Disaster FEMA: ICS Lessons 3 & 4

Questions and Answers

What is the role of Command in an incident?

Sets the incident objectives, strategies, and priorities and has overall responsibility for the incident.

What is the function of Operations in an incident?

Conducts operations to reach the incident objectives. Establishes tactics and directs all operational resources.

What does Planning do in incident management?

Supports the incident action planning process by tracking resources, collecting/analyzing information, and maintaining documentation.

What is the role of Logistics in incident management?

Arranges for resources and needed services to support achievement of the incident objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What are the responsibilities of Finance and Administration in an incident?

Monitors costs related to the incident. Provides accounting, procurement, time recording, and cost analyses. Signup and view all the answers

What should the current Incident Commander do when passing command to the Deputy Incident Commander?

Provide a transfer of command briefing to the new commander. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for supervision of a Branch?

Branch Director. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for a Task Force, Strike Team, or functional Unit?

Leader. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for a Division or Group?

Supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the overall management of the incident?

Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for a functional Section, such as Operations?

Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What are Task Forces?

A combination of mixed resources with common communications operating under the direct supervision of a Leader. Signup and view all the answers

What are Strike Teams?

A combination of mixed resources with common communications operating under the direct supervision of a Leader. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a Single Resource?

An industrial hygienist assigned to assess the safety of the air and environmental impact of a flood at an urgent care clinic. Signup and view all the answers

As the Operations Section Chief organizes resources into functional areas, what is the correct addition to the organization chart?

Group. Signup and view all the answers

When adding another level of supervision to manage the Groups, what is the correct addition to the organization chart?

Branch. Signup and view all the answers

In the described scenario of supervisors evacuating clinics, what is the correct addition to the organization chart?

Division Supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

The major activities of the Planning Section may include collecting, evaluating, and displaying incident intelligence and information, preparing and documenting __________.

Incident Action Plans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Resources Unit?

Responsible for recording the status of resources committed to the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Situation Unit?

Responsible for the collection, organization, and analysis of incident status information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Documentation Unit?

Responsible for collecting, recording, and safeguarding all documents relevant to the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Demobilization Unit do?

Responsible for ensuring orderly, safe, and efficient demobilization of incident resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Logistics Section?

Ensures adequate resources (personnel, supplies, and equipment) for meeting the incident objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What are the major activities of the Logistics Section?

Responsible for ordering, obtaining, maintaining, and accounting for essential personnel, equipment, and supplies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Finance/Administration Section handle in an incident?

It is responsible for contract negotiation and monitoring, timekeeping, cost analysis, and documentation for reimbursement. Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario where a severe earthquake impacts a community, who is responsible for making sure that the needed equipment arrives at the Staging Areas?

Logistics Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Which section tracks all personnel participating in the response as it is underway?

Planning Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Which section conducts response activities such as medical care and patient administration services?

Operations Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Who oversees contracting for needed supplies and services that are not already available?

Finance/Admin Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Throughout the incident, who develops reports that are useful during the after-action review process?

Planning Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Who makes sure that response personnel are wearing appropriate protective equipment and implementing safe tactical options?

Safety Officer. Signup and view all the answers

Who provides briefings to supporting Agency Representatives and addresses their questions and concerns?

Liaison Officer. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the primary contact for anyone who wants details about the incident and the response to it?

Public Information Officer. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Command System (ICS) Overview

Command: Establishes incident objectives and has overall responsibility for the incident.
Operations: Conducts actions to achieve objectives, directing all operational resources.
Planning: Supports action planning by documenting actions, tracking resources, and analyzing information.
Logistics: Arranges resources and services necessary for achieving incident objectives.
Finance and Administration: Monitors costs, handles procurement, and manages time recording and analysis.

Transfer of Command

A formal transfer briefing is necessary when a new Incident Commander assumes responsibility.
Outgoing commanders should not direct operations while transitioning or on leave.

Roles and Responsibilities

Branch Director: Supervises a Branch.
Leader: Oversees a Task Force, Strike Team, or functional Unit.
Supervisor: Manages a Division or Group.
Incident Commander: Responsible for overall incident management.
Section Chief: In charge of a functional Section like Operations.

Resource Management

Task Forces: Mixed resources operating under a Leader's supervision; for example, a team of nurses and specialists in a decontamination scenario.
Strike Teams: Similar to Task Forces but consist of homogenous teams with common equipment and training.
Single Resource: An individual assigned with specific tasks, e.g., an industrial hygienist assessing environmental safety.

Organizational Structure Changes

Adding a Group for organizing resources is necessary when operations expand.
A Branch may be added for better supervision when the span of control is exceeded, designated by a Director.

Planning Section Activities

Collecting and analyzing incident intelligence.
Preparing and documenting Incident Action Plans.
Maintaining documentation and tracking resources.
Developing demobilization plans.

Units within Planning Section

Resources Unit: Tracks committed resources and evaluates needs.
Situation Unit: Analyzes and organizes incident status information.
Documentation Unit: Safeguards all incident-related documents.
Demobilization Unit: Ensures safe and orderly demobilization of resources.

Logistics Section Major Activities

Manages personnel, equipment, and supply procurement.
Organizes support services such as transportation and medical services.
Establishes facilities and food services for responders.

Finance/Admin Section Major Activities

Manages financial aspects of incidents, including contracts and reimbursements.
Conducts timekeeping, cost analysis, and injury compensation documentation.

Incident Response Statements

Logistics Section Chief: Ensures equipment availability for staging.
Planning Section Chief: Tracks personnel involved in response.
Operations Section Chief: Conducts medical and administrative care for survivors.
Finance/Admin Section Chief: Oversees contracting for supplies and services.
Safety Officer: Collaborates closely with Operations for safety measures.
Liaison Officer: Facilitates communication with supporting agencies and representatives.
Public Information Officer: Serves as the primary contact for incident details for both media and internal personnel.

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Test your knowledge of the Incident Command System with flashcards covering key concepts from Lessons 3 and 4. This quiz focuses on crucial terms like Command, Operations, and Planning that are essential for effective incident management.