FEMA FEMA Incident Command System 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ICS, what is an 'incident type' used to determine?
- The complexity and resource requirements of the incident (Correct answer)
- The type of hazard involved in the event
- The federal agency with primary jurisdiction
- The operational period length
Correct answer: The complexity and resource requirements of the incident
ICS incident typing (Types 1–5) describes the complexity of the incident and guides the level of resource and management required.
Question 2: What ICS principle requires that terminology be standardized to ensure clear communication among all responders?
- Common Terminology (Correct answer)
- Integrated Communications
- Manageable Span of Control
- Establishment and Transfer of Command
Correct answer: Common Terminology
ICS requires the use of common terminology to eliminate confusion caused by different agencies using different words for the same function.
Question 3: In ICS, who is responsible for ensuring the safety of all incident personnel and operations?
- Safety Officer (Correct answer)
- Incident Commander
- Operations Section Chief
- Liaison Officer
Correct answer: Safety Officer
The Safety Officer, part of the Command Staff, monitors hazardous and unsafe situations and has authority to halt unsafe operations.
Question 4: What is the purpose of an Incident Commander's 'transfer of command' briefing?
- To ensure the incoming commander has full situational awareness before assuming command (Correct answer)
- To document resource expenditures for reimbursement
- To notify FEMA headquarters of a leadership change
- To activate the Joint Information Center
Correct answer: To ensure the incoming commander has full situational awareness before assuming command
Transfer of command briefings ensure the incoming Incident Commander understands current situation, objectives, and resources before assuming responsibility.
Question 5: Which ICS position serves as the point of contact for representatives from assisting and cooperating agencies?
- Liaison Officer (Correct answer)
- Public Information Officer
- Safety Officer
- Operations Section Chief
Correct answer: Liaison Officer
The Liaison Officer is the primary contact for agency representatives from cooperating and assisting organizations.
Question 6: In ICS, what document formally transfers incident command from one Incident Commander to another?
- There is no formal document; a face-to-face briefing is the transfer mechanism (Correct answer)
- ICS 201 - Incident Briefing form
- ICS 202 - Incident Objectives form
- A signed memorandum of understanding
Correct answer: There is no formal document; a face-to-face briefing is the transfer mechanism
ICS does not use a formal transfer document; instead, a face-to-face briefing between outgoing and incoming commanders completes the transfer.
FEMA FEMA Incident Command System 3
According to ICS, what is an 'incident type' used to determine?