What are the five major functional areas of the ICS?

The five major functional areas of the Incident Command System (ICS) are Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. This structure is designed to promote effective response and management during incidents.

Command is responsible for overall management and decision-making, ensuring that all aspects of the incident are coordinated effectively. Operations involves the actual tactical actions needed to accomplish the objectives set by Command, focusing on implementing the strategy and managing resources on the ground. Planning is tasked with gathering information, analyzing it, and developing plans to support the response effort. Logistics provides the necessary support services, including the provision of resources and personnel. Lastly, the Finance/Administration section is responsible for tracking costs, managing financial aspects, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Understanding these functional areas is crucial for effectively operating within the ICS framework, as they delineate responsibilities and facilitate coordination among various teams and individuals involved in the incident response.