Which Of The Following Is Not A Recommended Characteristic For Incident Objectives? FEMA IS200 Question and Answers

Question:

Q. Which Of The Following Is Not A Recommended Characteristic For Incident Objectives?

  • Measurable and attainable
  • Includes a standard and timeframe
  • Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility
  • In accordance with the Incident Commander’s authorities

Answer:

Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility

More on this, full explaination:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a set of guidelines known as the Incident Command System (ICS) to manage emergencies and disasters effectively. One of the critical components of this system is the formulation of incident objectives. These objectives guide the response efforts and ensure that all team members work cohesively towards a common goal. However, not all characteristics are recommended for these objectives. This article will delve into the specifics of these characteristics, focusing on one that is not recommended: stating objectives in broad terms to allow for flexibility.

The Importance of Incident Objectives

Incident objectives are crucial in emergency management as they provide a clear direction for all response efforts. They are the foundation upon which strategies and tactics are developed. These objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound. They should also fall within the Incident Commander’s authorities.

Characteristics of Incident Objectives

Measurable and Attainable

Objectives should be measurable and attainable. This means that they should be quantifiable and realistic, considering the resources and capabilities at hand.

Includes a Standard and Timeframe

Each objective should include a standard and timeframe. The standard refers to the specific criteria that will be used to measure the success of the objective. The timeframe, on the other hand, indicates when the objective should be achieved.

In Accordance with the Incident Commander’s Authorities

The objectives should be within the Incident Commander’s authorities. This means that they should be within the legal and organizational limits of the Incident Commander’s power.

The Non-recommended Characteristic: Stated in Broad Terms to Allow for Flexibility

While flexibility is often beneficial in many situations, it is not recommended for incident objectives. Objectives should be specific and clear to ensure that all team members understand what needs to be achieved. Broad and flexible objectives can lead to confusion and misalignment in efforts, hindering the effectiveness of the response.

Conclusion

In emergency management, clear and specific incident objectives are crucial for a successful response. While flexibility is often valued in many aspects of life, it is not recommended for incident objectives in FEMA’s Incident Command System. By understanding this, we can ensure a more effective and efficient response to emergencies and disasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are incident objectives in FEMA’s Incident Command System?

Incident objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, and time-bound goals that guide the response efforts in emergencies and disasters.

2. Why is it not recommended to state incident objectives in broad terms to allow for flexibility?

Broad and flexible objectives can lead to confusion and misalignment in efforts, hindering the effectiveness of the response.

3. What are the recommended characteristics for incident objectives?

The recommended characteristics for incident objectives are that they should be measurable and attainable, include a standard and timeframe, and be in accordance with the Incident Commander’s authorities.