Incident Action Plan - An oral or written plan containing general objectives reflecting the overall strategy for managing an incident. It may include the identification of operational resources and assignments, in addition to attachments that provide direction and important information for management of the incident during one or more operational periods.
Incident Base - According to FEMA, “The sole location at which primary logistics functions for an incident are coordinated and administered. The Incident Command Post may be co-located with the Incident Base.”
Incident Command - The Incident Command System organizational element responsible for overall management of the incident and consisting of the incident commander (either single or unified command structure) and any assigned supporting staff.
Incident Command Post (ICP) - The field location where the primary functions are performed. The ICP may be co-located with the Incident Base or other incident facilities.
Incident Command System (ICS) - A standardized on-scene emergency management construct specifically designed to provide an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents. It is used for all kinds of emergencies and is applicable to small as well as large and complex incidents. ICS is used by various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private, to organize field-level incident management operations.
Incident Commander (IC) - The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and release of resources. The IC has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of all incident operations at the incident site.
Incident Management - According to FEMA, “The broad spectrum of activities and organizations providing effective and efficient operations, coordination and support applied at all levels of government, using both governmental and nongovernmental resources to plan for, respond to and recover from an incident, regardless of cause, size or complexity.”
Incident Management Continuum - A model representing the continuous succession and overlap of incident management functions.
Incident Management Functions - According to FEMA, “Prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery activities that occur in advance of an incident, during an incident and/or following an incident.”
Incident Management Team (IMT) - An incident Commander and the appropriate command and general staff personnel assigned to an incident.