From the Pre-Plan Map, locate the occupancy you want to modify.

2. Click the existing Occupancy Icon on the map.

3. Access the associated pre-plan.

Note: If the occupancy does not have an existing pre-plan, you can create a new pre-plan before adding HazMat items.




 

Step 3: Add a HazMat Item Using the Right-Side Map Tools

1. Within the pre-plan, locate the HazMat Symbol on the right side of the map.

2. Click the HazMat Symbol to activate the placement tool.

3. Move the crosshairs to the location on the map where you want the HazMat tile to appear.

4. Click the desired location to place the HazMat tile.

5. The newly added HazMat tile will appear on the map and within the left-side menu.




 

Step 4: Edit an Existing HazMat Tile

1. Locate the HazMat tile you want to modify on the map.

2. Click the HazMat Tile to open the available options.

3. Select the desired action:

• Resize: Change the size of the HazMat tile displayed on the map.

• Edit: Modify the HazMat item's information.

• Clone: Create a duplicate of the HazMat tile.

• Delete: Remove the HazMat tile from the pre-plan.

4. Click Edit to access the HazMat information fields.

Important: Cloning a HazMat tile duplicates only the tile itself. The information stored within the original HazMat item is not copied.

Note: HazMat items can also be edited or deleted from the left-side menu.




 

Step 5: Enter HazMat Identification Information

1. Within the HazMat editing menu, locate the UN Lookup or Chemical Name fields.

2. Enter the applicable chemical identification information:

• UN Lookup: Enter at least three numbers to display matching UN identification options.

• Chemical Name: Enter at least three letters to display matching chemical names.

3. Review the dropdown list of matching results.

4. Select the appropriate chemical or UN identification number from the available options.

5. Continue completing the remaining HazMat information.

Important: Select a matching chemical from the First Due lookup results when available. This provides access to the associated Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) information.




 

Step 6: Configure Hazard Ratings and Pre-Plan Levels

1. Within the HazMat editing menu, locate the NFPA 704 hazard information fields.

2. Enter the applicable NFPA 704 hazard ratings.

3. Locate the Pre-Plan Levels setting.

4. Select the pre-plan level or levels where the HazMat item should appear.

5. Continue to the remaining HazMat configuration fields.

Note: Assigning the appropriate pre-plan levels helps ensure HazMat information is associated with the correct areas or layers of an occupancy.




 

Step 7: Enter Additional HazMat Information

1. Within the HazMat editing menu, locate the additional information fields.

2. Enter the Quantity of hazardous material present.

3. Enter the Location of the material within the occupancy.

4. Select the Verification Date to document when the hazardous material information was last confirmed.

5. If applicable, configure the Expiration setting.

6. Enter any relevant Comments or additional details.

7. Locate the Visible Zoom Level setting.

8. Select the zoom level at which the HazMat tile should appear on the map.

Note: Complete the HazMat information according to your department's standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standard operating guidelines (SOGs).




 

Step 8: Add Supporting Images

1. Within the HazMat editing menu, locate the image attachment section.

2. Add the applicable images to the HazMat item.

3. Once an image has been added, use the available controls to manage it:

• Eye Icon: View the attached image.

• Trash Can Icon: Delete the attached image.

4. Verify that the necessary images have been added.

5. Click Save in the lower-right corner of the editing menu to save the HazMat information.




 

Step 9: Add a HazMat Item Using the Left-Side Menu

1. Within the pre-plan, locate the HazMat Symbol in the upper-left menu.

2. Select the HazMat option and click Add.

3. Complete the applicable HazMat information, including:

• UN identification number or chemical name

• NFPA 704 hazard ratings

• Pre-plan levels

• Quantity and location

• Verification date

• Expiration settings

• Comments

• Visible Zoom Level

• Supporting images

4. Scroll to the bottom of the editing menu.

5. Click Save.

6. Locate the newly created HazMat tile within the Unmapped Items list.

Note: HazMat items created using the left-side menu are automatically placed in the Unmapped Items list rather than directly on the map.




 

Step 10: Place an Unmapped HazMat Item on the Map

1. Within the pre-plan, locate the Unmapped Items list.

2. Find the HazMat tile you want to place on the map.

3. Click and hold the HazMat tile.

4. Drag the tile to the desired location on the map.

5. Release the tile to place it on the map.

Note: HazMat tiles can remain in the Unmapped Items list if map placement is not necessary. This is useful when documenting multiple hazardous materials at an occupancy without overcrowding the map.




 

Best Practices

- Use Accurate Chemical Identification: Select the appropriate chemical or UN identification number from the lookup results whenever possible to provide access to associated ERG information.

- Maintain Current Hazard Ratings: Ensure NFPA 704 ratings accurately reflect the hazardous material being documented.

- Document Material Quantities and Locations: Provide accurate quantity and location information to help responders identify potential hazards.

- Use Verification Dates: Record when hazardous materials information was last confirmed to support ongoing pre-plan accuracy.

- Configure Expiration Settings: Use expiration settings when documenting materials that may be temporary or subject to change.

- Avoid Map Clutter: Store additional HazMat items in the Unmapped Items list when placing every item directly on the map would reduce readability.

- Configure Appropriate Zoom Levels: Select Visible Zoom Levels that allow responders to view HazMat information at the appropriate map scale.

- Include Supporting Images: Add relevant photographs or other images when they help identify hazardous materials or storage locations.

- Follow Department SOPs and SOGs: Ensure HazMat documentation aligns with departmental requirements and established operational practices.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why is my HazMat item not appearing on the map?

If the HazMat item was created using the left-side menu, it will initially appear in the Unmapped Items list. Locate the tile and drag it onto the desired map location.

What is the difference between adding HazMat items from the left and right sides of the map?

The right-side tools allow users to place HazMat tiles directly on the map. The left-side menu allows users to create HazMat items and store them in the Unmapped Items list until map placement is needed.

How do I search for a hazardous material using its UN identification number?

Within the HazMat editing menu, enter at least three numbers in the UN Lookup field. Select the appropriate result from the dropdown list.

Can I search for hazardous materials by chemical name?

Yes. Enter at least three letters in the Chemical Name field to display matching results.

How do I access Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) information?

Select the appropriate chemical or UN identification number from the First Due lookup results. This provides access to the associated ERG information.

Can I resize a HazMat tile after placing it on the map?

Yes. Click the HazMat tile and select the option to resize it.

Does cloning a HazMat tile duplicate its information?

No. Cloning duplicates only the HazMat tile itself. The information stored within the original item is not copied.

Can I add multiple HazMat items without placing them all on the map?

Yes. Use the left-side menu to create HazMat items and leave them in the Unmapped Items list. This allows multiple materials to be documented without overcrowding the map.

Can I attach images to a HazMat item?

Yes. Images can be added through the HazMat editing menu. Use the Eye Icon to view an attached image or the Trash Can Icon to delete it.

Why is a HazMat tile not visible at certain zoom levels?

The Visible Zoom Level setting determines when the HazMat tile appears on the map. Edit the item and verify that the selected zoom level is appropriate.

Can I document when hazardous materials information was last verified?

Yes. Use the Verification Date field to record when the material information was last confirmed.