Which of the following is a basic principle of resource management?

Resource management is a critical element of effective incident management, and planning serves as the foundational principle for ensuring that resources are allocated, mobilized, and utilized efficiently and effectively during an incident.

Planning involves identifying the resources needed, forecasting requirements, and establishing procedures for obtaining and distributing those resources. This structured approach enables incident managers to anticipate potential resource shortages or excesses and to develop strategies accordingly. It ensures that all aspects of resource utilization are considered, including sourcing, deploying, and demobilizing assets in a timely and organized manner.

While coordination, communication, and delegation are also vital to effective resource management, they build upon the framework established through planning. Coordination relies on a solid plan to bring various resources together; communication facilitates the sharing of information that keeps everyone aligned with the plan; and delegation allows for the distribution of tasks within the structure established by the plan. Planning is thus the overarching principle that guides the effective management of resources throughout an incident.