Discuss the basic organizational aspects of critical incident response. lay out the basic format of the incident command system, identify the main players in the incident, and learn how to design a basic communications system for incident operations.

Integrate all of the resources and begin the operations. The EOC or Incident Commander at this point in the incident has a strong idea of what resources are available and where the resources will be located. As you studied in the FEMA courses, the basic incident command system (now updated to NICS), it is now time to activate the system. According to FEMA (2006), each responding agency should know what exactly what strengths their resources are (personnel numbers, equipment resources, etc.). If during the planning

process detail was paid to this "inventory" then the incident commander/EOC will have the

information readily available. Therefore, the list of resources should include (FEMA 2006):

• Resource type and number available
• All contact information for activation
• Any cost associated with the resource (if applicable)
• Time of availability of the resource
• Procedures for activation

It is at this point in the incident that any delay in the activation of resources should be minimized. These potential delays should have been handled during the planning process through mutual aid agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs). In addition, any potential resources from private businesses should have contracts or agreements in place that will be activated at this time. Every resource should now be available to the incident commander. This includes:

• Local government
• State government
• Non-governmental organizations (NGO's)
• Public/private partnerships through MOUs

The activation of the federal resources must come through the state's Governor's Office. This process was covered in both the NIMS and NRF courses from FEMA. While this level of response may never be needed, every incident commander must know these processes in case the incident begins to exceed planned levels of response.

As the incident command is set up, the modular approach to operations is imperative. This includes establishing the basic structure with the five functional areas:

• Command
• Operations
• Planning
• Logistics
• Finance

While not all of these functions may be filled and some responsibilities may be shared (due to a smaller sized incident. Following this procedure will keep a strong organizational approach. In the next module, you will be examining a determination of precise roles (through the assignment of ESFs) for continued operations.

This unit of the PEM covers the basic functions and organization of anintegratedemergencymanagementsystem. It covers every level of response and discusses the use of multiple agencies in the response.

Questions:

1. What are the basic response agreements in place?
2. Have you conducted exercises to test the plan's efficiency?
3. How effective is this plan?
4. What are the aspects that need to be addressed?
5. Quote references?