What is the Incident Command System?

It focuses on previous operational periods in order to provide lessons learned.

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of an Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

Manageable Span of Control

Depending on your role within the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, you may be asked to manage the activities of others. Span of control refers to the number of individuals or resources that one supervisor can manage effectively during an incident. The optimal span of control is one supervisor to five subordinates (1:5). However, effective incident management may require ratios significantly different from this. This ratio is a guideline--incident personnel should use their best judgement to determine the appropriate ratio for an incident. If too much responsibility is given to the supervisor, the span of control may become unmanageable. A manageable span of control on incidents may actually vary depending upon the type of incident, nature of the task, hazards and safety factors, and distances between personnel and resources. Maintaining a manageable span of control is particularly important at incidents where safety and accountability are a top priority.

Five Major ICS Functional Areas

Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration There are five major Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas that are the foundation on which an incident management organization develops. These functions apply to incidents of all sizes and types, including both planned events and ones that occur without warning. If you are in an incident and hear these terms, it's important for you to know what they mean. For instance, you may be directed to provide documents to the Planning Section or receipts to the Finance/Administration Section.

Lesson 5 Overview

In this lesson you will be given an opportunity to apply information presented in the previous lessons. You will be given a scenario involving flooding and you will be asked to select which NIMS Management Characteristics are demonstrated throughout the scenario. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Identify how the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Management Characteristics apply in specific roles. Identify how the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Management Characteristics apply in specific situations.

Liaison Officer

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the Command Staff is being described. Scroll to see all of the choices. Click the circle to the left of the Command Staff member to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: I provide briefings to supporting Agency Representatives and work with them to address their questions and concerns about the operation. I remain visible on the incident scene to all incoming cooperating and assisting agencies.

Safety Officer

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the Command Staff is being described. Scroll to see all of the choices. Click the circle to the left of the Command Staff member to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: I work very closely with Operations to make sure that our people in the field are wearing appropriate protective equipment and implementing safe tactical options.

Planning Section Chief

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the General Staff is being described. Click the circle to the left of a Section Chief to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: As the response is underway, my section tracks all personnel participating in the response.

Finance/Administration Section Chief

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the General Staff is being described. Click the circle to the left of a Section Chief to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: I support the incident response activities by overseeing contracting for needed supplies and services that are not already available.

Logistics Section Chief

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the General Staff is being described. Click the circle to the left of a Section Chief to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: In advance of severe flooding, there is a need to get generators and communications equipment to the Staging Areas to equip advance response teams. It's my responsibility to make sure the needed equipment arrives at the Staging Areas.

Operations Section Chief

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the General Staff is being described. Click the circle to the left of a Section Chief to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: My section conducts response activities such as search and rescue, and coordinates medical services being provided to disaster survivors.

Planning Section Chief

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the General Staff is being described. Click the circle to the left of a Section Chief to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: Throughout the incident and during the after-action review process, the reports that we develop will be very useful.

Delegating Incident Management Responsibilities

The Incident Commander is responsible for all Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas until the Incident Commander delegates a function. Since the ICS organization is modular, it has the ability to expand or contract to meet the needs of the incident. During a larger incident, the Incident Commander may create sections and delegate the Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration responsibilities. For very small, routine, or short-duration incidents, it is possible that the Incident Commander will not establish any of the Staff positions. In this case, the Incident Commander will personally manage all ICS functions.

Modular Organization

The Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure develops in a modular fashion based on the incident's size and complexity. The responsibility for the establishment and expansion of the ICS modular organization rests with the Incident Commander. As the incident grows more complex, the ICS organization may expand as functional responsibilities are delegated.

Finance/Administration Section

The Incident Commander determines whether there is a need for a Finance/Administration Section at the incident. If so, the Incident Commander will designate an individual to fill the position of the Finance/Administration Section Chief. The Time, Compensation/Claims, Cost, and Procurement Units may be established within this section.

Operations Section

The Incident Commander determines whether there is a need for an Operations Section and, if so, will designate an Operations Section Chief. It is up to the Operations Section Chief to activate any additional staffing that is needed. When the Operations Section Chief is designated, the staging and management of operational resources moves from the Incident Command to Operations. If no Operations Section is established, the Incident Commander will perform all operations functions.

Management by Objectives

The Incident Commander or Unified Command (which will be discussed later), establishes incident objectives that drive incident operations. Management by Objectives includes the following: Establishing specific, measurable incident objectives. Identifying strategies, tactics, tasks and activities to achieve the objectives. Developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols to accomplish identified tasks. Documenting results for the incident objectives.

Logistics Section

The Logistics Section Chief is designated only after the Incident Commander determines whether there is a need for a Logistics Section. It is up to the Logistics Section Chief to activate any additional staffing that is needed. The Incident Commander will perform all logistics functions if no Logistics Section is established.

Logistics Section: Major Activities

The Logistics Section is responsible for all services and support needs, including: Ordering, obtaining, maintaining, and accounting for essential personnel, equipment, and supplies Providing communication planning and resources Setting up food services for responders Setting up and maintaining incident facilities Providing support transportation Providing medical services to incident personnel

Selecting or Changing Incident Commanders

The command function should be clearly established at the beginning of an incident. The jurisdiction or organization with primary responsibility for an incident designates the individual at the scene who is responsible for establishing command and the protocol for transferring command. As an incident becomes more or less complex, command may change to meet the needs of the incident. When command is transferred, the process should include a briefing that captures all essential information for continuing safe and effective operations.

Establishment and Transfer of Command

The command function should be clearly established at the beginning of an incident. The jurisdiction or organization with primary responsibility for the incident designates the Incident Commander and the process for transferring command. Transfer of command may occur during the course of an incident. When command is transferred, the process should include a briefing that captures all essential information for continuing safe and effective operations.

ICS Structure

The standard Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure is shown here. Incident Command, which could be a single Incident Commander or a Unified Command, will lead the effort and, as needed, assign Command Staff and General Staff. For the remainder of this lesson, we will discuss the Incident Command function and the members of the Command Staff.

Lesson 3 Summary

This lesson introduced you to the: Five major Incident Command System (ICS) Functional Areas ICS organizational structure Incident Commander roles and responsibilities Selection and transfer of Incident Commanders Command Staff roles and responsibilities Differences between incident command and incident coordination The next lesson provides an introduction to the ICS General Staff Roles.

Lesson 4 Summary

This lesson introduced you to: The Incident Command System (ICS) roles of the General Staff. The major activities of the four ICS General Staff sections. The next lesson focuses on how the ICS applies to you and your agency or organization

Lesson 3 Overview

This lesson introduces you to the Incident Command System (ICS) Functional Areas and roles of the Incident Commander and Command Staff. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Identify the five major ICS functional areas. Describe the role of the Incident Commander. Describe the selection of and transfer of command between Incident Commanders. Identify the position titles associated with the Command Staff. Describe the roles of the Command Staff. Differentiate between incident command and incident coordination.

Lesson 2 Overview

This lesson presents the National Incident Management System (NIMS) management characteristics. These characteristics are the foundation of all NIMS command and coordination components, including the Incident Command System (ICS). This lesson presents the National Incident Management System (NIMS) management characteristics. These characteristics are the foundation of all NIMS command and coordination components, including the Incident Command System (ICS). Objective: At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Describe the 14 NIMS management characteristics.

General Staff

To maintain span of control, the Incident Commander may establish any or all of the following four sections: Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. The person in charge of each section is designated as a Section Chief. Section Chiefs have the ability to expand their sections to meet the needs of the situation. As shown here, they report directly to the Incident Commander. Let's take a closer look at these General Staff positions.

Incident Action Plan

To promote accountability, which document outlines the method for coordinating response operations?

1. Chain of Command and Unity of Command. 2. Accountability

Scenario: As phasedown of shelter operations has begun, the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Supervisor has directed you to begin re-assigning shelter staff personnel and release those that are no longer required. As a supervisor, you direct released staff to checkout. What NIMS Management Characteristics are you supporting? Select all that apply.

1. Chain of Command and Unity of Command 2. Information and Intelligence Management

Scenario: You are a Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist who normally works at the Public Works Planning office. You are directed to report to the Incident Command Post (ICP) and have been assigned to the Planning Section Chief and will report to the Chief. You will be producing maps to display potential flooding impacts in the city and county. What NIMS Management Characteristics are you supporting? Select the two characteristics that apply.

1. Incident Facilities and Locations. 2. Establishment and Transfer of Command. 3. Unified Command

Scenario: You are the City Fire Chief and are evaluating the supervisory structure needed to manage the Incident Command Post staff. You are also identifying senior representatives from the Health Care community and from Public Works to help develop objectives to protect the residents of the nursing home and the critical water resources of the community. Select the three NIMS Management Characteristics you are supporting

True

Unity of command means that every individual is accountable to and reports to only one designated supervisor

Incident Commander

1. Establish objectives, make assignments, and order resources. 2. Collect, analyze, and disseminate information. 3. Synchronize public information messages. 4. Establishing priorities among incidents.

False

Because incident details are often unknown at the start, command should not be established until after the Incident Action Plan has been developed.

Chain of Command

Chain of command is an orderly line that details how authority flows through the hierarchy of the incident management organization. Chain of command: Allows an Incident Commander to direct and control the actions of all personnel on the incident. Avoids confusion by requiring that orders flow from supervisors. Chain of command does NOT prevent personnel from directly communicating with each other to ask for or share information. While formal direction and control follows the chain of command, informal information sharing occurs throughout the ICS structure.

False

Chain of command restricts personnel from communicating or sharing information outside their organizational units.

Comprehensive Resource Management

Comprehensive Resource Management describes standard mechanisms to identify requirements, order and acquire, mobilize, track and report, demobilize, and reimburse and restock resources such as personnel, teams, facilities, equipment and supplies. Key resource management activities include: Resource Identification and Typing Qualification, Certification and Credentialing Personnel Planning for Resources Acquiring, Storing and Inventorying Resources

ICS Command Staff

Depending upon the size and type of incident or event, the Incident Commander may designate personnel to provide information, safety, and liaison services. In the Incident Command System (ICS), the Command Staff may include: Public Information Officer, who interfaces with the public and media and/or with other agencies with incident-related information requirements. Safety Officer, who monitors incident operations and advises the Incident Commander on all matters relating to safety, including the health and safety of incident management personnel. Liaison Officer, who serves as the Incident Commander's point of contact for representatives of governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private-sector organizations. Incident Commanders may also choose to appoint technical specialists (such as legal, medical, science and technology, or access and functional needs) to act as command advisors. The Command Staff reports directly to the Incident Commander. In a complex incident, Assistant Officers may be assigned to each of the Command Staff functions.

Yes

Does this statement comply with the NIMS Management Characteristic of common terminology?

ICS Functional Areas and Command Staff Roles

Every incident requires that certain functional areas be implemented. The problem must be identified and assessed, a plan to deal with it must be developed and implemented, and the necessary resources must be procured and paid for. Regardless of the size of the incident, these functional areas are all required. In case you ever need to assist with an incident, you should understand how the management structure is constructed using the Incident Command System (ICS). This will help you understand your role in the structure and how you may receive information and assignments. This lesson focuses on the five major functional areas and the Command Staff roles. The General Staff roles will be discussed in the next lesson.

True

ICS could be used to manage a large sporting event or a visit from a foreign dignitary.

True

ICS is a standardized, on-scene, widely applicable approach to incident management.

Unified Command

In a Unified Command there is no single "Commander." Instead the Unified Command manages the incident through jointly approved objectives. Unified Command allows agencies with different legal, geographic, and functional responsibilities to work together effectively without affecting individual agency authority, responsibility, or accountability. Unified Command is typically established when no single jurisdiction, agency or organization has the authority and/or resources to manage the incident on its own. This can include incidents involving multiple jurisdictions, a single jurisdiction with multiagency involvement, or multiple jurisdictions with multiagency involvement.

Incident Commander Responsibilities

In addition to having the overall responsibility for managing the entire incident, the Incident Commander is specifically responsible for: Ensuring overall incident safety Providing information services to internal and external stakeholders, such as disaster survivors, agency executives, and senior officials Establishing and maintaining liaisons with other agencies participating in the incident The Incident Commander may appoint one or more Deputies. If a Deputy is assigned, he or she should be fully qualified to assume the Incident Commander's position.

General Staff Overview

In an expanding incident, the Incident Commander first establishes the Operations Section. The remaining sections are established as needed to support the operation.

True

In part, comprehensive resource management describes standard mechanisms used to identify requirements and acquire, mobilize, track, and demobilize resources.

Lesson 4 Overview

In the previous lesson, you learned that the Command Staff supports the Incident Commander who is responsible for overall management of the incident. This lesson introduces you to the General Staff. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Identify the Incident Command System (ICS) titles used for General Staff members. Describe the major activities of the four general staff sections.

ICS Functional Area Descriptions

Incident Command: Sets the incident objectives, strategies, and priorities, and has overall responsibility for the incident. Operations: Conducts operations to reach the incident objectives. Establishes tactics and directs all operational resources. Planning: Supports the incident action planning process by tracking resources, collecting/analyzing information, and maintaining documentation. Logistics: Arranges for resources and needed services to support achievement of the incident objectives (resources can include personnel, equipment, teams, supplies, and facilities). Finance/Administration: Monitors costs related to the incident. Provides accounting, procurement, time recording, and cost analyses.

Incident Action Planning

Incident action planning guides effective incident management activities. An Incident Action Plan (IAP) is a concise, coherent means of capturing and communicating overall incident priorities, objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments in the context of both operational and support activities. The IAP should focus on addressing the needs of future timeframes (called operational periods). To be effective, an IAP should: Cover a specified timeframe Be proactive Specify the incident objectives State the activities to be completed Assign responsibilities Identify needed resources Specify communication protocols For smaller/less complex incidents, the IAP may be oral or written, except for hazardous materials incidents, which require a written IAP. FEMA has developed a series of ICS Forms for use in developing a written IAP.

Integrated Communications

Incident communications are facilitated through the development and use of a common communications plan and interoperable communication processes and systems that include voice and data links. Integrated Communications are necessary to: Maintain connectivity Achieve situational awareness Facilitate information sharing

True

Integrated communications are necessary to achieve situational awareness.

Emerald City Flood Scenario

It has been raining heavily for the past seven days in Emerald City. The Emerald City and Liberty County Emergency Management offices are preparing for a response to a possible flood situation. Residents are starting to ask questions about the rising river and lake levels, and are wondering if they will need to leave their homes.

Emergency Operations Center Role

Jurisdictions and organizations across the Nation use Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) as an element of their emergency management programs. Typically, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) supports the on-scene response by relieving the Incident Commander of the burden of external coordination and the responsibility for securing additional resources. An EOC is: A physical or virtual location where staff from multiple agencies come together to address imminent threats and hazards Staffed with personnel trained for, and authorized to, represent their agency/discipline Equipped with mechanisms for communicating with the incident site Providing support to the incident by obtaining resources Applicable at different levels of government EOCs may be established at the Federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local levels. If you are from a non-governmental organization (NGO) or from the private sector, you may be asked to assist at the EOC to assess a situation, provide advice, and make recommendations based on your knowledge and professional expertise.

Incident Commander

Let's begin by taking a closer look at the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander is responsible for the overall management of the incident. Overall management includes Command Staff assignments required to support the incident command function. The Incident Commander is the only position that is always staffed in ICS applications. On small incidents and events, one person—the Incident Commander—may accomplish all management functions.

Incident Coordination

Now that we've discussed the Command Staff roles, let's take a look at how the overall incident is coordinated. Coordination involves the activities that ensure the onsite Incident Command System (ICS) organization receives the information, resources, and support needed to achieve those incident objectives. Coordination takes place in a number of entities and at all levels of government. Examples of coordination activities include: Establishing policy based on interactions with agency executives, other agencies, and stakeholders. Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information to support the establishment of shared situational awareness. Establishing priorities among incidents. Resolving critical resource issues. Facilitating logistics support and resource tracking. Synchronizing public information messages to ensure that everyone is speaking with one voice. Let's take a look at how this coordination happens.

Emerald City Flood Scenario: Update 1

Raining has continued for three more days and the flooding is expected to reach its highest point today. The flooding has caused residents to evacuate their homes in anticipation of rising floodwaters. Basement flooding to the first-floor level is anticipated. The local Nursing Home is assessing the situation to determine if an evacuation of residents is necessary. The Liaison Officer, with the support of the Public Information Officer, is in contact with business owners to determine if any of their stored chemicals will be affected by the flooding, causing possible contamination downstream. Based upon previous floods, it is a high priority to establish shelters for evacuees early on. The Emergency Operation Plan pre-identified the following shelters: Lawrence College Auditorium and Lafayette Middle School. Due to the complexity of the incident, the Incident Commander has expanded the Operations Section to include an Evacuation Group. The Evacuation Group Supervisor immediately contacts the Lawrence College President and the Lafayette Middle School Principal to begin the process of establishing shelters in those facilities.

Modular Organization

Scenario: Due to the complexity of the incident, the Incident Commander has expanded the Operations Section to include an Evacuation Group What NIMS Management Characteristic is being demonstrated?

True

The Incident Command System (ICS) and NIMS are the same, and these terms can be used interchangeably.

Planning Section: Major Activities

The major activities of the Planning Section may include: Preparing and documenting Incident Action Plans Managing information and maintaining situational awareness for the incident Tracking resources assigned to the incident Maintaining incident documentation Developing plans for demobilization

Unity of Command

While chain of command relates to the overall hierarchy of the organization, unity of command deals with the fact that all individuals have a single designated supervisor they report to. Based on the principle of unity of command, you will: Report to only one Incident Command System (ICS) supervisor. Receive work assignments only from your ICS supervisor. When you are assigned to an incident, you no longer report directly to your day-to-day supervisor. In fact, there is no correlation between the ICS organization and the administrative structure of any single agency or jurisdiction. This is deliberate, because confusion over different position titles and organizational structures has been a significant stumbling block to effective incident management in the past. While chain of command and unity of command are applied in all incidents, the actual command structure itself and the responsibilities of those involved change based on the type of incident and your specific role.

Emerald City Flood Scenario: Update 4

(Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the link for audio narration.) The river levels have steadily receded and residential property owners are anxious and attempting to return to their properties. Public Utility Crews are assisting City Building Inspection crews in the inspection of evacuated homes for safety and structural integrity before allowing residents to move back in. Drinking water qualities are being monitored and cleanup and damage assessment activities are beginning. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army report that most evacuees have found longer-term temporary housing. Very few evacuees remain in their shelters, and shelters are anticipated to be closing soon. Emerald City Health Department personnel, along with representatives from the County and the State Health Departments, are monitoring the water intakes and the city drinking water for any signs of contamination. Nothing significant has been detected so far. The County Health Department is also monitoring private wells as requested by the landowners. The Nursing Home reports that water has receded from their building and that they are beginning cleanup procedures. They expect to finish their cleanup, including mandatory inspections by the State Health Department, within a week. Because the activities are shifting from response to recovery, the mayor of Emerald City has asked the Incident Commander to prepare to demobilize and transfer command of the incident to a Unified Command consisting of Emergency Management, the Emerald City Health Department, and the Emerald City Department of Public Works. The newly formed Unified Command will focus on restoring essential services, providing a safe re-entry for displaced residents, and completing a thorough damage assessment. The transfer of command will take place at the end of the next operational period.

Joint Information Center

Another coordination entity is the Joint Information Center (JIC). The JIC: May be established to coordinate all incident-related public information activities Serves as the central point of contact for all news media—when possible, public information officials from all participating agencies should co-locate at the JIC JICs may be established at various levels of government and at incident sites. Depending on your role in the incident, you may need to direct individuals or organizations to the JIC to obtain information.

Accountability

Effective accountability during incident operations is essential. As part of the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, you will need to abide by agency policies and guidelines and any applicable local, tribal, state, or Federal rules and regulations. There are several principles you will need to adhere to: Check-In/Check-Out. All responders must report in to receive an assignment. Checking out is just as critical as checking in. Incident Action Planning. Response operations must be coordinated as outlined in the Incident Action Plan. Unity of Command. Each individual will be assigned to only one supervisor. Personal Responsibility. ICS relies on each individual taking personal accountability for their own actions. Span of Control. Supervisors must be able to adequately supervise and control their subordinates, as well as communicate with and manage all resources under their supervision. Resource Tracking. Supervisors must record and report resource status changes as they occur. Accountability starts as soon as a resource is requested through the time that the resource returns to their home base safely.

Command and Coordination

Effective incident management consists of four overarching areas of responsibility: Direct tactical response to save lives, stabilize the incident, and protect property and the environment Incident support through resource acquisition, information gathering, and interagency coordination Policy guidance and senior level decision making Outreach and communication with the media and public to keep them informed about the incident These objectives are accomplished through the use of the Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), Multi-agency Coordination (MAC) Groups, and the Joint Information System (JIS), respectively. The Command and Coordination component of NIMS defines these structures and explains how various elements operating at different levels of incident management interface to achieve the maximum effect through a shared understanding.

1. Management by Objectives. 2. Incident Action Planning. 3. Manageable Span of Control.

General Staff immediately come together and begin developing strategies. General Staff Chiefs are: Evaluating staffing and supervisory needs in the Incident Command Post. Identifying resource shortfalls. Updating planning documents. What NIMS Management Characteristics are you supporting? Select all that apply.

Intelligence/Investigations Function in ICS

Intelligence/Investigations (I/I) is a sixth ICS function identified in NIMS. The Intelligence / Investigations function can be established to collect, analyze, and disseminate incident-related information and intelligence for incidents involving intensive intelligence gathering and investigative activity (such as a criminal or terrorist act, or epidemiological, accident or mass fatality investigation). When I/I is required, the Incident Command/Unified Command can place the I/I function in multiple locations within the incident command structure based on factors such as the nature of the incident, the level of I/I activity, and the relationship of I/I to other incident activities.

Dispatch/Deployment

Resources should be deployed only when requested or when dispatched by an appropriate authority through established resource management systems. Resources not requested should refrain from self-dispatching to avoid overburdening the incident command

Incident Facilities and Locations

Depending upon the incident size and complexity, various types of support facilities may be established by Incident Command. These designated facilities typically include: Incident Command Post (ICP) Incident base, staging areas, and camps Mass casualty triage areas Point-of-distribution Emergency shelters

Making ICS Work

Effective incident management relies on a common organizational structure for managing resources, making decisions, and assigning tasks. The Incident Command System (ICS) uses a standardized management approach to ensure that incidents are properly managed and communications are effectively coordinated during an incident. As an incident occurs, you may be called upon to assist -- making you a part of this organizational structure. To ensure success, you should understand how this structure works.

Information and Intelligence Management

Information and intelligence are important in the Incident Command System (ICS). Incident management must establish a process for gathering, analyzing, assessing, sharing, and managing incident-related information and intelligence. In NIMS, "intelligence" refers exclusively to threat-related information developed by law enforcement, medical surveillance, and other investigative organizations. Information and intelligence may be gathered from a variety of sources, including: 911 calls Radio, video and data communications among responders Situation Reports (SITREPS) Technical specialists from organizations such as the National Weather Service Reports from field observers Geospatial products, such as GIS, etc. Print, online, broadcast, and social media Risk assessments Terroristic or violent threats Surveillance of disease outbreaks Structural plans and vulnerabilities

Provide a transfer-of-command briefing to the new Commander

Instructions: Read the scenario and question below, select the correct action, then select Check. Scenario: The Deputy Incident Commander will be replacing the current Incident Commander, who needs to attend to a family emergency. The current Incident Commander should:

Public Information Officer

Instructions: Read the statement and decide which member of the Command Staff is being described. Scroll to see all of the choices. Click the circle to the left of the Command Staff member to select your answer, then click Check. Statement: I am the primary contact for anyone who wants details about the incident and our response to it. I serve an external audience through the media and an internal audience including incident staff and agency personnel.

1. Modular Organization 2. Information and Intelligence Management

Scenario: You are the Middle School Principal. You and the Shelter Manager notify the Incident Command Post that several people are complaining of severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. You ask for assistance from medical and public health personnel. You also request additional sanitation supplies, bedding, and bathing materials. The Operations Section Chief is requesting additional assistance from the Emergency Operations Center for a specialized monitoring team to be deployed to the shelter to survey for a possible outbreak. Survey results will be shared with Health and Public Works departments. What NIMS Management Characteristics are you supporting? Select all that apply.

Dispatch/Deployment

Scenario: The Operations Section has determined that the Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Department, and the School Bus Company will be assigned to the evacuation of the Nursing Home. They will all converge at City Hall and will be dispatched, as appropriate, to begin the rapid and safe movement of the residents to their temporary shelter locations. What NIMS Management Characteristic is being demonstrated?

Accountabilty

Scenario: You are an American Red Cross Disaster Program Specialist in charge of teams trained to help in sheltering displaced persons. You have been notified by your office to be prepared to deploy to conduct shelter operations. Your supervisor has asked you to come to the office to begin organizing volunteers and get prepared to set up shelters, if tasked. You check in before you begin. What NIMS Management Characteristic are you supporting?

Comprehensive Resource Management

Scenario: You are the American Red Cross liaison in the Emergency Operation Center and you print up a list of the location of materials necessary to outfit the shelters. Materials stored in both facilities are adequate to meet the initial needs. Both the College and the Middle School are implementing their respective plans and are establishing necessary staffing to support the shelter requirements. What NIMS Management Characteristic is being demonstrated?

Information and Intelligence Management

Scenario: You are the Middle School Principal. As shelter operations are beginning to phase down, you continue to be concerned about the illness suffered by the residents of your facility, which was confirmed to be a food borne illness from donated food. Since school will resume soon, you want to reassure school staff and parents that there are no residual risks. You request the newly formed Unified Command for a public information broadcast and a representative from the Health Department to share information regarding the illness and be available to answer questions. What NIMS Management Characteristic is being demonstrated?

1. Common Terminology 2. Integrated Communications

Scenario: You are the Operations Section Chief at the Incident Command Post and request that all response communications be conducted using a pre-determined set of frequencies. You also remind everyone in the field to use plain language. What NIMS Management Characteristics are you supporting? Select all that apply.

Comprehensive Resource Management

Scenario: You are the President of Lawrence College. You and the American Red Cross Shelter Manager have contacted the Incident Command Post concerning the ability to meet the nutritional and long term pharmaceutical needs of the elderly residents. The Liaison Officer requests assistance from the Emergency Operations Center. What NIMS Management Characteristic is being demonstrated?

False

Span of control refers to the fact that a supervisor can effectively manage an unlimited amount of resources.

Emerald City Flood Scenario: Update 2

The Evacuation Group is reporting that homeowners are beginning to move their families out of the area. The American Red Cross has opened two shelters, one at the Lawrence College Auditorium and one at the Lafayette Middle School. The Nursing Home is attempting to move 55 patients from their skilled nursing care facility and is asking for assistance from Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Department, and the School Bus Company. Acme Chemical is reporting first-floor flooding of their chemical processing plant. They are not reporting any chemical release but are closely monitoring their facility. Calls are coming into the Emergency Operations Center from concerned citizens wondering about the safety of the municipal drinking water. Additional concerns about the wellbeing of water fowl and fish in the river and lake are being voiced because tourism, fishing, and hunting are a major part of the economy in the area. Additional resources are needed for evacuation, sheltering, sandbagging, water level and chemical monitoring, traffic control, and scene security at other Incident Command Posts. Several media helicopters have arrived in the area to film the ongoing operations.

Finance/Administration Section: Major Activities

The Finance/Administration Section is set up for any incident that requires incident-specific financial management. The Finance/Administration Section is responsible for: Contract negotiation and monitoring Timekeeping Cost analysis Compensation for injury or damage to property Documentation for reimbursement (e.g., under mutual aid agreements and assistance agreements)

When is ICS Used?

The Incident Command System (ICS) can be used to manage any type of incident, including a planned event (e.g., the Olympics, the Governor's inauguration, state fairs, a local parade, etc.). The use of ICS is applicable to all types of incidents, regardless of their size or cause. As a system, ICS is extremely useful. Not only does it provide an organizational structure for incident management, but it also guides the process for planning, building, and adapting that structure. Using ICS for every incident or planned event provides the practice that will help to maintain and improve skills needed to effectively coordinate larger or more complex efforts.

Common Terminology

The Incident Command System (ICS) establishes Common Terminology that allows diverse incident management and support organizations to work together across a wide variety of emergency functions and hazard scenarios. This common terminology covers the following: Organizational Functions: Major functions and functional units with incident management responsibilities are named and defined. They remain standard and consistent. Resource Descriptions: Major resources - including personnel, equipment, teams, and facilities - are given common names and are "typed" with respect to their capabilities. Incident Facilities: Common terminology is used to designate the facilities in the vicinity of the incident area. During an incident: Communications should use common terms. Organizations should avoid radio codes, agency-specific codes, acronyms, or jargon. Usage of these types of codes may cause confusion or possibly compromise life safety due to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation. The goal is to promote understanding among all parties involved in managing an incident.

ICS: Built on Best Practices

The Incident Command System (ICS) has been tested for more than 40 years of emergency and nonemergency applications by all levels of government; and in nongovernmental and private-sector organizations. ICS helps to ensure: The safety of responders, community members, and others. The achievement of incident objectives. The efficient use of resources.

Benefits of ICS

The Incident Command System (ICS) has positively impacted incident management efforts by: Clarifying chain of command and supervision responsibilities to improve accountability. Leveraging interoperable communications systems and plain language to improve communications. Providing an orderly, systematic planning process. Implementing a common, flexible, predesigned management structure. Fostering cooperation between diverse disciplines and agencies.

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach to incident management that:

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach to incident management that: Is used for all kinds of incidents by all types of organizations and at all levels of government; ICS is applicable to small incidents as well as large and complex ones. Can be used not only for emergencies, but also for planned events. Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and agencies. Establishes common processes for incident-level planning and resource management. Allows for the integration of resources (such as facilities, equipment, personnel) within a common organizational structure.

NIMS Management Characteristics: Overview

The Incident Command System (ICS) is based on the following 14 proven NIMS management characteristics, each of which contributes to the strength and efficiency of the overall system: Common Terminology Modular Organization Management by Objectives Incident Action Planning Manageable Span of Control Incident Facilities and Locations Comprehensive Resource Management Integrated Communications Establishment and Transfer of Command Unified Command Chain of Command and Unity of Command Accountability Dispatch/Deployment Information and Intelligence Management

Incident Command Definition

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) defines command as the act of directing, ordering, or controlling by virtue of explicit statutory, regulatory, or delegated authority. When you are using the Incident Command System (ICS) to manage an incident, an Incident Commander is assigned. The Incident Commander has the authority to establish objectives, make assignments, and order resources. To achieve these ends, the Incident Commander works closely with staff and technical experts to analyze the situation and consider alternative strategies. The Incident Commander should have the training, experience, and expertise to serve in this capacity. Qualifications to serve as an Incident Commander should not be based solely on rank, grade, or technical knowledge.

ICS as a Component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a systematic, proactive approach to guide all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. NIMS provides a consistent foundation for all incidents, ranging from daily occurrences to incidents requiring a coordinated Federal response. NIMS is organized into three major components: Resource Management Command and Coordination - including the Incident Command System Communications and Information Management It is important to note that the Incident Command System (ICS) is just one part of NIMS

Planning Section

The Planning Section Chief is designated only after the Incident Commander determines whether there is a need for a Planning Section. It is up to the Planning Section Chief to activate any additional staffing that is needed. The Incident Commander will perform all planning functions if no Planning Section is established.

Operations Section: Major Activities

The major activities of the Operations Section may include: Implementing strategies and developing tactics to carry out the incident objectives Directing the management of all tactical activities on behalf of the Incident Commander Supporting the development of the Incident Action Plan to ensure it accurately reflects current operations Organizing, assigning, and supervising the tactical response resources

Emerald City Flood Scenario: Update 3

The nursing home's emergency plan calls for relocating residents with acute medical care needs to the Community Hospital. Residents without acute medical needs will be sheltered. The American Red Cross, in collaboration with the Salvation Army, are managing the shelters and providing food for displaced residents. The Public Works Department and the Health Department are monitoring the water intake at the Water Treatment Plant for signs of chemical contamination. Public Works crews are placing sandbags to protect the Water Treatment Plant.

Lesson 1 Summary

You have completed the Course Welcome and Incident Command System (ICS) Overview lesson. This lesson presented the following key points: ICS is a standardized management tool that allows better coordination and use of resources. ICS represents organizational "best practices" and has become the standard for emergency management. ICS can be used to manage the response for all incidents and planned events. ICS works! It saves lives!

Lesson 2 Summary

You have completed the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Management Characteristics lesson. This lesson introduced: Common Terminology Modular Organization Management by Objectives Incident Action Planning Manageable Span of Control Incident Facilities and Locations Comprehensive Resource Management Integrated Communications Establishment and Transfer of Command Unified Command Chain of Command and Unity of Command Accountability Dispatch/Deployment Information and Intelligence Management The next lesson will provide an overview of the ICS Functional Areas and introduce the roles of the Incident Commander and Command Staff.

Lesson 5 Summary

You have now completed the Lesson 5. In this lesson you have: Identified how the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Management Characteristics apply in specific roles Identified how the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Management Characteristics apply in specific situations