When checking water supply valves, what should you look for?

In the context of checking water supply valves, it is crucial to ensure that all valves controlling the water supply to firefighting equipment are open. This is essential because if the valves are closed, it may prevent the flow of water to hoses, sprinklers, or other firefighting systems during an emergency, rendering them ineffective. Open valves allow for an immediate response to fires, ensuring that equipment can be utilized as needed to control or extinguish flames effectively.

While other considerations such as the visibility of valves, the water pressure, and ensuring valves are fully charged are significant for comprehensive maintenance and operation, they do not directly address the immediate operational needs of the firefighting equipment in an emergency situation. Ensuring that the valves are open is a critical first step in preparing the equipment for use, making it the most vital task in this scenario.