Effective communication is a critical element of incident command in today’s rapidly changing, multi-unit world of emergency response if a successful outcome is to be reached. Poor incident communications are frequently cited as a significant factor in many of the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program reports, commonly known as LODD reports issued by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Here are four strategies for improving command post communications. 1. Get out of the front yard. Many fire officers are comfortable with operating outside of the command vehicle or command post because they have high confidence developed from experience. This comfort level can easily be challenged when faced with unexpected fireground conditions such as a structural collapse, rapid-fire growth or a firefighter mayday transmission.