ICS & FEMA

ICS

standardized, on scene, all hazards incident management concept

allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure

has internal flexibility

Issues ICS Fixed

lack of accountability and unclear chain of command

poor communication and unclear terminology

lack of orderly systematic planning process

no common flexible predesigned management structure

What ICS Does

meet needs of incidents of any kind/size

allow personnel from variety of agencies to meld rapidly into common management structure

provide logistical and admin support

be cost effective by avoiding effort duplication

ICS Features

ICS organization

common responsibilities

span of control

incident action plan

incident facilities

Incident Command Management Functions

operations section

planning section

logistics section

finance/admin section

ICS Position Titles

provide a common standard for all users

distinct titles allow for filing positions with most qualified individuals

useful when requesting personnel

Divisions

divide incident geographically

led by supervisor

Groups

describe functional areas of operation

led by supervisor

Branches

when number of divisions or groups exceed span of control and can be either geographical or functional

led by a director

Task Forces

mixed resources with common communications

report to leader

Strike Team

set number of sam kind of resource with common communication

report to leader

Single Resource

individuals, a piece of equipment and its personnel, or a crew/team of individuals

Incident Commander

overall responsibility for managing incident

must be fully briefed and should have written delegation of authority

only this position is always filled

overall command and control

ensures incident responder safety

protects health and safety of general public and envi

provides info to internal/external stakeholders

maintains liaison with other agencies

Command Staff

public info office (PIO)

safety officer

liaison officer

PIO

advise incident commander on info dissemination and media relations

serve as primary contact for anyone wanting info

serve external and internal audience

obtain info from planning section

coordinate with other public info staff

obtain info from community and media

Safety Officer

ensures responder safety

advises incident command on safety issues

minimized employee risk

Liaison Officer

gathers info about support agencies

coordinates for agencies not in command structure

provides briefings and answers questions

Operation Chief

develop and manage the operations section

develops and implements strategies and tactics

work closely with other members of command and general staff to coordinate tactical activities

Planning Chief

gathers and analyzes data, intelligence, and info

manages planning process

compiles and develops the incident action plan

manages activities of technical specialists

works closely with the incident commander and general staff

Incident Action Plan

what do we want to do and where do we stage?

when are we going to do it?

who is responsible for doing it?

how do we communicate with each other?

what is the procedure if someone is injured?

Logistics Chief

provides resources and services to support the incident

develops portions of IAP

contracts for goods and services

Finance Admin

negotiates contracts

time keeping for personnel and equipment

document and process claims

track costs

ICS Communications

uses standard common terminology

avoids jargon

use standard position titles and facility names

develops a communications plan and protocols specific to incident

Incident Command Post

where the incident commander oversees the incident

Staging Areas

where resources are kept while waiting to be assigned

Base

where primary logistics functions are coordinated and administered

Camps

where resources may be kept

Helibase

the ares from which helicopter operations are conducted

Check In

ensure personnel accountability

track resources

prepare personnel for assignments and reassignments

establish time records and payroll

organize demobilization process

Demobilization

complete work assignments

brief replacements and supervisor

follow check out and provide follow up contact info

return equipment

complete post incident reports, critiques, evals, and medical follow ups