Incident Action Plan and Operational Periods

Referencing the content of incident command, NIMS, and National Response Framework readiness

The IAP turns objectives into assigned work for each operational period; the Planning P structures the cycle.

Learning objectives (3)

List IAP components — Objectives, command emphasis, weather, safety, assignments, communications, medical plan as needed.
Explain Planning P — Cycle from incident notification through operational periods.
Conduct operational period briefings — Ensure resources understand assignments and safety.

Chapter outline

Engage: tactics without written objectives
IAP components
Operational period rhythm
Planning P overview
ICS forms awareness

Printable study sheet Printable flashcards (PDF, 10-up)Read first, then practise the track.

Showing Readiness track material. Switch tracks on the chapter page.

Vocabulary · 16

Incident Action Plan (IAP)
Documents objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
Planning P
Graphic of the planning cycle for developing the IAP.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
ICS Form 201
Incident Briefing form used early in an incident.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
ICS Form 202
Incident Objectives form.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
ICS Form 204
Assignment List.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
ICS Form 205
Incident Radio Communications Plan.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
ICS Form 206
Medical Plan.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
ICS Form 215
Operational Planning Worksheet.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
operational period briefing
Meeting covering plan for upcoming period.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
situation status
Current picture of incident progress.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
resource status
Availability and assignment of resources.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
work assignment
Specific tasks for a resource or unit.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
safety analysis
Identification of hazards and mitigations.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
communications plan
Radio and contact information for the period.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
medical plan
Emergency medical arrangements for incident personnel.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
planning meeting
Develops IAP content with command staff input.
SourceFEMA IS-200.c, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c

Sequences · 1

Incident Action Plan and Operational Periods — Put these ICS readiness steps in a logical order.