Planning Section

The Planning Section Chief (PSC) in the Incident Management System (IMS) is responsible for overseeing all incident-related planning activities. Their primary role is to ensure that accurate, up-to-date information is collected, analyzed, and used to develop effective strategies and plans for the incident response. The PSC is critical in facilitating communication and coordination among all sections of the Incident Management Team (IMT).

Key Responsibilities of the Planning Section Chief:

1. Situation Assessment:
   • Collects and evaluates incident data, including current and forecasted conditions, resource status, and operational progress.
   • Maintains a clear picture of the incident's overall situation for the Incident Commander and other team members.
2. Incident Action Plan (IAP) Development:
   • Leads the preparation and documentation of the IAP, which outlines objectives, strategies, and assignments for each operational period.
   • Ensures the IAP is reviewed, approved, and distributed to all relevant personnel in a timely manner.
3. Planning Meetings:
   • Organizes and facilitates planning meetings, ensuring key stakeholders are involved in the development of strategies and tactics.
   • Provides updates on incident status and planning progress during these meetings.
4. Resource Tracking:
   • Maintains accurate records of resources assigned to the incident, including personnel, equipment, and supplies.
   • Works closely with the Logistics Section to anticipate resource needs and resolve potential shortages.
5. Contingency Planning:
   • Develops contingency plans for potential scenarios, ensuring the IMT is prepared for changes in incident conditions.
   • Considers worst-case scenarios and plans for additional operational periods as necessary.
6. Incident Documentation:
   • Ensures all incident-related information, maps, reports, and forms are accurately documented and archived.
   • Prepares after-action reports and lessons learned for post-incident analysis.
7. Coordination with Other Sections:
   • Collaborates with the Operations Section Chief to ensure the feasibility of strategies and tactics.
   • Works with the Logistics Section to align resource needs with operational plans.
   • Communicates with the Finance/Administration Section to track costs associated with planned operations.
8. Information Sharing:
   • Provides situational updates to the Incident Commander, Command Staff, and General Staff.
   • Shares planning products with cooperating and assisting agencies as needed.
9. Technical Specialists Management:
   • Supervises technical specialists, such as GIS analysts or subject matter experts, who provide critical data and expertise for planning.
10. Demobilization Planning:
    • Develops and oversees the demobilization plan to ensure resources are released efficiently and effectively as the incident winds down.
    • Coordinates with all sections to establish timelines and procedures for demobilization.

Importance of the Planning Section Chief:

The PSC ensures that the IMT operates with a clear and coordinated strategy, supported by reliable information and realistic objectives. They play a pivotal role in aligning all team efforts, enabling a structured and efficient response to the incident.