Internet Resources on Emergency Preparedness
Incident Management System
What is an Incident Management System?
- The Incident Command System was developed as a consequence of fires that consumed large portions of wild land, including structures, in southern California in the 1970's. As a result of those fires, agencies saw the need to create a system that allowed them to work together toward a common goal in an effective and efficient manner.
- The ICS has undergone revisions over the years to improve efficacy, and is now frequently referred to as the Incident Management System (IMS).
- ICS/IMS is designed to initiate control of an incident from time of onset until the incident is resolved. The "Incident Commander" or "Incident Manager" is a title that can apply equally to a designated person or the first person on the scene, depending upon the situation.
How can it be utilized?
- The structure of the ICS/IMS can be established and expanded depending upon the changing conditions of the incident. It is staffed and operated by qualified trained personnel from any department designated and may involve personnel from a variety of areas within the community.
- The ICS/IMS can be utilized for any type or size of emergency, ranging from a minor incident involving a single group of responders, to a major emergency involving several agencies.
- The ICS/IMS allows agencies to communicate using common terminology and operating procedures. It also allows for the timely combining of resources during an emergency.
ICS/IMS Key Components
Common Terminology : In order to function most effectively, all personnel need to communicate utilizing common terminology. Using simple and common knowledge terminology will reduce confusion and the chance of mistakes. By having all parties involved in planning, the risk of communication mistakes will be greatly reduced.
Chain of Command. : ICS/IMS is a top-down approach to management. If the incident commander/manager does not assign a duty, then it is ultimately his/her responsibility. The system works best when the incident commander/manager delegates responsibility and monitors progress.
Span of Control: It is important to not have too many subordinates. In an emergency situation the span of control is ideally 5 subordinates per supervisor. When there are more or less subordinates, efficiency is greatly reduced.
Division of Labor : The work that must be accomplished is divided up and delegated down from the incident commander/manager. This is done by delegating to four section leaders:
- Operations-Performs actions directed towards resolving situation.
- Logistics-Ensures supplies and personnel are available for operations section.
- Planning-Develops plan for the operations section to implement.
- Finance-Responsible for tracking personnel hours and supply expense.
To download an ICS/IMS Organizational Chart, please click here.
