What immediate step is taken when establishing a water supply?

When establishing a water supply, the immediate step that is taken is to communicate "water supply established." This action ensures that all members of the incident command and responding units are aware that a reliable source of water is available for firefighting operations. Timely communication is critical in emergency situations, as it facilitates coordinated efforts among crews and allows for effective deployment of resources.

Effective communication about the water supply helps teams anticipate the required water flow for firefighting, manage hose lines efficiently, and direct firefighting efforts appropriately. Informing all units quickly allows them to make tactical decisions based on the available resources and enhances overall operational efficiency.

Establishing the water supply and relaying that information is a fundamental part of fire suppression strategy, emphasizing teamwork and situational awareness in the midst of managing an incident.