ICS Communications Unit Response Kit
[State]
Incident Command System (ICS) Communications Unit
Response Kit
A supplement to the Incident Command System Communications Unit Implementation and Best Practices guide
Prepared by:
[Name]
DHS/OEC/ICTAP
Day, Month, Year
DHS/OEC/ICTAP1
ICS Communications Unit Response Kit
How to Use this Tool
This tool supplements theICS Communications Unit Implementation and Best Practices: A Guide for Program Development. Use it within your agency as a baseline to gather information and materials into pre-assembled response kits for Incident Command System (ICS) Communications Unit (COMU) personnel response.Note: Individual COMU positions may require additional position-specific materials not listed in this document.
Some states, regions, and local agencies have assembled information and materials into Go Kits and assigned them to recognizedICS COMU personnel so they can be prepared to respond. When faced with the professional and personal stressors of deployment, access to pre-assembled kits can be very useful for ICS COMU personnel. Use a backpack, waterproof case, or a variety of other organizational containers to store and transport these items.
Response Kit
Communications Equipment –ICS COMUpersonnel can work inanything from a makeshift incident command post (ICP) or fully equipped mobile command post vehicle (MCP). These vehicles are commonly equipped with radio positions, Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), laptops, cell phone connections, antenna masts, generator, battery chargers, portable repeaters,amateur radios (if applicable), and a host of computer equipment. Maintaining and deploying the command post vehicle may be the responsibility of anyICS COMU personnel, depending on who owns the asset and the organizational structure of the ICS COMUProgram—whether it be a state, regional, or local agency. Some of the items that require regular maintenance include:
- Portable radios
- Cell phones
- Fax capabilities
- Laptops
Communications Safety Gear–You want to avoid assigning ICS COMUpersonnel to hostile environments whenever possible.However, for identification and safety reasons, they must have proper safety equipment when responding to an incident. This can include:
- Reflective safety vest specific to their communications position
- Protective head gear (helmet)
- Gloves
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Identification –Until ICS COMUpersonnel have access to a communications vehicle or other department-issued vehicle, they would generally respond to a scene in their personal vehicles, so they may require a visor identification placard or ID card to assure undelayed scene access.
ICS Forms Cache– ICS COMUpersonnel should maintain a cache of National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS COMU supplies at the communications center or at a nearby location. Easy access to the cache of supplies allows responding ICS COMU personnel with the ability to bring them on-scene.
Position Task Book –The position task book (PTB) is one way to demonstrate COMU personnel qualifications. If individuals have not completed all tasks in the PTB, including it as part of the response kit ensures they will have it readily available for signatures during their demobilization process. For those who have completed their PTB, they will have it available if there is a need to provide documentation.[1]
Basic Materials for a “Go Bag” – Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for a response kit prior to receiving an assignment. Include critical items needed for the assignment and items needed for functioning during the first 48 hours. The following items are basic materials to keep in a Go Bag:
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Pens
Pencils
Note pads
Clipboards
Envelopes
Highlighters
Paper
FORMS and REFERENCE RESOURCES
Appropriate ICS forms and logs (i.e., ICS 201, ICS 205, ICS 214, T-cards)
Other agency-specific forms
Telephone lists of resources
Other job aids
Unit identifiers/credentials
Current Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP) and Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP), if available
Inventories or other lists of local and regional communications response equipment
Preplanned local system coverage maps
Contact, capability, and availability information for local and regional Communications Technicians (COMT) and Specialists
Field Operation Guide (NIFOG)
Communications Unit Leader (COML) Mobilization Guide (specific to locality)
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Cellphone and extra charged batteries or charger
Laptop w/air card,scanner and charger, extra battery
Portable radio(s) as appropriate for the region and batteries
Radio programming equipment (cloning cable or computer), adapters, and suitable tools
GPS
PERSONAL ITEMS – self-sustain for 48 hours or more
Food
Beverages
Extra clothing (t-shirts)
Medication
Cash
SAFETY GEAR
Reflective safety vest specific to your communications position
Protective head gear (helmet)
Gloves
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
First-aid kit
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES
Extension cord and power strip
Duct tape
Rubber bands
Flashlight and batteries
Folding chairs
Folding table
Awning
Digital watch face attached to clipboard
24-hour clock
Multi-purpose knife
BATTERIES
Batteries for each piece of equipment – radio, cell phone, etc. (in case you missed them earlier in the list)
COML Mobilization Guide via the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council’s (NPSTC) 2010 Technical Resource CD–This CD contains information the public safety telecommunications professional needs to know about spectrum, interoperability, and technology. If you need to reference the requirements for COML training, learn how to file with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or reference the 700 MHz Statement of Requirements. The CD offers links back to the Internet to ensure you receive the most current information. Access the CD on the NPSTC website:
DHS/OEC/ICTAP1
[1] Individuals who successfully complete COMU position-specific training are issued a hard copy of the PTB. Refer to the ICS COMU Implementation and Best Practices Guide for more information on the PTB.