Which zone lies immediately outside the hot/exclusion zone?

Which zone lies immediately outside the hot/exclusion zone?

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

Answer: (C)

The zone immediately outside the hot/exclusion zone is the warm zone. This area serves as the transition between the contaminated hot zone and the clean cold zone. It’s where decontamination steps are carried out and where responders remove or transfer contaminated PPE before moving into the cold zone, helping prevent the spread of contamination. The cold zone lies farther away and hosts non-contaminated operations and support functions. Some agencies might use different terms, but the standard term for the area right outside the hot zone is the warm zone.

The zone immediately outside the hot/exclusion zone is the warm zone. This area serves as the transition between the contaminated hot zone and the clean cold zone. It’s where decontamination steps are carried out and where responders remove or transfer contaminated PPE before moving into the cold zone, helping prevent the spread of contamination. The cold zone lies farther away and hosts non-contaminated operations and support functions. Some agencies might use different terms, but the standard term for the area right outside the hot zone is the warm zone.