When an incident threatens, local emergency personnel manage response using NIMS principles. If the incident becomes large or complex, what happens?

When an incident grows larger or becomes more complex than what local emergency personnel can effectively manage, the activation of local Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) becomes a critical step in enhancing response capabilities. Local EOCs serve as the focal point for coordination and resource management during emergencies. They allow local officials to better organize response efforts, communicate more effectively, and share information among different agencies and stakeholders.

In a situation where resources need to be coordinated across multiple jurisdictions or when the complexity of the incident requires a higher level of management, the activation of local EOCs ensures that the necessary support and operational capabilities are mobilized. This can facilitate enhanced situational awareness and promote efficiency in deploying resources where they are needed most.

The other choices may play roles in different scenarios but are not the immediate steps taken at the local level when a situation becomes complex. While state agencies responding and national support being requested can occur, they typically follow the initial activation of the local EOC to manage the situation effectively. The reference to "Plan A" lacks the specificity required in a structured framework like NIMS and does not capture the procedural nature of incident response coordination.