The incident action planning process is built upon three distinct phases. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive and effective response to any incident.
Understanding the Incident Action Planning Process
Effective incident management relies heavily on a well-defined Incident Action Plan (IAP). This planning process, a core component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), guides incident personnel in achieving strategic objectives. It systematically moves from assessing the situation to developing actionable plans.
The three phases are fundamental to developing an effective Incident Action Plan (IAP):
Phase 1: Understand the Situation
This initial phase is crucial for gaining a clear, common operating picture of the incident. It involves gathering and analyzing all relevant information to accurately assess the current conditions and potential future developments.
- Key Activities:
- Information Gathering: Collect data from various sources, including initial reports, reconnaissance, weather forecasts, resource availability, and intelligence.
- Assessment: Evaluate the severity of the incident, potential hazards, affected areas, and immediate threats to life, property, and the environment.
- Resource Tracking: Identify available resources, both internal and external, that can be mobilized for the incident.
- Example: For a wildfire, this phase involves identifying the fire's size, direction of spread, proximity to structures, current weather conditions, and available fire suppression resources.
Phase 2: Establish Incident Objectives
Once the situation is understood, the next step is to define clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for the incident. These objectives guide all subsequent planning and operational activities.
- Key Activities:
- Prioritization: Determine the most critical issues to address first, often prioritizing life safety, incident stabilization, and property preservation.
- Objective Setting: Formulate specific objectives that address the identified problems and align with overall strategic goals.
- Example: For a flood, objectives might include "Evacuate all residents from threatened areas within 4 hours," "Establish potable water distribution points within 6 hours," and "Assess critical infrastructure damage by end of operational period."
Phase 3: Develop the Plan
With a clear understanding of the situation and well-defined objectives, the final phase involves creating the detailed Incident Action Plan (IAP). This plan outlines specific actions, resource assignments, and operational procedures for the upcoming operational period.
- Key Activities:
- Strategy and Tactics Development: Determine the best approaches and specific actions to achieve the incident objectives.
- Resource Allocation: Assign personnel, equipment, and facilities to specific tasks and divisions.
- Safety Planning: Integrate safety considerations, briefings, and protocols into all planned operations.
- Communication Planning: Establish clear communication channels and protocols among all incident personnel and stakeholders.
- Briefing Preparation: Prepare for and conduct operational briefings to ensure all personnel understand their roles and the overall plan.
- Example: For a search and rescue operation, this phase includes mapping out search areas, assigning teams to specific sectors, outlining communication methods, and scheduling resupply points.
Summary of Incident Action Planning Phases
| Phase | Description | Core Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Understand the Situation | Gathering and analyzing information to establish a common operating picture. | To accurately assess current conditions and potential threats. |
| Phase 2: Establish Incident Objectives | Defining clear, measurable goals for the operational period. | To provide direction and focus for all response activities. |
| Phase 3: Develop the Plan | Creating a detailed, actionable plan to achieve the set objectives. | To assign resources and outline specific tasks for execution. |
These phases ensure a systematic and logical progression from understanding an incident to executing a coordinated response. For more information on incident management, you can refer to resources provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
[[Incident Planning]]
