Which ICS functional area sets the incident objectives, strategies, and priorities, and has overall responsibility for the incident? This is one of the most common questions you will likely face when sitting for the FEMA final exam.
If you are looking to come out with flying colors in the exam, then you need to have a good grasp of this part of the ICS.
So, in this article, we will be taking a closer look at this topic, helping to bring an answer to the question, ‘Which ICS functional area sets the incident objectives? Just keep reading!
Table of Contents
Which ICS Functional Area Sets the Incident Objectives, Strategies, And Priorities, and Has Overall Responsibility for the Incident?
- Finance/Administration
- Command
- Logistics
- Operations
The correct answer to the question is B. Command. But don’t just take it like that and run off with it; let’s explain why that is so.
Explanation
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response providing a common hierarchy within which responders from multiple agencies can be effective.
The Command functional area within ICS is responsible for setting the incident objectives, strategies, and priorities. It holds the overall responsibility for managing the incident. This includes establishing the objectives and priorities for the incident response and allocating resources to accomplish the objectives.
The Command staff includes the Incident Commander, who has overall incident management responsibility, and various Command Staff positions that may include a Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, and Liaison Officer, depending on the incident’s complexity and requirements. We will talk more about this later in this post.
So, what are the roles of the other functional areas in the ICS? Each of them has a unique role they play in ensuring successful incident management. For instance, the Finance sector is in charge of administrative roles while the Logistics takes care of providing facilities and support for the incident.
However, only the Command functional area is directly in charge of overseeing the setting of incident objectives, strategies, and priorities and maintaining overall command and control of the incident. So, option B is the answer to the question, ‘Which ICS functional area sets the incident objectives, etc?’
You may also like to know:
- Which Incident Type Requires Regional or National Resources?
- Which NIMS Component Includes the Incident Command System?
- Which EOC Configuration Aligns With the On-Scene Incident Organization?
The Five Major ICS Functional Areas and Their Roles
In the Incident Command System (ICS), five major functional areas work together to ensure an efficient and effective response to incidents of any size and complexity.
Understanding these functional areas and their specific roles is crucial for anyone preparing for the FEMA exam. So, let’s take the section to talk about these functional areas and the role each of them performs.
#1: Command
At the heart of ICS, the Command functional area is responsible for overall incident management. This includes setting objectives, strategies, and priorities. The Incident Commander leads this area, making critical decisions and ensuring clear communication across the response team.
#2: Operations
This area focuses on the tactical actions required to achieve the incident objectives. The Operations Section develops and implements strategies and tactics to carry out the plan. They manage all the resources that are directly involved in addressing the incident.
#3: Planning
Essential for tracking resources, collecting and analyzing information, and documenting the incident management process. The Planning Section devises the action plan in coordination with the Incident Commander and other functional areas, ensuring the operation’s efficiency and effectiveness.
#4: Logistics
This area supports the incident response by providing facilities, services, and materials. The Logistics Section secures the resources needed for the operation, from transportation and supplies to food and medical services for the incident staff.
#5: Finance/Administration
The Finance/Administration functional area of the ICS manages all financial aspects of the incident, including cost analysis, compensation, and claim processing. This area ensures that funds are used wisely and that the accounting is transparent and accountable.
Who Are Included in the ICS Command Staff?
In the ICS, the Command Staff is composed of key personnel who report directly to the Incident Commander and are responsible for essential aspects of incident management.
Their roles are designed to support the command’s decision-making process and ensure effective communication and safety during an incident. As we said earlier, let’s take a closer look at the primary positions within the ICS Command Staff.
- Incident Commander (IC): This is the leader of the incident response, responsible for all aspects of the response, including developing incident objectives and managing all incident operations.
- Public Information Officer (PIO): The PIO acts as the liaison between the incident management operations and the public. This is the personnel responsible for communicating incident-related information to the public, media, and other stakeholders.
- Safety Officer: Ensures the safety of all personnel involved in the incident. This officer monitors operational safety, including the development and recommendation of measures to minimize or eliminate hazards.
- Liaison Officer: The Liaison Officer serves as the primary contact for supporting agencies assisting or cooperating with the incident. The LO facilitates coordination and communication between the Incident Command and other agencies.
- Other Specialized Roles: Depending on the nature and scale of the incident, additional specialized roles may be added to the Command Staff. These can include legal advisors, medical advisors, environmental advisors, and others who provide expertise and advice to the Incident Commander.