Planning Meeting - According to FEMA, “A meeting held as needed before and throughout the duration of an incident to select specific strategies and tactics for incident control operations and for service and support planning. For larger incidents, the planning meeting is a major element in the development of the incident action plan, which outlines the general objectives of the strategy for managing the incident.”
Planning Section - According to FEMA, “The Incident Command System section responsible for the collection, evaluation and dissemination of operational information related to the incident, and for the preparation and documentation of the incident action plan. This Section also maintains information on the current and forecasted situation and on the status of resources assigned to the incident.”
Planning Section Chief - According to FEMA, “A member of the general staff who supports the incident action planning process by tracking resources, collecting/analyzing information and maintaining documentation.”
Portability - An approach that facilitates the interaction of systems that are normally distinct.
Pre-Positioned Resource - A resource moved to an area near the expected incident site in response to anticipated resource needs.
Preparedness - A continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating and taking corrective action in an effort to ensure effective coordination during incident response. National Incident Management System (NIMS) preparedness focuses on: planning, procedures and protocols, training and exercises, personnel qualification and certification and equipment certification.
Preparedness Organization - An organization that provides coordination for emergency management and incident response activities before a potential incident. Localities should consider contracting with third preparedness organizations, such as IBTS, to develop a sound emergency management plan before disaster hits.
Primary Mission Essential Functions - According to FEMA, “Government functions that must be performed in order to support or implement the performance of National Essential Functions before, during and in the aftermath of an emergency.”
Private Sector - Organizations and individuals that are not part of any governmental structure. The private sector includes for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, formal and informal structures, commerce and industry. Unlike non-governmental organizations (NGOs), they do not divide extra funds between its shareholders or owners, but use them for the organization’s purpose.
Protocol - A set of established guidelines for actions (which may be designated by individuals, teams, functions, or capabilities) under various specified conditions.