Which zone in a Hazmat incident is specifically for staging resources?

In a hazmat incident, the cold zone is designated for staging resources and establishing a safe perimeter for responders and support personnel. This zone is situated away from the hazardous area and allows for the safe management and deployment of equipment, personnel, and other resources necessary for the incident response.

The cold zone serves as the area where command staff can set up a command post and where emergency medical services may be stationed to aid responders if needed. Additionally, it is where decontamination operations can be conducted after personnel have exited more dangerous areas.

The hot zone is the area immediately surrounding the hazardous material, where the highest risk is present, and entry is limited to authorized personnel in full protective gear. The warm zone acts as a buffer between the hot and cold zones, where decontamination occurs and gear is exchanged, but it is not a designated area for staging resources. The safety zone, while critical for overall incident management, does not necessarily pertain to staging resources directly. Thus, the cold zone is specifically the correct area for staging resources in a hazmat incident.