

The ICS structure is meant to expand and contract as the scope of the incident requires. Not all of the ICS positions need to be active in each incident. Functions and roles may be assigned to multiple individuals or a few persons may be assigned multiple responsibilities. The use of ICS within a business depends upon the size and complexity of the business. Private sector businesses should be familiar with the fundamental concepts of incident command and should coordinate planning with local public emergencies services. ICS can be used by businesses to work together with public agencies during emergencies. The Incident Command System (ICS) is used by public agencies to manage emergencies. Incident Command System Diagram - Text Version Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System - NFPA 1561.ICS Resource Center - Incident Command System, Emergency Management Institute, Federal Emergency Management Agency.Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency National Incident Management System and NIMS Resource Center - U.Resources for Emergency Operations Centers The Incident Command System and the use of an Emergency Operations Center supports incident management. The emergency operations center is a physical or virtual location from which coordination and support of incident management activities is directed.


Others assigned to support incident stabilization, business continuity or crisis communications activities will report to an emergency operations center (EOC). firefighting, damage assessment, property conservation) may be underway at the scene of the incident. When an incident occurs, incident stabilization activities (e.g. Public information and crisis communications are an integral part of the ICS structure. ICS is also well suited for managing disruptions of business operations. Businesses with organized emergency response teams that interface with public emergency services can benefit from using the ICS. NIMS is used as the standard for emergency management by all public agencies in the United States for both planned and emergency events. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was established by FEMA and includes the Incident Command System (ICS). An IMS is “the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents”. How should a business manage all of these activities and resources? Businesses should have an incident management system (IMS). Inquiries from the news media, the community, employees and their families and local officials may overwhelm telephone lines. Contractors may be engaged and other resources may be needed. Public emergency services may be called to assist. When an emergency occurs or there is a disruption to the business, organized teams will respond in accordance with established plans. Leaders in Business Community Resilience.
