Comment Period for Draft All-Hazards ICS Forms from FEMA

In the past year, the ICS Forms Sub-Group of the Incident Management Working Group within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) has been working diligently to update the Incident Command System (ICS) Forms. This process has been underway to ensure the forms are more reflective of the all-hazard nature of ICS, and to fit within the current NIMS programs and policy managed through FEMA. The updated versions of these forms have also undergone an initial ICS exercise test using experienced all-hazard incident management personnel.

The next step in the evolution of the forms is a 45-day review period to allow you and/or your organization, agency, or jurisdiction to provide constructive comments and feedback to the NIMS Incident Management Working Group as a stakeholder with a vested interest in the final outcome of the forms. This is a preliminary review for Stakeholders, and is separate from a public review that will occur later in the process.

FEMA appreciates your willingness to participate in this Stakeholder Review process. Your input will be invaluable in developing a ICS Forms that provides standardization across the broad spectrum of incidents and events they are designed for, while providing the flexibility needed for unique situations.

Notes on Reviewing the Forms: The goal of NIMS is to have a consistent nationwide approach to incident management, including the revised ICS Forms. To that end, these forms are designed to include the "essential data elements" for the ICS processes they address. Formatting and layout on some of the forms has been designed to facilitate ICS processes, although that is not always the case. In most cases, comments on substance and on the information elements themselves will be most helpful, as most formatting issues will be fixed in final technical editing.

The ICS Forms are intended for use as tools to support the implementation of the Incident Command System by on-scene incident management personnel. This support includes the creation of Incident Action Plans (IAPs), and documentation and support of on-scene ICS processes and activities. Personnel using the forms should have a basic understanding of NIMS, including ICS, through training and/or experience to ensure they can effectively use and understand these forms. Commenters may find that the forms are "new" versions of old forms, and that due to some changes to meet more diverse needs, it will be very helpful to read the form instructions. Commenters should also read the section, ICS Form Adaptation, prior to commenting on utilizing the ICS Forms during unique incident or event scenarios. Stakeholders are welcome to test the forms on incidents during the review period, and to submit those findings as well.

During the review process it is important to note that these ICS Forms are designed for use by on-scene incident management personnel working within ICS. They are not targeted for use in Area Command, or for use in Emergency Operations Centers or other Multi-Agency Coordination Systems applications or elements. Comments on the forms should be submitted with the focus on incident level use in mind.

Final format and release of the ICS Forms has not yet been determined, but the forms will be released in Adobe PDF at a minimum. Jurisdictions and disciplines will be encouraged to use the ICS forms once they are finalized as part of the ICS process within the NIMS. At this time, there are no plans to release the ICS Forms as any sort of electronic database, software, or online application. Disciplines and jurisdictions may choose to utilize electronic programs for these forms once they are released in final form.

Providing Feedback: Please submit your feedback no later than August 19, 2008, by listing specific comments or suggested changes using the enclosed Excel Spreadsheet titled "NIMS_ICS-Forms_COMMENT-FORM.xls." When submitting feedback to the forms please make sure to fill in the form name, form number, and the block number of the form you are commenting on if applicable. It is preferred that organizations compile responses whenever possible and submit one set of comments.

Please send all feedback and any questions related to this review to: FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov

At the conclusion of the 45-day review period, all comments and suggestions that have been submitted will be given careful considered by the Incident Management Working Group and its ICS Forms Sub-Group.

ICS Forms Booklet - FEMA 502-2 - Main

ICS Forms Booklet - FEMA 502-2

ICS Forms Booklet - FEMA 502-2 - Addendum 2

ICS Form Comment Form

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Grant Writing Workshop
Denver, CO
September 11-12, 2008

Denver Regional Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Denver, September 11-12, 2008. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend.

Purchase orders, checks and cards are welcome. Multi-enrollment discounts are available. Tuition payment is not required at the time of enrollment.

Tuition is $425 and includes all materials: workbook and accompanying 220MB resource CD that's packed full of tools and more than 200 sample grant proposals. Seating is limited, online reservations are necessary, walk-ins are not allowed.

For more information including venue location and maps, graduate testimonials and instant, online enrollment, please visit

http://grantwritingusa.com/events/write/drcog0908.html

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Emergency Management Program Director
Salt Lake City
$65,364 - $84,876 yr 

Job Duties: Designs, develops and administers Salt Lake City Corporation’s citywide Emergency Management Plan. Coordinates with other City departments, governmental agencies as well as private and volunteer groups to implement emergency preparedness education and exercises, and to carry out the plan’s operations during an actual event. The plan will provide for the establishment of a first-response and on-going Emergency Operations Center (EOC), its staffing, function and possible relocation to an alternative survivable building as circumstances may dictate. The Director will also coordinate all aspects of the recovery phase with City units/entities as well as other local cities, and will seek out County, State, and National resources that can be utilized to speed the recovery of the City and its citizens.

Additionally, this position will also serve as the Radio Communications Director, responsible for managing the Radio Communication Services enterprise operation of Salt Lake City as well as the numerous 2-way and microwave radio systems. This position leads all aspects of designing, constructing, operating and maintaining highly complex communication systems that are relied on by multiple city departments to provide mission critical and public safety services on 24/7 basis. In managing City-wide radio communication infrastructure and systems, will work in cooperation with all the City Departments.

Click here for complete information.

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Basic Public Information Officer Course
July 17 - 18, 2008
Steamboat Springs

Thursday and Friday, July 17-18, 2008, the Routt County Office of Emergency Management will be hosting the Basic Public Information Officer (PIO) G-290 Course in Steamboat Springs. The training will take place in the Steamboat Pilot & Today conference room located at 1901 Curve Plaza. In addition, we will have access to TV18's live video studio for taping and viewing practice interviews. In addition, the Steamboat Pilot & Today Editor has offered to provide a tour of the facility to show us how a news article goes from draft to final print.

This training is sponsored by the Colorado Division of Emergency Management (CDEM) and there are no registration fees. Simply go to the website (www.dola.colorado.gov/dem/) and register. Register as soon as possible as class size is limited! Lodging can also be arranged for participants traveling over 50 miles. Training certificates will be provided by CDEM upon completion of the two-day training course.

I have attached the course announcement for more information. The target audience includes individuals involved in emergency management, first response, public health, hospital, search and rescue, incident management teams, as well as public officials and all public information professionals. Please pass this information on to anyone within your organization who you feel would benefit from this valuable training.

Click here for the course flyer.

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HS 120 All Hazard Logistics Section Chief IMT Training

Course Length: 40 hours from 0800-1700 hrs daily.

Course Description: The IMTC Logistics Section Chief course provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to competently perform the duties and responsibilities of the All-hazard Logistics Section Chief position in the Incident Command System.  A Logistics Section Chief manages the section that meets all support needs for the incident, including ordering resources through appropriate procurement authorities from off-incident locations.  The Logistics Section Chief also oversees the acquisition and management of facilities, transportation, supplies, equipment maintenance and fueling, food service, communications, and medical services for incident personnel.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, participants will be qualified as a DHS recognized Logistics Section Chief Trainee within the All-Hazard ICS structure.  They will be able to: Gather information to assess the assignment and begin initial planning activities of the Logistics Section Chief, determine that facilities, services and materials are provided for the incident, plan, staff, and manage the logistics section to meet the needs of the incident in a safe and efficient manner, coordinate with the Command & General Staff to assist in accomplishing the overall objectives of the incident.

NOTE : This class DOES NOT certify the individual, but provides needed background and overview of the position. The prospective Logistics Section Chief Candidate must initiate a LOGISTICS SECTION CHIEF Task book, signed by his/her supervisor and be affiliated with a Type III or above Incident Management Team. Satisfactory completion of additional on-the-job training is required on exercises and emergency events prior to final sign-off and state certification. There may be additional required classes to fulfill all requirements for this position. This course is DHS approved and can be found in the DHS catalog as class P450.

Prerequisites: ICS-100/200; ICS-300 & ICS-400 are recommended

Target Audience: This course is designed for a wide variety of participants, including but not limited to: Fire Service, law Enforcement, Utility Supervisors, Business/Industry, Emergency Medical Services, Public Works, State and Federal Agencies, Cooperating Agency Personnel, Emergency Management

NOTE: These classes are not approved for backfill and overtime reimbursement from UASI/NCR Training Funds .

Registration Information: Enrollment must occur through UASI/NCR Training. UASI/NCR Training is working in conjunction with CDFS and the Colorado State DEM. Your training administrator will be registering students through the on-line training system. Please contact Tom Witowski at 720-913-1902, tom.witowski@ci.denver.co.us or Captain Jennifer Steck at 720-913-1903, Jennifer.steck@ci.denver.co.us if you have any questions.

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Incident Command System Forms, Plans & Position Checklists
Steamboat Springs
August 11, 2008

Mark Your Calendars - The Incident Command System Forms, Plans & Position Checklists one-day workshop will be held in Steamboat Springs on Monday, August 11, 2008. The training session, hosted by Routt County Emergency Management, will begin at 8:00 a.m. in the Citizen's Meeting Room in Centennial Hall located at 124 10th Street in downtown Steamboat Springs. Todd Manns will be the instructor. Todd was also the instructor for the recent ICS-300 and 400 courses held at the YVRA.

In the beginning of 2007, Colorado L-449 qualified instructors received a number of requests from participants in ICS 300 and ICS 400 level courses to create a workshop to specifically address the Incident Command System (ICS) forms and how they come together to create a written incident action plan.

Workshop participants are immersed in the process of using, communicating and understanding the ICS forms, various plans and position checklists. By the end of the workshop participants will understand the production of a full incident action plan. Participants will also receive instruction on the creation of the demobilization plan, transition plans, incident complexity analysis, and ICS 209 intelligence summary and the after action process. This workshop will build on the concepts of NIMS and the September 2005 version of the national all hazard curriculum.

Instructors of this course are certified ICS instructors and are also members of organized incident management teams, qualified in the Planning Section. In 2008, instructors have been involved in incidents in Park County, Alamosa and Windsor as part of an incident management team.

Prerequisite courses for attendees: ICS-100, ICS-200 and IS-700

If you or a member of your organization plan to attend this workshop, please contact Cheryl Dalton - (970) 870-5549 cdalton@co.routt.co.us - so their office has an accurate count of workshop participants and training certificates can be issued.

This is a free workshop and lunch will not be provided. The workshop will conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m.

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CERT Summer Games -SAVE the DATE!
September 13 - 14, 2007

It’s that time of year again! Get ready because the North Central Region and ReadyColorado are planning the 2008 CERT Summer Games. Register for this two-day event individually or as a team, and get ready to have some FUN. New this year, teen CERT members age 14 or older, who have completed the CERT Training are eligible to participate.

The games will be held at the Denver Police Academy. All Regions and States are welcome!!

For more information go to http:// www.ncrcolorado.org!

Click here for the registration form.

Click here for the brochure.

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Thanks to all of the folks who submitted articles for the last issue of the Prepared newsletter. For those who missed seeing the issue, click here to view it.

If you have lessons learned from exercises, real events, special activities, trainings, or something you feel will benefit our emergency management community, we want to hear about it. Please send all articles and ideas to Polly White (polly.white@state.co.us).

The deadline for input is July 25, 2008.

Come on folks - can't do it without you!

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Fire Restrictions & Bans

Our office is tracking fire restrictions and bans for Colorado again this year. If your jursidiction has restrictions on open burning or fireworks, this will be important information so please me me know: Polly White, 720-852-6630

Thanks for your help!

Click here for the fire information webpage.

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Thought for the Day

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