What is the significance of establishing a perimeter around a collapsed building?

Establishing a perimeter around a collapsed building serves several critical functions in enhancing safety and operational effectiveness. The primary significance lies in ensuring that curious bystanders do not enter the danger zone. Collapsed structures are often unstable and can pose significant risks ranging from falling debris to secondary collapses. By controlling access and establishing a clear barrier, responders can keep unauthorized persons at a safe distance, thus preventing injuries and ensuring the safety of both the responders and the public.

While protecting evidence for investigation is vital in the context of a structural collapse, it is secondary to the immediate concern for life safety. Limiting access for the media and marking future construction locations may also be considerations, but they do not align with the immediate priority of protecting the public from hazards associated with a collapsed structure. The perimeter's primary role is to safeguard individuals by preventing access to areas where there may be danger.