Which Type Of Ics Facility Is Used To Temporarily

The Incident Command System (ICS) relies on a structured framework of facilities to support incident response efforts. Among these facilities, temporary ICS facilities play a crucial role in providing immediate and adaptable support during incidents. This article explores the various types of ICS facilities used temporarily, their functions, and the importance of their strategic deployment in ensuring effective incident management.

Understanding ICS Facilities

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, hierarchical approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response, providing a common framework for managing incidents of any scale or complexity. Effective incident management requires a well-organized infrastructure, which includes various types of facilities. These facilities are designated locations that support incident operations by providing space for command, coordination, communication, and resource staging. Temporary ICS facilities are those set up for immediate use during an incident and may be relocated or disbanded as the incident evolves.

Key Types of ICS Facilities Used Temporarily

Temporary ICS facilities are essential for providing on-site support during incident response. These facilities can be rapidly established to meet immediate needs and can be adjusted or relocated as the incident progresses. Here are the primary types of temporary ICS facilities:

Incident Command Post (ICP)
Base
Staging Area
Camp
Helibase
Helispot

Each of these facilities has a specific purpose and set of functions, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the incident response.

1. Incident Command Post (ICP)

The Incident Command Post (ICP) is the central command facility for an incident. It is the location from which the Incident Commander (IC) and the Incident Command staff oversee all incident operations. The ICP is typically a single location, but its specific location may change during the incident to maintain proximity to the affected area or to optimize communication and coordination.

Functions of the ICP

Command and Control: The primary function of the ICP is to serve as the central point for command and control. The Incident Commander uses the ICP to make strategic decisions, issue orders, and coordinate with various functional sections.
Coordination: The ICP facilitates coordination among different agencies and organizations involved in the incident. Representatives from cooperating agencies may be present at the ICP to ensure seamless collaboration.
Communication: The ICP is equipped with communication equipment to maintain contact with field units, other facilities, and external stakeholders. Effective communication is crucial for situational awareness and resource management.
Information Management: The ICP serves as a hub for collecting, processing, and disseminating information. Situation reports, resource status updates, and other critical information are managed at the ICP.
Planning: The Planning Section, based at the ICP, is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP), which outlines the objectives, strategies, and tactics for managing the incident.
Resource Management: The ICP tracks and manages resources deployed to the incident. This includes personnel, equipment, and supplies.

Setting Up a Temporary ICP

Setting up a temporary ICP involves several key considerations:

Location: The ICP should be located in a secure area, away from the immediate hazards of the incident. It should be easily accessible and have adequate space for command and support staff.
Communication Infrastructure: Establishing reliable communication is critical. This may involve setting up radio communication, satellite phones, or internet connectivity.
Equipment and Supplies: The ICP should be equipped with essential supplies, including maps, planning documents, computers, printers, and office supplies.
Power Supply: A reliable power source is necessary to operate communication equipment and computers. Generators or alternative power sources may be needed.
Security: Security measures should be in place to protect the ICP and its personnel. This may involve controlling access to the facility and providing security personnel.

Example of ICP Use

During a large wildfire, the ICP might be set up in a nearby fire station or community center. The Incident Commander and key staff would operate from this location, coordinating firefighting efforts, managing resources, and communicating with local authorities and the public.

2. Base

The Base is the primary logistics support location for an incident. It is the facility where primary service and support activities are conducted. The Base is typically used to house and provide essential services for resources, including food, sleeping areas, and maintenance.

Functions of the Base

Logistics Support: The primary function of the Base is to provide logistics support to resources deployed to the incident. This includes providing food, water, shelter, and medical services.
Resource Staging: The Base may also serve as a staging area for resources before they are deployed to the incident. Resources can be held at the Base until they are needed, ensuring a steady supply of personnel and equipment.
Maintenance: The Base often includes facilities for maintaining equipment, such as vehicles, machinery, and communication devices.
Supply Distribution: The Base is a distribution point for supplies needed at the incident, including fuel, tools, and personal protective equipment.
Sleeping Areas: For incidents that last multiple days, the Base provides sleeping areas for personnel, allowing them to rest and recover.

Setting Up a Temporary Base

Setting up a temporary Base involves several key considerations:

Location: The Base should be located in an area that is easily accessible to resources and has adequate space for housing, maintenance, and supply storage.
Infrastructure: The Base requires basic infrastructure, including water supply, sanitation facilities, and waste disposal.
Security: Security measures should be in place to protect the Base and its resources. This may involve perimeter fencing and security personnel.
Logistics Coordination: Effective logistics coordination is crucial for managing the Base. This involves tracking resources, managing supplies, and coordinating services.
Medical Support: The Base should have medical facilities or access to medical services to provide care for personnel.

Example of Base Use

During a hurricane response, a large warehouse or community center might be used as a Base. This facility would provide shelter, food, and medical services for first responders and support personnel. It would also serve as a staging area for equipment and supplies.

3. Staging Area

A Staging Area is a temporary location where resources are assembled and readied for deployment. Staging Areas are used to manage the flow of resources to the incident and to ensure that resources are available when and where they are needed.

Functions of the Staging Area

Resource Assembly: The primary function of the Staging Area is to assemble resources, including personnel and equipment, before they are deployed to the incident.
Readiness: Resources at the Staging Area are prepared for deployment, ensuring that they are properly equipped, briefed, and ready to perform their assigned tasks.
Resource Tracking: The Staging Area tracks the status of resources, including their location, availability, and readiness.
Traffic Management: The Staging Area manages the flow of traffic, ensuring that resources can enter and exit the area efficiently and safely.
Communication: The Staging Area maintains communication with the ICP and other facilities, providing updates on resource status and availability.

Setting Up a Temporary Staging Area

Setting up a temporary Staging Area involves several key considerations:

Location: The Staging Area should be located near the incident but away from immediate hazards. It should be easily accessible and have adequate space for resource assembly and parking.
Traffic Control: Traffic control measures should be in place to manage the flow of vehicles and personnel. This may involve setting up traffic lanes, signage, and traffic control personnel.
Communication: Establishing reliable communication is critical. The Staging Area should have radio communication with the ICP and other facilities.
Security: Security measures should be in place to protect resources and personnel. This may involve perimeter fencing and security personnel.
Resource Management: Effective resource management is crucial for managing the Staging Area. This involves tracking resources, assigning tasks, and coordinating deployments.

Example of Staging Area Use

During a search and rescue operation, a Staging Area might be set up in a nearby parking lot or open field. Search and rescue teams would assemble at this location, receive briefings, and prepare their equipment before being deployed to the search area.

4. Camp

A Camp is a facility that provides lodging, food, water, and sanitation services for incident personnel. Camps are typically used for incidents that require a large number of personnel to be deployed for an extended period.

Functions of the Camp

Lodging: The primary function of the Camp is to provide lodging for incident personnel. This may involve setting up tents, temporary shelters, or using existing buildings.
Food Service: The Camp provides food service, including meals and snacks, for incident personnel. This may involve setting up a temporary kitchen or contracting with a catering service.
Water Supply: The Camp provides a supply of potable water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Sanitation: The Camp provides sanitation facilities, including toilets, showers, and handwashing stations.
Medical Support: The Camp should have medical facilities or access to medical services to provide care for personnel.
Recreation: The Camp may provide recreational facilities, such as a lounge area or sports field, to help personnel relax and relieve stress.

Setting Up a Temporary Camp

Setting up a temporary Camp involves several key considerations:

Location: The Camp should be located in an area that is safe, accessible, and has adequate space for lodging, food service, and sanitation.
Infrastructure: The Camp requires basic infrastructure, including water supply, sanitation facilities, waste disposal, and power.
Security: Security measures should be in place to protect the Camp and its personnel. This may involve perimeter fencing and security personnel.
Logistics Coordination: Effective logistics coordination is crucial for managing the Camp. This involves managing supplies, coordinating services, and ensuring the well-being of personnel.
Environmental Considerations: The Camp should be set up in a way that minimizes environmental impact, including proper waste disposal and water conservation.

Example of Camp Use

During a large-scale disaster, such as an earthquake or flood, a Camp might be set up to house relief workers and displaced residents. The Camp would provide shelter, food, water, and medical services for those affected by the disaster.

5. Helibase

A Helibase is a facility used for helicopter operations during an incident. It is the primary location for fueling, maintenance, and parking of helicopters. The Helibase is typically located near the incident but away from immediate hazards.

Functions of the Helibase

Helicopter Operations: The primary function of the Helibase is to support helicopter operations, including takeoff, landing, and hovering.
Fueling: The Helibase provides fueling services for helicopters, ensuring that they have an adequate supply of fuel for their missions.
Maintenance: The Helibase provides maintenance services for helicopters, including routine inspections and repairs.
Parking: The Helibase provides parking areas for helicopters, allowing them to be safely stored when not in use.
Communication: The Helibase maintains communication with the ICP and other facilities, providing updates on helicopter status and availability.
Air Traffic Control: The Helibase may provide air traffic control services to manage the flow of helicopters in and out of the facility.

Setting Up a Temporary Helibase

Setting up a temporary Helibase involves several key considerations:

Location: The Helibase should be located in an area that is flat, open, and free from obstructions. It should be easily accessible to helicopters and have adequate space for fueling, maintenance, and parking.
Safety: Safety is paramount at the Helibase. Measures should be in place to prevent accidents, including fire suppression equipment, safety barriers, and trained personnel.
Security: Security measures should be in place to protect the Helibase and its resources. This may involve perimeter fencing and security personnel.
Communication: Establishing reliable communication is critical. The Helibase should have radio communication with the ICP, air traffic control, and other facilities.
Fuel Storage: Fuel storage facilities should be set up in accordance with safety regulations. This may involve using fuel trucks or temporary fuel tanks.

Example of Helibase Use

During a wildfire, a Helibase might be set up in a nearby airport or open field. Helicopters would use this facility to refuel, undergo maintenance, and stage for firefighting operations.

6. Helispot

A Helispot is a temporary landing site for helicopters. Helispots are typically used for short-term operations, such as delivering personnel or supplies to remote locations.

Functions of the Helispot

Landing Site: The primary function of the Helispot is to provide a safe landing site for helicopters.
Personnel and Supply Delivery: Helispots are used to deliver personnel and supplies to remote locations that are not accessible by ground vehicles.
Medical Evacuation: Helispots may be used for medical evacuations, allowing injured or ill personnel to be transported to medical facilities.
Reconnaissance: Helispots may be used as staging areas for reconnaissance flights, allowing pilots to observe the incident area from the air.

Setting Up a Temporary Helispot

Setting up a temporary Helispot involves several key considerations:

Location: The Helispot should be located in an area that is flat, open, and free from obstructions. It should be easily identifiable from the air and have adequate space for helicopter landing and takeoff.
Safety: Safety is paramount at the Helispot. Measures should be in place to prevent accidents, including marking the landing area, clearing debris, and providing trained personnel.
Communication: Establishing reliable communication is critical. The Helispot should have radio communication with the helicopter and the ICP.
Ground Support: Ground support personnel should be present at the Helispot to assist with landing, loading, and unloading.

Example of Helispot Use

During a search and rescue operation in a mountainous area, Helispots might be set up to deliver search and rescue teams to remote locations. Helicopters would use these landing sites to drop off personnel and supplies, allowing them to access areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Importance of Strategic Deployment

The strategic deployment of temporary ICS facilities is crucial for ensuring effective incident management. Proper planning and coordination are essential for setting up these facilities in the right locations and with the right resources. Here are some key considerations for strategic deployment:

Proximity to Incident: Facilities should be located near the incident but away from immediate hazards. This allows for quick response times and efficient resource utilization.
Accessibility: Facilities should be easily accessible to resources and personnel. This includes considering road access, air access, and terrain.
Communication Infrastructure: Establishing reliable communication is critical. Facilities should have access to radio communication, satellite phones, or internet connectivity.
Resource Availability: Facilities should be set up with the necessary resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies. This requires careful planning and coordination with logistics personnel.
Scalability: Facilities should be scalable, meaning that they can be expanded or contracted as needed to meet the changing demands of the incident.
Coordination with Local Authorities: Coordination with local authorities is essential for setting up temporary ICS facilities. This includes obtaining permits, coordinating traffic control, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Conclusion

Temporary ICS facilities are essential for providing immediate and adaptable support during incident response. The Incident Command Post (ICP), Base, Staging Area, Camp, Helibase, and Helispot each play a specific role in supporting incident operations. By understanding the functions of these facilities and the considerations for their strategic deployment, incident managers can ensure that resources are effectively managed and that incident objectives are achieved. Proper planning, coordination, and communication are essential for setting up these facilities in the right locations and with the right resources, ultimately leading to a more effective and efficient incident response.