What is one of the major activities of the Planning Section?

One of the primary responsibilities of the Planning Section is to prepare and document Incident Action Plans (IAPs). The IAP is critical in outlining the incident objectives, strategies, and tactics for effective management of an incident, typically covering a specific operational period. This documentation ensures that all team members have a clear understanding of the operational objectives and the specific tasks assigned to them.

Additionally, the Planning Section gathers and analyzes information related to the incident, which can inform the development of IAPs. By comprehensively understanding operational needs and resource availability, the Planning Section plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts and ensuring that the response is both effective and efficient. The accurate preparation of the IAP directly contributes to the overall success of the incident management process, facilitating clear communication among all involved parties.