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An overview of the incident command system (ics), which is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of on-scene emergency management. Ics establishes a common structure within which personnel from different organizations can work together effectively. The key components of ics, including the incident commander, unified command, command staff, and general staff. It also outlines the five major functional areas of ics: command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration. The document emphasizes the importance of a unified command structure when incident management crosses jurisdictional and/or functional agency boundaries, enabling different organizations to jointly manage and direct incident activities through a common set of objectives, strategies, and a single incident action plan. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive overview of the incident command system and its role in effective emergency response and management.
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what is NIMS? - Correct answer the national incident management system who is NIMS? - Correct answer the whole community - solutions that serve the entire community are implemented while simultaneously making sure that the resources the different members of the community bring to the table are leveraged across all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and private sector organizations to work together seamlessly why NIMS? - Correct answer to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents when NIMS? - Correct answer NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, from planned events to traffic accidents and to major disasters how NIMS? - Correct answer NIMS provides the shared vocabulary, systems, and processes to successfully deliver the national preparedness system capabilities NIMS audience - Correct answer -emergency responders -other incident personnel -non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as faith-based and community-based groups -the private sector -elected and appointed officials -people with disabilities or access and functional needs NIMS scope - Correct answer -all incidents, regardless of size, complexity or scope -planned events such as sporting events NIMS is - Correct answer -a comprehensive, nationwide, systematic approach to incident management, including the command and coordination of incidents, resource management, and information management
-a set of concepts and principles for all threats, hazards, and events across all mission areas (prevention, protection, mitigation, response, recovery) -scalable, flexible, and adaptable; used for all incidents, from day-to-day to large-scale -standard resource management procedures that enable coordination among different jurisdictions or organizations -essential principles for communications and information management NIMS is not - Correct answer -the only incident command system -only applicable to certain emergency/incident response personnel -a static system -a response plan -used only during large-scale incidents -a resource ordering system -a communications plan incident mangement - Correct answer the application of resources by organizations to plan for, respond to, and recover from an incident priorities for incident management in planning, response, and recovery efforts include - Correct answer -saving lives -stabilizing the incident -protecting property and the environment NIMS guiding principles - Correct answer -flexibility -standardization -unity of effort flexibility - Correct answer enables NIMS to be applicable to incidents that vary widely in terms of hazard, geography, demographics, culture, cultural, and organizational authorities standard organizational structures - Correct answer improve integration and connectivity among organizations standard practices - Correct answer that allow incident personnel and organizations to work together effectively common terminology - Correct answer enables effective communication
-response -recovery category - Correct answer the function for which a resource would be most useful (e.g., firefighting, law enforcement, health and medical) kind - Correct answer a broad characterization, such as personnel, equipment, teams and facilities type - Correct answer a resource's level of capability to perform its function based on size, power, capacity (for equipment), or experience and qualifications; type 1 has greater capacity than type 2, 3 or 4 authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) - Correct answer has the authority and responsibility for qualification, certification, and credentialing within its organization or jurisdiction qualifying - Correct answer personnel meet the minimum established standards (including training, experience, physical and medical fitness) to fill specific positions certification - Correct answer recognition from an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or a third party that an individual has completed qualification for a position (one example of a third party is an accredited body such as a state licensure board for medical professionals) credentialing - Correct answer documentation - typically identification card or badge - that identifies personnel and verifies their qualifications for a particular position effective resource management - Correct answer requires a current, accurate resource inventory to track resource status and availability accurate resource inventories - Correct answer -enable organizations to resource incidents promptly when needed -support day-to-day resource management resource inventory refers to - Correct answer preparedness activities conducted outside of incident response; resource tracking occurs during an incident
identify requirements - Correct answer -type and quantity of resources needed -location where resources should be sent -who will receive and use the resources resources that are not available locally - Correct answer can be ordered by executing contracts, implementing mutual aid agreements, or requesting assistance from another level of government (local government to a state, state to the federal government) an external jurisdiction or organization that is requested to provide resources - Correct answer must consent to the request NIMS resource typing is designed for use when ordering resources to ensure - Correct answer the resource provided meets the mission needs mobilize - Correct answer personnel and other resources begin mobilizing when notified through established channels upon notification, deploying personnel receive information to include - Correct answer -date, time, and place of departure -mode of transportation to the incident -estimated time and date of arrival -reporting location and assigned supervisor -anticipated incident assignment -anticipated duration of deployment -resource order number -incident number -applicable cost and funding codes resources arriving on scene - Correct answer check in unrequested resources can interfere with resource management by - Correct answer -creating additional supervisory, logistical and safety needs -depleting available resources -complicating resource tracking and accountability -interfering with access to the site by formally requested resources
resource descriptions - Correct answer resources (personnel, equipment, teams and facilities) have common naming based on their type and capabilities incident facilities - Correct answer facilities in an incident area are designated using common terms Incident Action Plans (IAPs) - Correct answer -record and communicate incident objectives, tactics, and assignments for operations and support -are recommended for all incidents Incident Action Plans are not always written, but a written IAP is increasingly important when an incident or activation - Correct answer -is likely to extend beyond one operational period -becomes more complex -involves multiple jurisdictions or agencies integrated communications allow - Correct answer units from diverse agencies to connect, share information and achieve situational awareness incident managers facilitate communications through the development and use of - Correct answer -a common communications plan -interoperable communications processes and systems -systems that include both voice and data links integrated communications planning occurs - Correct answer both before and during an incident to provide equipment, systems, and protocols needed to achieve integrated voice and data communications organizational structures for incident management (ICS and EOCs) are - Correct answer modular, meaning that they are each building blocks that are put in place as needed based on an incident's size, complexity and hazards the ICS commander and EOC director are responsible for the - Correct answer establishment and expansion of the modular organization based on the specific requirements for their incident as incident complexity increases - Correct answer the organizational structure expands and management responsibilities are further divided
the number of management, supervisory, and support positions - Correct answer expand as needed to meet the needs of the incident maintaining an appropriate span of control ensures effective incident management by enabling supervisors to - Correct answer -direct and supervise subordinates -communicate with and manage resources when a supervisor's span of control becomes unmanageable - Correct answer they can assign subordinate supervisors or redistribute subordinates to manage portions of the organization in order to regain a manageable span of control span of control can change based on - Correct answer -type of incident -nature of the task -existing hazards and safety factors -distances between personnel and resources establishment of command - Correct answer the organization with primary responsibility for the incident establishes command by designating the incident commander (IC) or unified command (UC) who determines the protocol for transferring command - Correct answer the current command the transfer process should always include - Correct answer a briefing or the incoming IC/UC on all essential information for continuing safe and effective operations, the transfer of command should also be communicated to all incident personnel principles of accountability - Correct answer -check-in/checkout -incident action planning -unity of command -personal responsibility span of control -resource tracking management by objectives - Correct answer all activities are directed to accomplish defined objectives in an incident
dispatch/deployment - Correct answer resources should deploy only when requested and dispatched through established procedures by appropriate authorities comprehensive resource management - Correct answer maintaining accurate and up-to-date resource tracking are essential components of incident management resources include - Correct answer personnel, equipment, teams, supplies, and facilities available or potentially available for assignment or allocation chain of command refers to - Correct answer the orderly command hierarchy within an incident management organization unity of command means - Correct answer each individual reports to only one designated supervisor chain of command and unity of command principles - Correct answer - clarify reporting relationships -eliminate confusion caused by conflicting instructions -enable incident managers to all levels to direct the actions of all personnel under their supervision incident-related information and intelligence is managed by - Correct answer the incident management organization through established processes for -gathering -analyzing -assessing -sharing -managing information and intelligence management includes - Correct answer identifying essential elements of information (EEI) EEI ensures - Correct answer incident personnel gather the most accurate and appropriate data, translate it into useful information, and communicate it with appropriate personnel
NIMS structures enable - Correct answer incident managers to manage incidents in a unified, consistent manner when an incident occurs or threatens, local emergency personnel manage response using - Correct answer ICS if the incident is too large or complex - Correct answer off-site EOCs activate to support on-scene operations the incident personnel in the field and in EOCs receive policy guidance from - Correct answer MAC groups the Incident Command System (ICS) provides - Correct answer -a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of on- scene emergency management -a common structure within which personnel from different organizations can work together -a structure for incident management that integrates and coordinates procedures, personnel, equipment, facilities, and communications five major functional areas of ICS - Correct answer -command -operations -planning -logistics -finance/administration the term ICS incident command refers to - Correct answer the person or group responsible for overall on-scene management of an incident two general forms of the incident command function - Correct answer -a single incident commander -a unified command command and general staff - Correct answer support the incident command in management of the incident incident commander - Correct answer when an incident occurs within a single jurisdiction and there is no overlapping responsibility, the appropriate authority designates a single incident commander who has overall incident management responsibility
command staff positions are established by - Correct answer the incident commander or unified command as needed to support the management of an incident command staff report - Correct answer directly to the incident commander or unified command and are assigned assistants as necessary to perform their duties the ICS command staff typically includes - Correct answer -public information officer -safety officer -liaison officer public information officer (PIO) - Correct answer who interfaces with the public, media, and others needing incident information safety officer - Correct answer monitors incident operations and advises the incident commander or unified command on matters relating to health and safety liaison officer - Correct answer who serves as the incident command's point of contact for organizations not included in the incident command or unified command general staff - Correct answer a group of incident management personnel organized according to function 4 ICS general staff sections - Correct answer -operations -planning -logistics -finance/adminisration each ICS general staff section is led by - Correct answer a section chief who reports directly to the incident commander or unified command general staff is responsible for - Correct answer managing tasks within their functional area who activates general staff section chiefs as needed? - Correct answer the incident commander or unified command
who is responsible to perform each general staff function until a section chief is assigned to manage that function? - Correct answer the incident commander or unified command operations section - Correct answer plans and performs tactical activities to achieve the incident objectives established by the IC/UC operations section incident objectives usually focus on - Correct answer - saving lives -reducing the immediate hazard -protecting property and the environment -establishing situational control -restoring normal operations planning section personnel - Correct answer collect, evaluate, and disseminate incident information to the incident commander/unified command and other incident personnel planning section staff - Correct answer -prepare status reports -display situational information -maintain the status of assigned resources -facilitate the incident action planning process -prepare the incident action plan (IAP) based on input from the general staff, command staff and incident commander/unified command guidance logistics section personnel are responsible for - Correct answer providing services and support for the incident logistics section staff provide - Correct answer -facilities security (of the incident command facilities and personnel) -transportation -supplies -equipment maintenance and fuel food services -communications and information technology support -medical services for incident personnel finance/administration section - Correct answer provide on-scene or incident-specific finance and administrative support services
area command organization - Correct answer oversees the management of multiple incidents or a very complex incident through establishing multiple ICS organizations an area of command is activated only of necessary based on - Correct answer the complexity of an incident and span-of-control considerations area command is particularly relevant to - Correct answer situations with several ICPs requesting similar, scarce resources area commands are frequently established as - Correct answer unified area commands and the same principles as a unified command additional coordination structures, such as EOCs or MAC groups - Correct answer may assist with coordinating the resource needs of multiple incidents emergency operations centers (EOCs) - Correct answer off-site emergency operations centers support on-scene ICS operations at EOCs, staff from multiple agencies come together to - Correct answer - address imminent threats and hazards -provide coordinated support to incident command, on-scene personnel and/or other EOCs EOCs primary functions - Correct answer -collecting, analyzing and sharing information -supporting resource needs and requests, including allocation and tracking -coordinating plans and determining current and future needs -in some cases providing coordination and policy direction EOCs differ from operations centers - Correct answer they are multidisciplinary where as operations centers are employed by a single organization EOCs can be - Correct answer fixed locations, temporary facilities or virtual structures with staff participating remotely
organization of the EOC staff can vary based on - Correct answer - jurisdictional/organizational authorities -staffing -partner and stakeholder agencies represented -EOC facilities -EOC communications capabilities -political considerations -the mission NIMS 3 common ways of organizing EOC teams - Correct answer 1. ICS or ICS-like structure
organizations impacted by and with resources committed to the incident, also representatives from non-governmental organizations such as businesses and volunteer organizations during incidents, MAC groups - Correct answer -act as policy-level body -support resource prioritization and allocation -make cooperative multi-agency decisions -enable decision making among elected and appointed officials and the incident commander responsible for managing the incident MAC group does not - Correct answer perform incident command functions, nor does it replace the primary functions of EOCs or other operations, coordination, or dispatch organizations elected and appointed officials are key players in incident management because they are responsible for - Correct answer -the safety and welfare of their constituents -the overall effectiveness of incident management efforts within their jurisdiction elected and appointed officials operate at the policy level of incident management - Correct answer the MAC group provides a way for these policy-level officials to work together, enhancing unity of effort at the senior level joint information system (JIS) - Correct answer integrates incident information and public affairs into a unified organization that provides consistent, coordinated, accurate, accessible, timely and complete information to the public and stakeholders during incident operations JIS operates across and supports the other NIMS command and coordination structures: - Correct answer ICS, EOC, and MAC group JIS activities include - Correct answer -developing and delivering coordinated interagency messages -developing, recommending and executing public information plans and strategies -advise on public affairs issues that could affect the incident management effort
-addressing and managing rumors and inaccurate information that could undermine public confidence Public Information Officer (PIO) functions - Correct answer -advising the incident commander, unified command or EOC director on public information matters -gathering, verifying, coordinating, and disseminating accurate, accessible, and timely information -handling inquiries from the media, public and elected officials -providing emergency public information and warnings -conducting rumor monitoring and response Joint Information Center (JIC) - Correct answer is a central location that houses JIS operations and where public information staff perform essential information and public affairs functions normally the incident would have a single JIC - Correct answer but the JIS is flexible and can accommodate multiple JICs if necessary step 1: gathering - Correct answer complete information for the public and other stakeholders step 2: verifying - Correct answer information to ensure accuracy step 3: coordinating - Correct answer information with other public information personnel who are part of the JIS to ensure consistency step 4: disseminating - Correct answer consistent, coordinated, accurate, accessible, timely and complete information to the public stakeholders the information communications plan can include - Correct answer -draft news releases -media lists -contact information for elected/appointed officials, community leaders, private sector organizations, and public service organizations public information communications plans should be included in - Correct answer training and exercises in order to prepare for actual incidents