NIMS/ICS flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management concept that enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private.

Five ICS functional areas

Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration are the five functional areas that form the basic structure of ICS.

Unity of Command

A management principle in which each individual reports to only one supervisor, ensuring clear lines of authority and preventing conflicting orders.

Span of Control

The number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively manage. In ICS, it typically ranges from 3 to 7, with 5 being optimal.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

A written or oral plan containing general objectives, strategies, tactics, and resource assignments for a specific operational period, guiding incident response.

Modular Organization

An ICS principle where the organizational structure expands or contracts based on the complexity and size of the incident, activating only needed positions.

Management by Objectives

A NIMS management characteristic requiring establishment of measurable, achievable incident objectives, followed by strategies and tactics to meet them.

Common Terminology

A NIMS characteristic requiring plain language and standardized position titles, resource types, and facility names to avoid confusion across agencies.

Comprehensive Resource Management

A NIMS management characteristic that includes resource identification, ordering, dispatching, tracking, and demobilization to ensure efficient use of resources.

Integrated Communications

A NIMS management characteristic using a common communications plan, interoperable equipment, and standardized terminology to enable effective communication.

Accountability

A NIMS management characteristic ensuring all responders are checked in, assigned, tracked, and demobilized through formal processes such as check-in and resource tracking.

Dispatch/Deployment

A NIMS management characteristic requiring resources to be deployed only when requested through the incident dispatch system, avoiding self-deployment.

Incident Commander (IC)

The individual responsible for overall incident management, including setting objectives, approving the IAP, and ensuring responder safety.

Command Staff

The Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer, who report directly to the Incident Commander and advise on specific functional areas.

Public Information Officer (PIO)

The Command Staff member responsible for providing information to the public, media, and other agencies, and may establish a Joint Information Center.

Safety Officer

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

Liaison Officer

The Command Staff member who serves as the point of contact for assisting and cooperating agencies, including representatives from other jurisdictions and NGOs.

Unified Command (UC)

A command structure allowing multiple agencies with jurisdictional or functional responsibility to jointly manage an incident through a single set of objectives and one IAP.

Deputy Incident Commander

An individual who may be delegated authority by the IC to assist with overall management; must have the same qualifications as the IC.

Operations Section Chief

The General Staff member who directs all tactical operations, implements the IAP, and manages tactical resources to achieve incident objectives.

Planning Section Chief

The General Staff member who collects, evaluates, and disseminates incident information; prepares the IAP; and maintains situation and resource status.

Logistics Section Chief

The General Staff member who provides facilities, services, personnel, and materials to support the incident, including communications, medical, food, and supply.

Finance/Administration Section Chief

The General Staff member who manages financial aspects such as timekeeping, procurement, cost analysis, and compensation/claims for the incident.

General Staff

The Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration Section Chiefs, who report to the Incident Commander and manage functional areas of the incident.

Intelligence/Investigations Function

A function that may be added to the General Staff or placed under Operations or Planning to manage intelligence and investigations depending on incident needs.

SMART Objectives

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives used in incident action planning to ensure clear and actionable goals.

Planning Meeting

A meeting held each operational period to develop the Incident Action Plan, involving Command and General Staff and other key personnel.

Check-in Procedures

Formal processes used to account for all responders, typically at designated check-in locations, ensuring they are assigned and tracked.

Resource Tracking

The process of maintaining status and location of all resources assigned to an incident, often managed by the Planning Section's Resources Unit.

Demobilization

The orderly release and return of resources from an incident, ensuring they are accounted for and properly checked out.

Interoperable Communications

Communication systems and equipment that allow responders from different agencies and jurisdictions to communicate effectively on a common network.

Plain Language

The use of common, everyday language in incident communications to avoid confusion and ensure understanding across all responders.