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Pre Plans: Creating a Complex Pre Plan

Purpose Statement

This article provides step-by-step instructions for creating and publishing a Complex Pre-Plan in First Due. Complex Pre-Plans allow departments to group multiple occupancies within a defined geographic perimeter, providing responders with a comprehensive view of facilities, hazards, units, and other critical information.

By organizing multiple occupancies into a single complex, departments can improve situational awareness, streamline pre-incident planning, and provide responding personnel with important information before arriving on scene.

Background Information

Complex Pre-Plans are designed for locations containing multiple occupancies or structures that need to be managed as a single operational area.

Examples include shopping centers, apartment complexes, industrial parks, campuses, and other multi-building properties.

A Complex Pre-Plan allows users to:

  • Group multiple existing occupancies within a defined map perimeter.
  • Customize the perimeter's appearance using colors, transparency, and line settings.
  • Include special directions that can be viewed in the Responder App.
  • Add and position units and hazardous materials (HazMat) on the complex map.
  • Exclude individual occupancies without deleting their existing pre-plans.
  • View complex information using different map layers, including satellite, ArcGIS, and Google views.
  • Publish the completed Complex Pre-Plan for operational use.

Important: Before creating a Complex Pre-Plan, it is recommended that all applicable occupancy data be added to the map. This ensures existing occupancies can be incorporated into the complex when its perimeter is created.

Required Permissions

Users must have appropriate access to the Pre-Planning module and the ability to create, edit, and publish Complex Pre-Plans.

The exact permission names and settings should be verified in your organization's First Due role and permission configuration.

If you cannot access the Complex Pre-Plan list, create a complex, or publish changes, contact your First Due administrator to review your assigned permissions.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide


Step 1: Navigate to Complex Pre-Plans

  1. Select the First Due logo in the upper-left corner of the screen.
  2. Select Pre-Planning from the navigation menu.
  3. Select Complex Pre-Plan.
  4. The Complex Pre-Plan List will appear, displaying existing complexes.



     

Step 2: Create a New Complex

  1. Select Add Complex in the upper-right corner of the Complex Pre-Plan List.
  2. Choose one of the following options:
    • Add Complex Name: Adds a complex name to the list without creating or adding pre-plan data within the complex.
    • Add Complex with Pre-Plan: Opens the Complex Pre-Plan Editor, allowing you to create and configure the complex.
  3. Select Add Complex with Pre-Plan to begin creating a complete Complex Pre-Plan.

Note: It is recommended that all occupancies be added to the map before creating the complex.



 

Step 3: Review Map Display Options

  1. Use the available map display options to select the preferred view for creating the Complex Pre-Plan.
  2. Select from the following map views:
    • Satellite View: Displays satellite imagery of the complex.
    • Map View: Displays a standard map.
    • ArcGIS View: Displays the available ArcGIS map layer.
    • Google View: Displays the available Google map layer.
  3. Use the map's zoom controls to zoom in or out and locate the property.
  4. If available, use the Google Pegman to access Street View and review the property from street level.

Note: Selecting the appropriate map view and zoom level before drawing the perimeter can help improve
 accuracy when outlining the complex.



 

Step 4: Enter Complex Details

  1. Locate the Complex Details section in the editor.
  2. Enter the Complex Name.
    • This field is required and is identified by an asterisk (*).
  3. Complete any additional fields using the information available for the complex.
  • Fields are available for viewing in the Responder App and can provide critical information to responding personnel.



     

Step 5: Configure the Complex Perimeter

  1. Navigate to the Group Locations section.
  2. Select the Edit (pencil) icon to begin configuring the complex perimeter.
  3. Configure the following map settings:
    • Visible Zoom Level: Determines the zoom level at which the complex perimeter is displayed.
    • Color: Select the desired fill color based on departmental SOPs or SOGs.
    • Transparency: Adjust how transparent the highlighted complex area appears on the map.
    • Line Color: Select the desired color for the perimeter boundary.
    • Line Width: Adjust the thickness of the perimeter boundary.
  4. Move your mouse cursor onto the map.
  5. The cursor will change to a large plus (+) symbol, indicating that perimeter drawing is active.



     

Step 6: Draw the Complex Perimeter

  1. Click the map to establish the first point of the complex perimeter.
  2. Continue clicking around the property to define the perimeter boundary.
    • Each click creates another point along the boundary.
  3. Continue placing points until the desired complex area is outlined.
  4. Return your cursor to the original starting point and click to close the perimeter.
  5. The enclosed area will become highlighted, indicating that the perimeter has been created.
  6. Review the boundary for accuracy.
  7. Use the additional segment points that appear between the original points to refine the perimeter as needed.
  8. Select Save to save the perimeter.

Important: Saving the perimeter will group the existing occupancies located within the outlined area into the complex's Group Locations.



 

Step 7: Review and Manage Grouped Occupancies

  1. After saving the perimeter, review the occupancies automatically added to Group Locations.
  2. Verify that the appropriate occupancies are included.
  3. To remove an occupancy from the complex, select the occupancy on the map.
  4. Select Exclude from Complex.
  5. Repeat this process for any additional occupancies that should not be included.

Note: Selecting Exclude from Complex does not delete the occupancy or its existing pre-plan. It only removes that occupancy from the current Complex Pre-Plan.



 

Step 8: Add Units to the Complex

  1. Locate the Units section or icon within the Complex Pre-Plan Editor.
  2. Select the Plus (+) symbol.
  3. Select Add.
  4. Click the search field to display the available scrollable list of units.
  5. Scroll through the list or type a search term to locate the desired unit.
  6. Select the appropriate unit from the list.
  7. Complete any additional information associated with the unit.
  8. Add pictures, if applicable.
  9. Configure the following display settings:
    • Zoom Level: Determines the map zoom level for displaying the unit marker.
    • Marker Size: Determines the size of the unit's icon on the map.
  10. Select Save.
  11. The unit icon will appear in the Unmapped Items area.
  12. Click and drag the unit icon from Unmapped Items onto the appropriate location on the complex map.
  13. Repeat these steps to add additional units as needed.



     

Step 9: Add Hazardous Materials (HazMat)

  1. Locate and select the HazMat icon within the Complex Pre-Plan Editor.
  2. Select Add.
  3. Enter at least three characters of the hazardous material's name in the search field.
  4. Select the appropriate material from the provided list.
  5. Complete the available hazardous material information, as applicable, including:
    • Relevant NFPA 704 information.
    • Quantity.
    • Location.
    • Expiration date, if applicable.
    • Photos or supporting images.
  6. Configure the Zoom Level and Marker Size for the HazMat icon.
  7. Select Save.
  8. Locate the newly created HazMat icon in Unmapped Items.
  9. Click and drag the icon onto the appropriate location on the complex map.
  10. Repeat these steps for any additional hazardous materials.

Important: Verify that hazardous material information is accurate and that markers are positioned at the correct locations to support responder safety.



 

Step 10: Publish the Complex Pre-Plan

  1. Review all Complex Details, Group Locations, units, and HazMat information.
  2. Confirm that the perimeter accurately represents the intended complex.
  3. Verify that all applicable occupancies are included and any unnecessary occupancies have been excluded.
  4. Confirm that all map markers are positioned appropriately.
  5. Select Publish in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  6. The Complex Pre-Plan will be published.

Note: After publishing, verify that the Complex Pre-Plan and its intended information are accessible to the appropriate personnel.



 

Best Practices

  • Prepare occupancy data first: Add applicable occupancies to the map before creating the Complex Pre-Plan to simplify the grouping process.
  • Use consistent naming conventions: Name complexes clearly so personnel can easily identify the correct property.
  • Select the appropriate map view: Review the property using satellite imagery or other available map layers before drawing the complex perimeter.
  • Follow departmental SOPs/SOGs: Use consistent perimeter colors, line widths, and transparency settings.
  • Verify perimeter accuracy: Carefully outline the property to avoid including unrelated occupancies or excluding necessary structures.
  • Use Special Directions effectively: Include relevant access information, entry instructions, and other operational details useful to responders.
  • Position markers accurately: Place units and HazMat markers at their actual locations within the complex.
  • Maintain accurate HazMat information: Verify quantities, locations, NFPA 704 information, and expiration dates when applicable.
  • Review before publishing: Ensure all occupancy information, map boundaries, and markers are accurate before selecting Publish.
  • Keep information current: Review and update Complex Pre-Plans when property layouts, occupancies, or hazards change.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What is the difference between Add Complex Name and Add Complex with Pre-Plan?

Add Complex Name creates an entry in the complex list without adding pre-plan data. Add Complex with Pre-Plan opens the Complex Pre-Plan Editor, where you can enter details, create a perimeter, group occupancies, and add map markers.

Q: Why are some occupancies missing from my Complex Pre-Plan?

Verify that the occupancies were previously added to the map and that they fall within the perimeter you created. Occupancies outside the outlined boundary will not be automatically grouped into the complex.

Q: Can I remove an occupancy from a complex without deleting its pre-plan?

Yes. Select the occupancy on the map and choose Exclude from Complex. This removes the occupancy from the complex without deleting its existing pre-plan.

Q: How do I adjust the perimeter after drawing it?

Use the additional segment points that appear between the original perimeter points to refine the boundary. Save the perimeter after completing the adjustments.

Q: Why does my newly added unit or HazMat icon appear in Unmapped Items?

Newly saved units and HazMat markers initially appear in Unmapped Items. Drag the icon from that area onto the desired location on the complex map.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the complex perimeter?

Yes. The Group Locations perimeter editor allows you to configure the visible zoom level, fill color, transparency, line color, and line width.

Q: Can I add photos to units and hazardous materials?

Yes. Both unit and HazMat entries support adding pictures when configuring their information.

Q: Can responders view Special Directions?

Yes. Special Directions entered in the Complex Details section are available for viewing in the Responder App.

Q: What map views are available when creating a Complex Pre-Plan?

The editor provides Satellite, Map, ArcGIS, and Google views. You can also zoom in or out and use Google Pegman for Street View.

Q: Why can't I create or publish a Complex Pre-Plan?

Your assigned role may not have the necessary permissions. Contact your First Due administrator to verify your access to the Pre-Planning module and the relevant create, edit, and publish capabilities.

Q: When should I publish my Complex Pre-Plan?

Publish the Complex Pre-Plan after reviewing the complex details, perimeter, grouped occupancies, units, HazMat information, and map marker placement for accuracy.