In the STARR protocol, which step focuses on keeping people and animals away from the site and putting on PPE?

In the STARR protocol, which step focuses on keeping people and animals away from the site and putting on PPE?

• A. Secure
• B. Abate
• C. Recover
• D. Remediate

Answer: (A)

Securing the site means establishing a safe perimeter, keeping people and animals away, and ensuring responders put on the proper PPE before approaching the hazard. This initial move protects everyone from exposure and creates a controlled environment so the incident can be assessed and managed safely. Without securing the area, subsequent actions to contain or clean up the hazard can put people at risk and become ineffective. The other steps are about reducing the hazard, cleaning up, or restoring the area after safety is established, not about the immediate protection of people and responders.

Securing the site means establishing a safe perimeter, keeping people and animals away, and ensuring responders put on the proper PPE before approaching the hazard. This initial move protects everyone from exposure and creates a controlled environment so the incident can be assessed and managed safely. Without securing the area, subsequent actions to contain or clean up the hazard can put people at risk and become ineffective. The other steps are about reducing the hazard, cleaning up, or restoring the area after safety is established, not about the immediate protection of people and responders.