Who will provide initial response to incidents involving nuclear weapons and must control the scene until relieved by higher authority?

• A. Initial Response Base
• B. Incident Commander
• C. Public Affairs
• D. Disaster Response Force

Answer: (A)

In this situation, rapid, organized control of the scene is essential to reduce risk and keep responders safe. The Initial Response Base is built to be the first unit on site, equipped to secure the area, establish a safety perimeter, begin protective actions, and coordinate early response activities. Because time matters, this unit must hold the scene and maintain command until a higher authority arrives to assume leadership, ensuring a clear and orderly transition. Public Affairs handles communication with the public, not on-scene control, and the Disaster Response Force is typically a broader support unit rather than the initial on-site control authority. The on-scene lead ultimately transfers to higher command, but the Initial Response Base starts and maintains that immediate control.