Incident Command in Schools

In many ways, Incident Command has been in place since the formation of the first modern schools.  In an emergency, the principal assumes control or management responsibility, as required under the laws of most states and activates others as needed.  It should be understood that an activation of the school’s ICS team/protocols is not necessary or indicated for every day to day incident.  Each designated responsibility area under the ICS should have a primary designee with a minimum of two back up personnel.  For relatively small incidents, the principal may perform all the roles of the ICS structure.  If an incident grows, he/she may activate other personnel as needed.  In turn, once activated, each individual below may activate others needed to complete necessary functions.

Incident Commander:  Establishes command, works to protect life and property, directs overall management of emergency response activities.  At the school level the Incident Commander is typically the Principal or his/her designee.  The Incident Command role can be transferred to another individual (example -- police officer of fire fighter) depending upon the emergency as they arrive on the scene.

Planning:  In small emergencies, the Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for planning, but in a larger emergency, the IC establishes a Planning Section.  Planning collects and evaluates information as related to the development of an incident and status of resources.

Operations:  On a school campus, most staff will be assigned roles under Operations.  Operations are responsible for the care of students and carrying out response activities according to established Universal Emergency Procedures and Emergency Protocols.

Logistics:  Is responsible for communications, as well as securing and providing needed materials, resources, services and personnel.  This section may take on a major role in extended emergency situations.

Administration/Finance:  Sometimes overlooked, the Administration/Finance is critical for tracking incident costs and for reimbursement accounting.  This is especially important in tracking costs where a state or federal “disaster area” may be declared.