By: Emergent Team
Modern emergency response depends on preparation. And for fire departments, that preparation often takes the form of pre-incident planning—structured, proactive documentation that helps crews respond faster and safer when the call comes in. With the release of NFPA 1660, fire departments now have an updated roadmap for how to organize their preplanning efforts and ensure coordination across all phases of emergency response.
What Is NFPA 1660?
In 2023, the National Fire Protection Association consolidated three foundational standards—NFPA 1600 (Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management), NFPA 1616 (Mass Evacuation, Sheltering, and Reentry), and NFPA 1620 (Pre-Incident Planning)—into a single, unified standard: NFPA 1660.
This consolidation created a broader, more integrated guideline for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. While NFPA 1660 covers everything from community evacuation planning to hazard mitigation, for fire departments, the most relevant section remains Chapter 5—formerly NFPA 1620—which continues to provide critical structure around pre-incident planning.
How NFPA 1620 Lives On in NFPA 1660
The backbone of NFPA 1660’s pre-incident planning guidance remains rooted in the content of NFPA 1620. This includes recommendations for:
- Documenting building construction and layout
- Identifying fire protection systems, utilities, and water sources
- Tracking occupancy information and life safety considerations
- Recording hazardous materials or unique structural risks
- Establishing tactical approaches for specific types of incidents
NFPA 1660 treats pre-incident planning as a fundamental part of emergency preparedness. These plans aren’t just used by fire prevention teams; they directly inform operations, training, mutual aid coordination, and on-scene strategy.
Why Preplans Still Matter in a Consolidated Standard
While NFPA 1660 is more comprehensive than its predecessors, the message is clear: preplans remain essential.
- Departments that invest in strong pre-incident planning are better equipped to:
- Deploy resources more efficiently
- Reduce firefighter risk on unfamiliar properties
- Coordinate with mutual aid partners
- Improve post-incident analysis and training
Whether responding to a high-rise fire, a manufacturing facility with hazardous materials, or a mass casualty event at a stadium, preplans offer the foundational awareness needed to respond quickly and effectively.
The Problem With Paper-Based Preplans
Despite the guidance from NFPA and the operational importance of preplanning, many departments still rely on paper binders or outdated PDFs to store this critical information. These methods present real challenges:
- Outdated information: Paper preplans are difficult to keep current, especially when buildings are renovated or repurposed.
- Limited access: Physical binders can’t be easily shared across shifts, agencies, or mutual aid partners.
- Slow retrieval: In a fast-moving incident, flipping through pages for floor plans or utility shutoff locations can waste precious time.
- No integration: Paper documents don’t connect with GIS, inspection software, or incident management systems, limiting their utility in active response.
For today’s emergency environment, static systems just don’t cut it.
The Case for Digitizing Preplans
NFPA 1660 doesn’t mandate software—but it points to the increasing need for accessible, up-to-date, and interoperable data. That’s where digital preplanning platforms come in.
- Digitized preplans allow fire departments to:
- Create and update plans in real time
- Access site information from tablets or mobile devices on scene
- Visualize hazards, water supply, and layouts with integrated mapping tools
- Share plans with mutual aid partners instantly
- Tie planning directly into inspection, occupancy, and tactical systems
When preplans are part of a larger ecosystem of connected fire data, they become dynamic decision-making tools and valuable assets to fire departments.
How Emergent Is Supporting the Transition to Digital Planning
At Emergent, we understand the value of digitized planning—and we’re building tools that support the future of incident readiness.
We’re working closely with departments around the country to ensure our tools align with evolving standards like NFPA 1660 and directly support the day-to-day needs of the field. Our focus is on equipping responders with the clear, connected data they need to make the best decisions in the field.
Moving Forward with Smarter Planning
NFPA 1660 reflects the complexity of today’s emergency landscape—but it also reinforces a simple truth: preparation saves lives. For fire departments, that starts with well-executed, easily accessible pre-incident plans.
As departments look to modernize, digitizing those plans is a natural and necessary step. It’s about more than convenience—it’s about readiness.
Want to learn how Emergent can support your department’s transition to digital preplanning? Contact our team to stay up to date on development and explore how our platform can evolve with your needs.
