What should the Incident Commander do with valuables found during a fire or emergency?

The Incident Commander has a critical role in ensuring that any valuables found during a fire or emergency are handled appropriately to maintain safety and accountability. Turning valuables over to the Fire Investigation Unit is the best practice because this unit is specifically trained to manage evidence and personal property in a way that adheres to legal and procedural guidelines. This action ensures that valuables are properly logged, protected from loss or damage, and eventually returned to the rightful owners through the appropriate legal channels.

This process not only helps in maintaining the chain of custody but also protects the integrity of the emergency response efforts, as it eliminates any potential claims of mishandling or theft. Furthermore, the Fire Investigation Unit can assess the items in relation to the incident, which may be crucial for ongoing investigations or insurance claims. This highlights the importance of involving specialized personnel in the management of found property during emergencies, rather than attempting to handle it in a less formal manner.