According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that facilitates the following actions:

* Allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure.

* Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private.

* Establishes common processes for planning and managing resources.

The Emergency Management and Response--Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) noted that ICS is flexible and can be used for incidents of any type, scope, and complexity. ICS helps users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents. It is applicable for all levels of government, across disciplines, and within the private sector.

On a related matter, the EMR-ISAC received notification that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS Forms Booklet (PDF, 5.6 Mb) has been recently updated and released. The booklet assists emergency response personnel in the use of ICS and corresponding documentation during incident operations. It is also meant to complement existing incident management programs and does not replace relevant emergency operations plans, laws, and ordinances. The forms within the booklet are intended for use as tools for the creation of Incident Action Plans, for other incident management activities, and for support and documentation of ICS activities. They are designed to include the essential data elements for the ISC process they specifically address.

Taken from the EMR-ISAC CIP INFOGRAM.