Show If you’re involved in emergency management in the U.S., you’ve probably heard of the Incident Command System (ICS). A key feature of the U.S. National Incident Management System (NIMS), ICS is an operational incident management structure that provides a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response in the U.S. Since it first came out in the 1970s, the system has been so popular that it’s inspired the development of new, comparable models around the world (see: the Australian Inter-Service Incident Management System). So, the question is, what makes ICS such a durable success in all-hazards disaster response, especially given the fact that the system was originally conceived of as fire suppression-specific command structure? If we can hazard a guess, it’d be that ICS’ 14 essential features continue to be extremely apt to incident response, both in emergency and non-emergency situations. Let’s take a closer look at the features themselves: First of all, each of the 14 core principles underpinning ICS is clustered around one of a handful of categories or types: standardization, command, planning and organizational structure, facilities and resources, communications and information management, and professionalism. And these larger categories speak directly to the operational errors (in large-scale, inter-agency emergency response) that ICS was originally created to redress:
Now, if we examine the features themselves, we’ll get an even clearer understanding of ICS’ original aims:
Of course, there’s much more to ICS than its 14 animating features, but understanding those principles is key to comprehending the sustained success of the system. --- For more great content from Noggin, visit our Resources Center. When there is an orderly line of authority?Unity of command means that every individual has only one designated supervisor. Chain of command means that there is an orderly line of authority within the ranks of the organization, with lower levels subordinate to, and connected to, higher levels.
What position is responsible for overall management of the incident?Incident Commander's Overall Role
The Incident Commander has overall responsibility for managing the incident.
What is the Incident Commander responsible for?The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for the overall management of the incident and determines which Command or General Staff positions to staff in order to maintain a manageable span of control and ensure appropriate attention to the necessary incident management functions.
Who is the point of contact for representatives of other governmental agencies Non governmental organizations and or private entities?The Liaison Officer is the point of contact for representatives of other governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and/or private entities. Representatives from assisting or cooperating agencies and organizations coordinate through the Liaison Officer.
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