1. Emergency and Disaster Response to Chemical Releases National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) Module 9

2. Overview  The Incident Command System provides a clear structure for diverse activities during emergencies.  The key element of any Incident Command model is that there is a single person in charge of the incident. This single person is responsible for the overall command of the incident. This allows the efficient utilization of all resources.  Risks to responders and other personnel are minimized when the Incident Command System is in place.

3. Objectives  Describe the purpose of NIMS/UC and the Incident Command System.  Identify management concepts employed in an Incident Command System.  Explain the Command Function.  List the responsibilities of the Safety Officer.  Describe the responsibilities of the Initial Incident Commander.  Describe the process of Transfer of Command.

4. Introduction  An Incident Command System provides a clear structure for diverse activities necessary to successfully control a hazardous materials incident or engaging in a disaster response.

5. National Incident Management System  NIMS establishes standardized incident management processes, protocols, and procedures that all responders, including federal, state, tribal, and local will use to coordinate and conduct response actions.  National preparedness and readiness in responding to and recovering from an incident is enhanced since all of the Nation's emergency teams and authorities are using a common language and set of procedures.

6. National Incident Management System  Flexible Enables all responding organizations to work together.  Standardized Improves overall response and interoperability. Advantages

7. Key Features in NIMS  Incident Command System Standard incident management organization with five functional areas.  Preparedness Incorporates a range of measures, actions, and processes accomplished before an incident happens.  Communications and Information Management Standardized communications.  Joint Information System Provides the public with timely and accurate incident information.  NIMS Integration Center Provide strategic direction and oversight of NIMS.

8. National Incident Management System Command and Management Incident Command System Multiagency Coordination System Public Information System Components of NIMS …

9. National Incident Management System Preparedness Planning Training and Exercises Standards and Certification Mutual Aid Information and Publications Components of NIMS …

10. National Incident Management System Communications and Information Management Supporting Technologies Ongoing NIMS Management Components of NIMS …

11. National Incident Management System Resource Management  Identify and type resources  Certify and credential personnel  Inventory, acquire, mobilize, track, and recover Components of NIMS …

12. NIMS Integration Center Mission … “To provide strategic direction for and oversight of the NIMS, supporting … routine maintenance and the continuous refinement of the system and its components over the long-term.” HSPD-5

13. Unified Command Allows all agencies to manage an incident by establishing a common set of incident objectives and strategies. Unified command does not mean losing or giving up agency authority, responsibility, or accountability. The concept of unified command means that all involved agencies contribute to the command process by: Determining overall objectives. Planning jointly for operational activities while conducting integrated operations. Maximizing the use of all assigned resources.

14. Unified Command Applications Incidents that affect more than one political jurisdiction. B C A B D A C E A Fire Law Medical Incidents involving multiple agencies within a jurisdiction. Incidents that impact multiple geographic and functional agencies.

15. The General Staff IncidentCommand Finance/ Administration Section Logistics Section OperationsSection Planning Section

16. The Command Staff Incident Command Safety Officer Liaison Officer Information Officer

17. Incident Action Plan (IAP).  The Planning Section is responsible for developing and documenting the IAP.  Address overall incident objectives, mission, operational assignments, and policy needs of each jurisdictional agency.  IAP also addresses tactical objectives and support activities for one operational period, generally 12 to 24 hours.

18. Area Command ICP 1ICP 2ICP 3  Activated only if necessary.  Established to oversee management of multiple incidents being handled by separate ICS organizations.  Established to oversee management of a very large incident that involves multiple ICS organizations.

19. What Does Area Command Do?  Sets overall strategy and priorities  Allocates resources  Ensures proper management  Ensures objectives are met  Ensures strategies are followed

20. ICS Organization In NIMS ICS, a potential sixth functional area to cover the intelligence function can be established for gathering and sharing incident related information and intelligence.

21. Purpose of Incident Command  Ensuring someone is always in charge.  Ensuring the safety of operating forces.  Conforming to laws and standards.  Efficiently utilizing resources.

22.  Common terminology  Modular organization  Integrated communications  Unity of command  Unified command structure  Manageable span of control  Designated incident facilities  Comprehensive resource management ICS Concepts and Principles

23. Common Terminology Essential in any emergency management system, especially when diverse or other than first-response agencies are involved in the response. Confusion and inefficiency can result when agencies have slightly different meanings for terms. In ICS, major organizational functions, facilities, and units are pre-designated and given titles. ICS terminology is standard and consistent among all agencies involved.

24. Modular Organization Develops from the top-down organizational structure at any incident. "Top-down" means that, at the very least, the Command function is established by the first arriving officer who becomes the Incident Commander. As the incident warrants, the Incident Commander activates other functional areas (i.e., sections). Response resources can expand and contract efficiently with this modular organization.

25. Incident Commander Safety Officer Hazard Sector Environmental LiaisonPublic Relations Plant Security Site Control Medical Sector Support Sector Reconnaissance Decontamination Entry Team Backup Technical Support Logistical Support Staging Air Supply Personnel

26. Integrated Communications A system that uses:  Common communications plan  Standard operating procedures  Clear text  Common frequencies  Common terminology

27. Unity of Command / Unified Command Unity of command is the concept that each person within an organization reports to only one designated person. Unified Command : Determines overall objectives. Plans jointly for operational activities while conducting integrated operations. Maximizes the use of all assigned resources.

28. Manageable Span of Control Is defined as the number of individuals one supervisor can manage effectively. Span of control for any supervisor falls within a range of three to seven resources, with five being the optimum.

29. Designated Incident Facilities Three main facilities the Incident Commander can establish based on the needs of the incident: The Incident Command Post One or more Staging Areas A Base

30. Incident Command Post Incident Commander's first responsibility is to establish command, with clear lines of authority and communication for the incident. Incident Commander establishes command by establishing an Incident Command Post (ICP). Only one ICP for each incident—even for incidents that involve multiple agencies and/or multiple jurisdictions— whether operating under a single or a unified command.

31. Locating the ICP The Incident Commander will position the ICP: To provide security and control access to the ICP. Away from the noise and confusion associated with the incident. Outside the area of present and potential hazards. Within view of the incident. To expand. So as to be identified clearly by all responders. Identified with a green and white flag, lights, or other identifiable marking.

32. Announce the Location Incident Commander: Must ensure the location is announced. Name the location.

33. Locations set up at incident where resources can be placed while awaiting tactical assignment. Avoid problems that could result from convergence of to many resources. Manage the available resources effectively. Staging Areas

34. Factors for selecting location of Staging Areas include: Proximity to operational assignments. Proximity to possible hazards. Access routes. Space. Security. Location of a Staging Area

35. Advantages of Using Staging Areas Staging Areas provide many benefits, including: Increased responder safety. Providing resource accountability. Preventing premature deployment of resources. Preventing personnel from entering incident area on their own. Providing a place where personnel and equipment can be checked in, making it easier to control resources.

36. Bases Established if the incident: Covers a large area. Lasts an extended period of time, Requires a large number of resources rotating in and out of operation assignments. Normally, a Base is used to provide a place for uncommitted or out-of-service resources and support functions to be located.

37. Other Incident Facilities Other incident facilities may be required and may include: Camp: a geographic site, within the general incident area, separate from the Incident Base, equipped and staffed to provide food, water, sleeping and sanitary facilities to incident personnel. Helibase: a location in and around an incident area at which helicopters may be parked, maintained, fueled, and equipped for incident operations. Complex incidents may require more than one helibase. Helispot: a temporary location where helicopters can land, load, and offload personnel, equipment, and supplies. Complex incidents may have several helispots.

38. Comprehensive Resource Management Effective resource management: Maximizes resource use. Consolidates control of single resources. Reduces communications load. Provides accountability. Reduces freelancing. Ensures personnel safety.

39. Tracking Resource Status  Assigned : Performing active functions.  Available : Ready for immediate assignment.  Out-of-service : Not ready for assigned or available status.

40. Assuming Command of the Emergency  You (ERT member) may need to assume initial command.  Focus on activities that are planned, not impulsive.  Maintain a broad picture, future-oriented outlook.

41. Implementing the Command Function  Make an initial on-scene assessment.  Determine actions.  Establish initial goals and objectives.  Determine additional requirements.  Deploy personnel and units.  Establish a command post.

42. Transfer of Command  Likely to occur as incident is escalating.  Person desiring to take command makes request to current IC.  New IC assumes command function after being briefed by current IC.

43. Incident Termination  Incident Command continues after incident has been stabilized to ensure: Situation is mitigated. Facility / environment is as clean as prior to incident.

44. Summary  The ICS uses common terminology.  ICS modular format uses five primary functional areas: Command Operations Planning Logistics Finance/Administration

45. Summary The Incident Command System (ICS) is:  Combination of personnel, procedures, facilities, equipment, and communications operating within a common organizational structure.  Designed to aid in the management of resources at emergency incidents.  Designed for use in all kinds of emergencies.  Applicable to both small day to day situations as well as very large and complex incidents.