IS-0200.c Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key ICS/NIMS concepts mentioned in the lecture notes.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized, on-scene management tool for incident response; scalable and modular to fit incident size and complexity; a core component of NIMS.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

A nationwide framework that integrates practices across federal, state, local, tribal, and private sectors for incident management.

National Response Framework (NRF)

A framework guiding nationwide response to incidents, built on the foundation of NIMS.

HSPD-5 — Management of Domestic Incidents

Directive directing DHS to coordinate with other federal, state, local, tribal entities to establish NRF and NIMS.

HSPD-8 — National Preparedness

Directive to lead a national initiative to strengthen preparedness for threats and disasters.

Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8)

National Preparedness policy describing the whole-community approach to preparedness.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Common Terminology

Standardized terms for organizational functions, resources, facilities, and incident management to reduce confusion.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Modular Organization

An expandable, scalable structure built from modular components (Teams, Divisions, Groups, Branches, Sections) as needed.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Management by Objectives

Process of establishing incident objectives, organizing actions, and documenting results.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Incident Action Planning

Process to develop and communicate incident objectives, tactics, and assignments through an Incident Action Plan (IAP).

NIMS Management Characteristic: Span of Control

The ratio of supervisors to subordinates; typically guided by 1:5 but adaptable to conditions.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Incident Facilities and Locations

Designation of sites such as the Incident Command Post (ICP), staging areas, camps, etc.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Comprehensive Resource Management

Systems to identify, acquire, track, and allocate resources before and during incidents.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Integrated Communications

Interoperable voice and data systems that enable shared situational awareness.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Establishment and Transfer of Command

Procedures for designating and transferring command with briefings to ensure continuity.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Unified Command

A single command structure for shared jurisdictional or agency responsibility while maintaining unity of command.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Chain of Command and Unity of Command

Clear reporting relationships; each person reports to one designated supervisor.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Accountability

Policies and procedures to track check-in/out, action planning, and resource status.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Dispatch/Deployment

Processes to request, assign, and deploy resources; prevents unrequested resources from overwhelming the incident.

NIMS Management Characteristic: Information and Intelligence Management

Processes to gather, analyze, share, and manage essential information and intelligence (EEI).

Incident Commander (IC)

The individual with overall responsibility for incident management and authority to direct resources.

Command Staff

Senior on-scene positions supporting the IC: Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer.

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Interfaces with the public and media; disseminates incident information and coordinates messaging.

Safety Officer

Monitors health and safety, develops the safety plan, and mitigates hazardous conditions.

Liaison Officer

Point of contact for assisting or cooperating agencies and organizations not in the Unified Command.

General Staff

Section chiefs responsible for major functional areas: Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration.

Operations Section

Directs tactical incident operations and manages on-scene execution.

Planning Section

Maintains situation status, collects information, develops the IAP, and plans for future operations.

Logistics Section

Provides facilities, services, and materials to support incident operations.

Finance/Administration Section

Manages incident costs, procurement, and financial considerations.

Single Resource

An individual, piece of equipment, and its personnel under a supervisor; used on incidents.

Strike Team / Task Force

Strike Team: same kind/type resources with a leader; Task Force: mixed resources with a leader.

Incident Typing (Type 1-5)

Classification of incident complexity from Type 5 (least complex) to Type 1 (most complex).

Type 5 Incident

1-2 single resources; up to 6 personnel; limited to a few hours; no full Command Staff activation.

Type 4 Incident

Several single resources; usually within one operational period; some Command and General Staff activated as needed.

Type 3 Incident

Resources exceed initial response; may span multiple operational periods; some Command and General Staff activated.

Type 2 Incident

Regional/national resources required; most or all Command and General Staff positions filled; multiple periods.

Type 1 Incident

National resources; all Command and General Staff positions activated; branches established; large scale.

Mutual Aid

Voluntary sharing of resources between agencies; governed by agreements and may include reimbursement and licensure recognition.

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)

State-to-state mutual aid compact enabling resource sharing across state lines.

Resource Typing

System for categorizing resources by Capability, Category, Kind, and Type to standardize requests.

RTLT — Resource Typing Library Tool

FEMA online catalog of national typing definitions and position qualifications.

Essential Elements of Information (EEI)

Key information required to understand and manage an incident; guides decision making.