Incident command system

Overview
The FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that:

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.

ICS is flexible and can be used for incidents of any type, scope, and complexity. ICS allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents.

ICS is used by all levels of government—Federal, State, tribal, and local—as well as by many nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. ICS is also applicable across disciplines. It is typically structured to facilitate activities in five major functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. All of the functional areas may or may not be used based on the incident needs. Intelligence/Investigations is an optional sixth functional area that is activated on a case-by-case basis.