Which officer is responsible for maintaining situational awareness of potential hazards during a disaster?

The safety officer plays a crucial role during a disaster response by maintaining situational awareness of potential hazards. This position focuses on assessing risks and identifying dangers that could affect personnel and operations. By continuously monitoring the environment, including weather conditions, structural integrity, and other changing circumstances, the safety officer ensures that appropriate safety measures are in place, and that all team members are informed of any potential threats. This proactive approach to hazard identification is essential for protecting responders and ensuring an effective response to the disaster.

The other roles mentioned, while important, do not specifically focus on situational awareness regarding hazards. The operations officer primarily manages the tactical aspects of response efforts. The logistics officer coordinates resources and supplies, while the finance officer handles budgetary concerns and funding. Each of these positions has critical functions, but it is the safety officer who is tasked with recognizing and responding to potential hazards, making this the correct answer for the question.