ICS 700 Lesson 3

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a key purpose of the NIMS Management Characteristics?

• To provide building blocks that strengthen and make the National Incident Management System more efficient

• To create more paperwork for emergency managers

• To limit communication between agencies

• To reduce the number of responders in an emergency

Open Ended

Why is it important for emergency management professionals to understand the characteristics of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Multiple Choice

Which NIMS management characteristic ensures that different organizations can work together effectively by using standardized terms for functions, resources, and facilities?

• Modular Organization

• Common Terminology

• Incident Action Planning

• Manageable Span of Control

Open Ended

Explain how the modular organization characteristic of NIMS allows incident management structures to adapt to incidents of varying size and complexity.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are included in Management by Objectives under NIMS?

• Establishing specific, measurable objectives

• Identifying strategies, tactics, tasks, and activities to achieve objectives

• Developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols

• Documenting results against objectives

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Span of control refers to the number of subordinates that directly report to a supervisor.

Maintaining an appropriate span of control ensures effective incident management by enabling supervisors to:

•Direct and supervise subordinates

•Communicate with and manage resources

The optimal span of control for incident management is one supervisor to five subordinates; however, the 1:5 ratio is only a guideline and effective incident management often calls for different ratios.

When a supervisor’s span of control becomes unmanageable, they can assign subordinate supervisors or redistribute subordinates to manage portions of the organization in order to regain a manageable span of control.

Span of control can change based on:

•Type of incident

•Nature of the task

•Existing hazards and safety factors

Distances between personnel and resources

Multiple Select

What factors can influence the optimal span of control for incident management according to NIMS?

• Type of incident

• Nature of the task

• Existing hazards and safety factors

• Distance between personnel and resources

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The Incident Commander, Unified Command or EOC director establishes incident support facilities for specific purposes.

These facilities are identified and located based on the requirements of the situation.

Incident size and complexity will influence the designation of facilities and locations.

Typical designated facilities include:

•Incident Command Post (ICP)

•Incident base

•Staging Areas

•Camps

•Mass casualty triage areas

•Points-of-distribution

•Emergency shelters

Open Ended

List three types of designated incident facilities that may be established during an emergency response according to NIMS.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT considered a resource in Comprehensive Resource Management under NIMS?

• Personnel

• Equipment

• Teams

• Weather

Open Ended

Explain how integrated communications contribute to effective incident management.

Multiple Select

Select all elements that are essential for a successful transfer of command during an incident.

• Briefing for incoming IC/UC

• Communication to all personnel

• Immediate termination of previous command

• Transfer of all essential information

Open Ended

What are two principles of chain of command and unity of command that help eliminate confusion during incident management?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a key reason why resources should not deploy spontaneously during an incident, according to NIMS Management Characteristics?

• It can overburden the Incident Commander/Unified Command and increase accountability challenges.

• It speeds up the response process.

• It ensures all resources are used efficiently.

• It allows for more flexibility in resource management.

Open Ended

Explain how information and intelligence management contributes to effective incident management under NIMS. Provide specific processes involved.

Multiple Select

Which NIMS Management Characteristics are specifically mentioned in the lesson summary? Select all that apply.

• Incident Action Planning

• Accountability

• Unified Command

• Hazardous Materials Response

Open Ended

Reflecting on today's lesson, how do the fourteen NIMS Management Characteristics contribute to the overall strength and efficiency of the National Incident Management System?