NIMS/ICS cheat sheet

ICS is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management concept that enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies.

ICS is organized by five functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration.

The Incident Commander (IC) is the only position always filled; other Command and General Staff positions are activated only as needed.

ICS uses a management-by-objectives approach: objectives are set, strategies and tactics are developed, and resources are assigned to accomplish them.

The ICS organizational structure is modular and scalable, expanding or contracting based on the complexity and size of the incident.

Unity of command means each individual reports to only one supervisor; chain of command is the orderly line of authority within the ranks.

Span of control in ICS is typically 3 to 7 subordinates per supervisor, with 5 being the optimal number.

The Incident Action Plan (IAP) is a written or oral plan that contains general objectives, strategies, tactics, and resource assignments for a specific operational period.

NIMS management characteristics include: Common Terminology, Modular Organization, Management by Objectives, Incident Action Planning, Manageable Span of Control, Incident Facilities and Locations, Comprehensive Resource Management, Integrated Communications, Establishment and Transfer of Command, Unified Command, Chain of Command and Unity of Command, Accountability, Dispatch/Deployment, Information and Intelligence Management.

Common Terminology requires plain language and standardized position titles, resource types, and facility names to avoid confusion across agencies.

Management by Objectives requires establishing measurable, achievable incident objectives; strategies and tactics are then developed to meet them.

Incident Action Planning is the process of developing the IAP for each operational period, ensuring all responders understand objectives and assignments.

Manageable Span of Control: the number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively manage, typically 3–7 with 5 optimal.

Comprehensive Resource Management includes resource identification, ordering, dispatching, tracking, and demobilization.

Integrated Communications uses a common communications plan, interoperable equipment, and standardized terminology.

Accountability ensures all responders are checked in, assigned, tracked, and demobilized through formal processes such as check-in and resource tracking.

The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for overall incident management, including setting objectives, approving the IAP, and ensuring responder safety.

The Command Staff consists of the Public Information Officer (PIO), Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer; they report directly to the IC.

The PIO serves as the conduit for information to the public, media, and other agencies, and may establish a Joint Information Center (JIC).

The Safety Officer monitors safety conditions, develops the Incident Safety Plan, and has authority to stop or modify unsafe operations.

The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for assisting and cooperating agencies, including representatives from other jurisdictions and NGOs.

The IC may delegate authority to a Deputy IC, who must have the same qualifications as the IC and may be from the same or another agency.

Unified Command (UC) allows multiple agencies with jurisdictional or functional responsibility to jointly manage an incident through a single set of objectives and one IAP.

Command Staff positions do not have supervisory authority over General Staff operations; they advise and support the IC.

The General Staff consists of the Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, and Finance/Administration Section Chief; all report to the IC.

The Operations Section Chief directs all tactical operations, implements the IAP, and manages tactical resources to achieve incident objectives.

The Planning Section Chief collects, evaluates, and disseminates incident information; prepares the IAP; and maintains situation status and resource status.

The Logistics Section Chief provides facilities, services, personnel, and materials to support the incident, including communications, medical, food, and supply.

The Finance/Administration Section Chief manages financial aspects such as timekeeping, procurement, cost analysis, and compensation/claims.

Each Section Chief may activate subordinate units (branches, divisions, groups, units) as needed to maintain manageable span of control.

The Intelligence/Investigations function may be added to the General Staff or placed under Operations or Planning depending on incident needs.

The General Staff works as a team under the IC to ensure coordinated planning and execution of incident objectives.

Common Terminology is applied by using plain language and standardized ICS position titles (e.g., 'Division A' not 'Sector 1') across all responders.

Modular Organization is applied by activating only the necessary ICS positions and expanding the organization as the incident grows.

Management by Objectives is applied by setting SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for each operational period.

Incident Action Planning is applied by developing an IAP for each operational period, often through a Planning Meeting, to guide tactical operations.

Manageable Span of Control is applied by adjusting the number of subordinates per supervisor (3–7) and adding organizational layers as needed.

Integrated Communications is applied by developing and using a common communications plan with interoperable systems and clear protocols.

Accountability is applied through check-in procedures, resource tracking, and demobilization to ensure all responders are accounted for.

Dispatch/Deployment is applied by deploying only requested resources through the incident dispatch system, avoiding self-deployment.