Incident Objectives - According to FEMA, “Statements of guidance and direction needed to select appropriate strategy(s) and the tactical direction of resources. Incident objectives are based on realistic expectations of what can be accomplished when all allocated resources have been effectively deployed. Incident objectives must be achievable and measurable, yet flexible enough to allow strategic and tactical alternatives.”
Individual Assistance (IA) - Grants and low-interest loans provided by FEMA to families, individuals and businesses who have sustained losses due to a disaster. IA funding can be applied to temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by a disaster, and other serious disaster-related expenses.
Individuals and Households Program (IHP) - FEMA's IHP program provides financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs as a result of a natural disaster and are unable to meet the needs through other means, such as insurance. The program provides two types of assistance: housing assistance, which includes financial assistance with temporary housing, repair, replacement and housing construction, and other needs assistance (ONA), for expenses such as medical, funeral or clean-up costs.
Insurance Services Office (ISO) - ISO works on behalf of FEMA and insurance companies to review CRS applications, verify communities’ credit points, and perform program improvement tasks.
Integrated Communications - Communications facilitated through the development and use of a common communications plan. Localities should outline their communications plan and establish a clear chain of command prior to a disaster.
Integrated Planning System - According to FEMA, “A system designed to provide common processes for developing and integrating plans for the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive approach to national planning in accordance with the Homeland Security Management System, as outlined in the National Strategy for Homeland Security.”
Intelligence/Investigations - An organizational subset within the Incident Command System (ICS). Intelligence/investigations gather information that leads to the detection, prevention, apprehension and prosecution of criminal activities-or the individual(s) involved-including terrorist incidents or information that leads to determination of the cause of a given incident (regardless of the source) such as public health events or fires with unknown origins. This is different from the normal operational and situational intelligence gathered and reported by the Planning Section.
Interoperability - The ability for communications, systems and procedures to operate effectively both within and between jurisdictions and across other public and private agencies. It enables emergency management/response personnel to communicate and operate together effectively by sharing data among all key players in real time.
Job Aid - According to FEMA, “A checklist or other visual aid intended to ensure that specific steps of completing a task or assignment are accomplished.”
Joint Field Office (JFO) - A temporary federal facility that provides a central location for the coordination of all organizations with primary responsibility for response and recovery, including federal, state, tribal and local governments, and private-sector and nongovernmental organizations. The JFO provides support to on-scene efforts and conducts broader support operations. The JFO structure is consistent with National Incident Command System principles, although it does not manage on-scene operations.