What is the main purpose of the Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

The main purpose of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) is to outline strategies for achieving specific incident objectives. The IAP serves as a critical guide for operational teams during an incident by specifying what needs to be accomplished, the resources needed, and the necessary actions to reach those goals. It provides a framework for coordination among different teams and ensures that everyone involved is aware of the mission, priorities, and methods being employed.

By detailing the strategies and tactics to be implemented, the IAP fosters effective communication and resource allocation among responders, ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness at the incident scene. It is a living document that can be adjusted as the situation evolves and may be implemented over a specific operational period, reinforcing focus on immediate goals while responding to the dynamic environment of an incident.