Incident command

What are Incident Facilities and Locations and what do they look like

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

The incident commander ca appoint one or more ________ and

Deputies he or she should be fully qualified to assume the Incident Commander's position.

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

Incident commander is also 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

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.

Management by objectives (The incident commander or unified command establishes objectives that drive incident operations) include

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.

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.

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

The Deputy Incident Commander will be replacing the current Incident Commander, who needs to attend to a family emergency. The current Incident Commander should:

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

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.

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.

What are Key resource management activities

Resource Identification and Typing Qualification, Certification and Credentialing Personnel Planning for Resources Acquiring, Storing and Inventorying Resources

NIMS is organized into three major components:

Resource Management Command and Coordination - including the Incident Command System Communications and Information Management

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.

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.

Safety Officer

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

Establishment and Transfer of Command

Should be establishes at beginning of incident.

if no Logistics Section is established.

The Incident Commander will perform all logistics functions

if no Planning Section is established.

The Incident Commander will perform all planning functions

Who designates the incident of command and process for transferring command.

The jurisdiction or organization with primary responsibility for the incident

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.

modular organization

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.

ICS helps ensure

The safety of responders, community members, and others. The achievement of incident objectives. The efficient use of resources.

What happens when 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.

As part of the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, will you need to abide by agency policies and guidelines and any applicable local, tribal, state, or Federal rules and regulations?

YES

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.

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

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.

The 6th ICS function identified in NIMS, 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).

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.

For Smaller/less complex incidents the IAP may be oral or written except

except for hazardous materials incidents, which require a written IAP.

What are Incident communications

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

What is an Incident Action Planning (IAP)

guides effective incident management activities. (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).

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. 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

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.

helpful info

When is ICS used

in managing any type of incident- planned, not planned, any size or cause. Provides organized structure for incident management and guidelines for planning, building and adapting the 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.

The Incident Commander aka

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.

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.

Typically, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) supports

on-scene response by relieving the Incident Commander of the burden of external coordination and the responsibility for securing additional resources.

What is the optimal span of control

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

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.

What the 6th function is required

the Incident Command/Unified Command can place the I/I (6th) 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.

The Incident Commander is responsible for all Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas until

the Incident Commander delegates a function.

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 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 only creates those sections that are needed. If a section is not staffed,

the Incident Commander will manage those functions.

If no Operations Section is established,

the Incident Commander will perform all operations functions.

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

In an expanding incident, the Incident Commander first establishes

the Operations Section. The remaining sections are established as needed to support the operation.

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.

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

unity of command deals with

the fact that all individuals have a single designated supervisor they report to.

Manageable Span of control refers to

the number of individuals or resources that one supervisor can manage effectively during an incident.

Why is the ratio 1;5

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.

What is the actual command structure itself and the responsibilities of those involved change based on

the type of incident and your specific role.

incident management overarching areas of responsibility 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.

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 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.

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.

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

An EOC (emergency operations center) 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.

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

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?

Chain of Command and Unity of Command -In accordance with Chain of Command and Unity of Command, you have been assigned a single supervisor, the Planning Section Chief, to whom you will report. Information and Intelligence Management -In accordance with Information and Intelligence Management, you will be gathering, sharing, and managing incident-related information in the form of maps that display potential flooding impacts.

What is 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.

several principles you will need to adhere to for accountability

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.

What are the benefits of ICS

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.

What are the 14 proven NIMS management charateristics

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

During an incident common terminology

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 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)

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.

I am the Liaison Officer. I'm the go-between. I assist the Incident Commander by serving as the point of contact for other response organizations participating in the response effort. I provide briefings to stakeholders and other agencies involved in the operation. I respond to requests from incident personnel for contacts among the assisting and cooperating agencies. I also monitor incident operations in order to identify any current or potential problems between stakeholders and response agencies.

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.

I am the Public Information Officer. I report directly to the Incident Commander. I am the primary contact for anyone who wants information about the incident and our response to it. Without me, media requests would overwhelm the Incident Commander. I also coordinate communications to our internal audiences. It's very important for me to coordinate with other public information staff to ensure that we do not issue confusing or conflicting information. In the end, the Incident Commander and Headquarters will approve all information that I release. During a complex incident, I may need several Assistant Public Information Officers to help me.

Lesson 1 key summary

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.

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

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

Incident Action Plan

Indicate whether the statements below represent incident command or incident coordination Establish objectives, make assignments, and order resources Collect, analyze, and disseminate information Synchronize public information messages Establishing priorities among incidents

Incident Command Incident Coordination Incident Coordination Incident Coordination

What are the five major Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas that are the foundation on which an incident management organization develops.

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.

ICS is a standardized, all-hazards incident management approach 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.

The JIC (joint information center):

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 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.

Is there a single commander

NO. 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

Does Chain of command prevent personnel from directly communicating with each other to ask for or share information?

NO. While formal direction and control follows the chain of command, informal information sharing occurs throughout the ICS structure.

Do you report to you day to day supervisor?

NO. 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.

What is ICS a part of

National incident management system (NIMS)

Incident Commander may establish any or all of the following four sections:

Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration.

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

Common Terminology that allows diverse incident management and support organizations to work together across a wide variety of emergency functions and hazard scenarios. This covers;

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.