A briefing is an important part of the incident management process. It gives resources a chance to clarify tasks, establish reporting schedules, and define subordinate responsibilities and delegated authority.
But who generally facilitates the operational period briefing? This article will cover the following topics: The Planning Section Chief reviews and facilitates the briefing Operational Period Briefing Facilitator. The Incident Commander or Planning Section (Situation Unit Leader) presents incident objectives and/or confirms existing objectives Operational Period Briefing Facilitator.
Planning Section Chief
The head of the Planning Section is the Planning Section Chief. This is the initial position activated and gathers information to: understand the current incident situation; anticipate probable course of action by responding resources; and prepare alternative strategies and control operations incident.
The Planning Section Chief also provides input to the IC and Operations Section Chief when preparing the Incident Action Plan (IAP). They collect, process, and disseminate incident information; establish resource requirements; review existing documentation practices and update the Plans Section Log on a continuous basis.
The Planning Section Chief also conducts training for their assigned resources and identifies personnel who require it. They also ensure that resources and their supervisors document all communication on the appropriate form. They also maintain an accurate list of available equipment.
Logistics Section Chief
The logistics section chief is in charge of making sure that the people who are working on a task know what they are expected to do and how long it will take them. They are responsible for ensuring that all the necessary information is relayed to the correct individuals and that there are no misunderstandings during the operational period briefing.
Coordinate closely with the EOC Manager and Situational Awareness Unit to establish priorities for resource allocation. Document actions and decisions on a continual basis, using the incident documentation system to record work performed, progress made, and other important information.
Use good communication skills to relay critical information to assigned resources, supervisors, and other sections as needed. Maintain a calm, professional demeanor during high-pressure situations or emergencies. Demonstrate leadership qualities and demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset to enhance future operations’ efficiency and effectiveness. Ensures appropriate staffing and availability of equipment for response to incidents. Manage sortie production on 17 USAF E-8C aircraft worth $6.2 billion.
Operations Section Chief
A skilled operational period brief facilitator is a linchpin in ensuring seamless communication and coordination during on-scene operations. Their expertise in gathering information, facilitating effective communication, coordinating diverse teams, demonstrating leadership presence, and fostering continuous improvement contributes significantly to the success of any incident response operation.
The Operations Section Chief is responsible for the following: Identify work tasks and assign increments to division and group supervisors. Ensure daily personnel time recording documents are prepared and in compliance with agency policy. Maintain separate logs for overtime hours, if applicable. Coordinate commissary operations on larger or long-term incidents. Submit situation and resource status reports to ICS headquarters, as needed. Review and resolve logistical problems reported by division/group supervisors. Coordinate with strike team leaders and task forces as required. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214). Identify and report on any hazardous situations or significant events to assisting agencies as appropriate. Determine if additional resources are required or surplus resources are available.
Public Information Officer
When the public thinks of emergency response, they picture search and rescue crews and Red Cross volunteers. But behind the scenes, there are staff members who keep communities informed before, during, and between disasters.
They prepare speeches and press releases to relay important events, make on-the-spot comments to the news media during crisis situations, and answer questions from community members. They also work with communications staff to decide what information is safe for the media to release and ensure that all messages are clear, accurate, and appropriate.
PIOs regularly evaluate their agency’s image by scrolling social media feeds, reading relevant news articles, and exploring comments posted on social media pages to determine if the message being communicated is effective. In addition, they participate in the ICS training to gain advanced skills that can be used when an incident occurs.
