ICS 200 – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the FEMA IS-0200.c Basic Incident Command System (ICS 200) course.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized, on-scene, all-hazards management concept that allows users to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity and demands of any incident.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

The nationwide framework that provides guidance for all levels of government, NGOs, and the private sector to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents.

NIMS Management Characteristics

Fourteen principles that form the foundation for effective incident management, such as Common Terminology, Modular Organization, and Incident Action Planning.

Common Terminology

Standardized words and phrases that enable diverse incident organizations to communicate clearly and unambiguously.

Modular Organization

A flexible ICS structure that expands or contracts based on an incident’s size, complexity, and hazards.

Management by Objectives

A systematic approach in which the Incident Commander sets specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based (SMART) objectives for incident operations.

Incident Action Planning

The process that records and communicates incident objectives, tactics, and assignments for each operational period in an Incident Action Plan (IAP).

Manageable Span of Control

The optimum number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage, typically expressed as a ratio of 1:5.

Incident Facilities and Locations

Designated sites such as Incident Command Post, staging areas, and camps established to support field operations.

Comprehensive Resource Management

Standard mechanisms to identify, assign, track, and demobilize personnel, teams, equipment, supplies, and facilities.

Integrated Communications

Interoperable systems, plans, and procedures that enable incident personnel to share voice and data information.

Establishment and Transfer of Command

The process of designating an Incident Commander and officially passing command authority when needed.

Unified Command

An ICS application in which agencies with different authorities work together through jointly agreed objectives without relinquishing individual authority.

Chain of Command

The orderly line of authority within the ranks of the incident management organization.

Unity of Command

Principle that each individual reports to only one designated supervisor during an incident.

Accountability

Processes that ensure incident resources and personnel are properly checked in, tracked, and demobilized.

Dispatch/Deployment

Sending resources to an incident only when requested by the proper authority.

Information and Intelligence Management

The systematic gathering, analyzing, and sharing of incident-related information and intelligence.

Incident Commander (IC)

The individual with overall responsibility for managing the incident and approving the Incident Action Plan.

Command Staff

The Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer who report directly to the IC/Unified Command.

Public Information Officer (PIO)

The Command Staff member who serves as the incident’s primary contact for the media and public information.

Safety Officer

Command Staff officer who monitors operations and advises the IC/UC on matters related to responder health and safety.

Liaison Officer

Command Staff officer who coordinates with assisting and cooperating agencies and external organizations.

General Staff

The group of section chiefs (Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration) who manage functional areas of the incident.

Operations Section

The section responsible for all tactical activities directed toward meeting incident objectives.

Planning Section

Section that collects, evaluates, and disseminates situational information and prepares the Incident Action Plan.

Logistics Section

Section that provides facilities, services, and material support—including food, communications, and medical care—for incident personnel.

Finance/Administration Section

Section that tracks costs, handles procurement and compensation/claims, and manages administrative functions.

Intelligence/Investigations Function

An ICS function that collects and analyzes incident-related intelligence and investigative information when required.

Staging Area

A temporary location where resources are kept while awaiting tactical assignments.

Division (ICS)

An organizational level that divides an incident into geographic areas of operation.

Group (ICS)

An organizational level that divides an incident into functional areas of operation.

Branch (ICS)

Organizational level between Section and Division/Group when span of control is exceeded or functional/geographic separation is needed.

Task Force

A combination of mixed resources with common communications and a leader, assembled for a specific mission.

Strike Team

A set number of the same kind and type of resources with common communications and a leader; also called a Resource Team in law enforcement.

Single Resource

An individual, piece of equipment and its personnel complement, or a crew/team with an identified supervisor.

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

A formally approved document that describes how a community will respond to all-hazards incidents.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Step-by-step written instructions intended to help workers carry out routine or complex operations consistently.

Standard Operating Guideline (SOG)

A policy outline that provides general guidance rather than fixed procedures.

Mutual Aid Agreement

A written agreement between two or more parties to provide assistance across jurisdictional boundaries during incidents.

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)

A congressionally ratified agreement that enables states and territories to share resources during disasters.

Delegation of Authority

A written or verbal document that grants an Incident Commander authority to act on behalf of an agency administrator or elected official.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Entity that establishes qualification, credentialing, and certification requirements and authorizes personnel for incident positions.

Scope of Authority

The legal and policy parameters within which an Incident Commander may operate.

Incident Complexity Analysis

A systematic assessment used to identify resource needs and determine if the current ICS structure is appropriate for the situation.

Resource Typing

Categorizing resources by capability using Category, Kind, and Type to ensure correct resource ordering and deployment.

Resource Category

The function for which a resource is most useful, such as Fire/HazMat or Emergency Medical Services.

Resource Kind

A broad classification that describes what a resource is—personnel, teams, equipment, supplies, or facilities.

Resource Type (Level)

Indicates a resource’s minimum capability; Type 1 is the most capable, progressing to higher numbers for lower capability.

Incident Typing (Types 1-5)

A method of classifying incidents by complexity, where Type 5 is least complex and Type 1 is most complex.

Incident Management Team (IMT)

A rostered group of ICS-qualified personnel (Command and General Staff) available to manage incidents at various complexity levels.

Type 5 Incident

Minor incident handled by one or two single resources within a few hours; no written IAP required.

Type 4 Incident

Limited-scope incident resolved in one operational period; selected Command/General Staff functions may be activated.

Type 3 Incident

Extended incident requiring some or all Command and General Staff and written IAPs for multiple operational periods.

Type 2 Incident

Complex incident requiring regional or national resources and most Command and General Staff positions filled.

Type 1 Incident

Most complex incident requiring national resources, all Command/General Staff, multiple branches, and long duration.

Transfer of Command

The formal handoff of incident command responsibility to a new Incident Commander or Unified Command.

Operational Period

A designated time frame (e.g., 12 hours) in which specific incident actions are planned and executed.

ICS Form 201

The Incident Briefing form used to capture and transfer key incident information and serve as an initial Incident Action Plan.

Operational Period Briefing

A meeting led by the Planning Section Chief where the Operations Section Chief presents the plan for the upcoming operational period.

Planning P

A visual model depicting the sequence of meetings and briefings in the Operational Period Planning Cycle.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

A document that contains objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments for an operational period.

Staff-Level Briefing

A concise briefing delivered to resources assigned to non-operational or support tasks at the ICP or Base.

Field-Level Briefing

A briefing delivered to operational resources at or near the incident site, often just before deployment.

Section-Level Briefing

A briefing for an entire ICS section, including the Operational Period Briefing for Operations personnel.

Emergency Management Institute (EMI) ICS-200

FEMA’s online course IS-0200.c, providing training on initial response ICS concepts and NIMS guidelines.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5)

Policy directing DHS to develop the National Response Framework and National Incident Management System.

Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8)

Directive establishing the National Preparedness Goal and a systematic approach to preparedness across the whole community.

National Response Framework (NRF)

A guide that details how the Nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies.

Resource Management Process

Six-step cycle of identifying requirements, ordering/acquiring, mobilizing, tracking/reporting, demobilizing, and reimbursing/restocking resources.