At a potential collapse zone, public works employees may enter the:

• A. Hot zone
• B. Warm zone
• C. Cold zone
• D. Transition zone

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is zone control around a collapse site. Different areas are defined by hazard exposure so responders can work safely. The cold zone lies outside the actual hazard area, where there is no active danger and where support activities such as debris staging, equipment setup, and coordination take place. Public works personnel typically perform these nonemergency, logistical tasks in the cold zone, far from the collapse itself.

The hot zone is the immediate danger area where active hazards exist; entry is limited to trained responders with appropriate protection. The warm zone surrounds the hot zone and still contains or is near hazards, often involving decontamination and controlled access. A transition zone isn’t the standard designation used for this scenario.