The most common method to establish control zones at an emergency incident is by:

The most common method to establish control zones at an emergency incident involves using police or fire line tape. This method is widely recognized for its effectiveness and visibility, allowing emergency responders to easily demarcate the boundaries of the scene. The bright colors of the tape serve as a clear, immediate visual cue to both personnel on site and the general public, indicating restricted areas where access might pose safety risks.

The tape effectively communicates to onlookers and bystanders that they should stay clear of the area, which helps maintain safety and protect the integrity of the incident scene. Additionally, tape can be quickly deployed and is lightweight, making it an efficient choice for establishing control zones in potentially chaotic situations.

While other options, such as stationing firefighters or police officers along a perimeter, or utilizing pedestrian traffic barricades, can assist in controlling access to an emergency scene, those methods may require more time, resources, or personnel compared to the immediacy and simplicity of using tape to outline control zones.