Which zone contains command, staging, transport, mortuary, PIO, and support?

• A. Hot zone
• B. Warm zone
• C. Cold zone
• D. Transition zone

Answer: (C)

In incident command structure, zones are defined by hazard and function. The area outside the actual danger where there is no active contamination, and where key coordination and support activities take place, is the cold zone. This is where you establish the command post, set up staging for resources, handle transport, manage the mortuary operations, coordinate with the Public Information Officer, and house other support functions. The hot zone is where the hazards are immediate and responders work in PPE to control the threat, while the warm zone sits between hot and cold and is used for decontamination and transition. So, the functions listed—command, staging, transport, mortuary, PIO, and support—fit in the cold zone.