Incident Command System - Essay Example

Common terminology pertains to the use of standard terms during disasters where every responding personnel understand one another because they have the same jargon or language which describes organizational functions, facilities, resources and position titles (FEMA, n.d). Modular organization is a description of the incident command organizational structure that is top-down in style. This kind of organizational structure is flexible to accommodate the magnitude and difficulty of the disaster.

Management by objectives is the development of goals during the operation process that is practical, measurable and achievable; this is in relation to having reliance on an incident action plan (IAP) that provides means of communicating operational and support objectives (FEMA, n.d). Chain of command and unity of command entails reporting to one supervisor or head only to avoid overlapping of orders that may come from various heads or supervisors at different levels. Unified command on the other hand allows multiple agencies with different functions to work as a team irregardless of respective agency influence and accountability.

Manageable span of control sets a limit to the number of personnel a supervisor can handle in an ICS, which is three (3) to seven (7) people only. Predesignated incident locations and facilities are the sites established to house operational and support facilities that can be found within the area of the disaster or incident. New locations or sites can be made as needed. Resource management includes the overall resources needed within the disaster vicinity in terms of ordering, tracking and recovery (FEMA, n.d). Information and intelligence management refers to the procedures for the management of information related to the incident.

Integrated communications is the process of establishing a standard and interoperable communication system within the ICS. Transfer of command pertains to the transfer of command responsibilities that includes proper briefing of all pertinent information so that the operation can go on efficiently (FEMA, n.d). Accountability depicts following the standard operating procedures needed within an ICS. This includes reporting to receive assignments based on protocol by the incident commander; followed by adhering to the outlined IAP where every responder will be assigned under one supervisor only, who will also account for the changes in resource status.

And last but not the least is mobilization where needed personnel and equipment at a disaster site will respond only as needed and directed (FEMA, n.d). As an incident commander for the disaster that occurred in Japan, I will first and foremost set up an appropriate location for the incident command center. Then I will make a preliminary estimate of the number of people and the type of facilities as well as equipment that is needed on site. Before any actual operation starts all responders will be given a list that contains common words or terms to be used in communications.

After which, I will assign all responders to their respective supervisors limiting three people only under one supervisor who will give their specific duties to perform. As the operation progresses, I will collate all