The ability to set effective incident objectives is a critical aspect of NIMS management. Effective objectives support response coordination efforts, foster alignment, and facilitate efficient resource utilization. In this article, we will explore the importance of crafting suitable incident objectives as well as examine which characteristics do not make for effective objectives.
Situation Assessment
Initial assessment is a process used to evaluate an incident’s size, scope and impacts. It includes identifying hazards, determining needs, and identifying available resources. This assessment can help to identify and activate the Incident Command System (ICS), mobilize resources, and begin to address the incident’s impacts.
Management by Objectives
The Incident Commander or Unified Command (which will be discussed later) establishes incident objectives that guide the entire incident response. This is accomplished through the development of a plan, which includes measurable and achievable goals. It also involves defining strategies and tactics for accomplishing these objectives. Ultimately, this helps to ensure that everyone involved in an incident has a clear understanding of what is needed to resolve it.
Closeout
Closing out an incident involves finalizing all operations and tasks. It involves ensuring that all objectives are met, and completing all incident-related documentation. It is an important part of incident management, and is often the most time-consuming aspect of a response. In addition, a closeout plan should be established and communicated to all personnel to ensure that the outgoing Incident Commander is prepared for the next phase of incident management.