If you are preparing for the FEMA final exam, one of the likely questions you might encounter is “Which incident type requires regional or national resources.” The Incident Command System (ICS) of the United States has divided incidents into different levels and calls each level a unique type of incident.
From their classification, there are 5 different incident types: type 1 incident, type 2 incident, type 3 incident, type 4 incident, and type 5 incident. So among all of these, which incident type requires regional or national resources?
In this post, we will provide the right answer to the question while also helping you have a more comprehensive knowledge of each of the incident types. After you are done reading this post, we believe you should a step further in acing your final exam.
Which Incident Type Requires Regional or National Resources?
Which Incident Type Requires Regional or National Resources? The correct answer to this question is the Type 1 incident. As we said earlier, the ICS has divided incidents into 5 different levels or types, and each of these types has its unique characteristics. But out of them all, the type 1 incident seems to be the most complex type of incident.
This type of incident often requires regional or national resources. It often requires all command and general staff positions to be activated, and all branches activated, and may require more than 500 personnel per operation – it is that big and complex.
This type of incident requires a well-coordinated approach from all arms of government – from local to the national level in order to manage the incident and prevent it from becoming even more disastrous.
Now, let’s take a look at the other incident types and what characterizes each of them.
The Five Incident Types by ICS
Now, that you know which incident type requires regional or national resources, let’s take you a step further to know what the other incident types entail. There are 5 incident types, and the Incident Command System (ICS) of the United States uses these incident types to help determine the appropriate level of response and resource allocation needed to manage each incident.
By categorizing incidents based on their complexity and resource needs, emergency responders can quickly and effectively coordinate their efforts to ensure the most efficient response possible. Let’s take a quick look at each of them.
Type 1 incidents
These are the most complex and difficult incidents to manage, typically requiring a large number of resources and personnel to control. Examples of Type 1 incidents include major wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters that have the potential to cause significant damage and loss of life.
Type 2 incidents
These incidents are also fairly complex but generally require fewer resources than Type 1 incidents. Because of that, they may not require national resources as type 1 incidents will do. But they still need enough hands to be on deck to manage such incidents.
Examples of Type 2 incidents include large wildfires or floods that require multiple agencies to coordinate their efforts to bring the situation under control.
Type 3 incidents
These incidents are usually smaller in scale than Type 2 incidents and can typically be managed by a single agency or organization. Think of such incidents as small wildfires or localized flooding that can be contained with limited resources.
Type 4 incidents
Type 4 incidents are minor in nature and can usually be handled by a single agency or a few personnel. Such incidents can be resolved quickly even with minimal resources. Examples of such include small brush fires or medical emergencies that don’t pose a major threat to the public.
Type 5 incidents
These are the smallest and simplest type of incidents, typically handled by a single individual or resource. For instance, an incident such as a small vehicle accident is put under Type 5 incidents. It can be managed by just one personnel and it doesn’t, in any way, pose threats to others in the area of the incident. They are very minor.
So when we are asking which incident type requires regional or national resources, you shouldn’t even think of Type 5 incidents at all.
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What Are Some Examples of Incidents That May Require Regional or National Resources?
There are many incident types that can require regional or national resources, depending on the severity and scope of the incident. Here are a few examples:
Natural disasters
Natural disasters
Large-scale natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires, can require resources from multiple regions or even multiple countries. For example, if a hurricane causes widespread damage along the Gulf Coast of the United States, the affected states may need assistance from neighboring states as well as federal resources such as the National Guard and FEMA.
Public health emergencies
Public health emergencies
Pandemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases can also require regional or national resources. When a disease outbreak occurs, local health departments may need assistance from state or federal health agencies, including resources such as medical supplies, personnel, and funding.
Terrorist attacks
Terrorist attacks
This is another type of incident that may require resources from multiple jurisdictions, including local, state, and federal agencies. For example, the response to the September 11 attacks in the United States involved a coordinated effort from multiple agencies at all levels of government.
Mass casualty incidents
Any incident that results in a large number of casualties, such as a mass shooting or a major traffic accident, may require regional or national resources. In addition to medical personnel and equipment, resources such as transportation, communication, and security may be needed to manage the incident.
More FEMA Questions on Incident Types
How many personnel are needed for a type 1 incident?
The number of personnel needed for a Type 1 incident can vary depending on the nature and severity of the incident, as well as the resources available to respond. However, Type 1 incidents are generally the most complex and require a significant number of resources to bring under control.
For example, a large wildfire that spans multiple jurisdictions and threatens homes and communities could be classified as a Type 1 incident.
In this case, the response could involve hundreds or even thousands of personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, and other support staff.
Which Incident Type do these characteristics describe: some or all of the Command and General Staff are activated as well as Division or Group Supervisor and/or Unit Leader positions, the incident extends into multiple operational periods, and a written IAP is required?
The characteristics described above are typically associated with Type 2 incidents. These incident types are often more complex than Type 3, 4, or 5 incidents, and may require multiple agencies to coordinate their efforts to manage the incident.
In a Type 2 incident, some or all of the Command and General Staff are activated, along with Division or Group Supervisor and/or Unit Leader positions. The incident may extend into multiple operational periods, meaning that it lasts for more than one shift or day, and a written Incident Action Plan (IAP) is usually required.
Examples of Type 2 incidents might include large wildfires, significant flooding events, or major transportation accidents that require multiple agencies to work together to bring the situation under control.
In a Type 2 incident, the incident command structure is likely to be more complex than in a Type 3, 4, or 5 incident, with more personnel involved in the response and a greater need for coordination and communication among responding agencies.
Using specific position titles in ICS helps to describe the responsibilities of the position.
- TRUE
- FALSE
The answer is A. True.
Using specific position titles in the Incident Command System (ICS) helps to clearly define the responsibilities of each position and ensure that all members of the response team understand their roles and responsibilities.
Which of the following is NOT a recommended characteristic for incident objectives?
- Measurable and attainable
- Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility
- Includes a standard and timeframe
- In accordance with the Incident Commander’s authorities
The correct answer is B. Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility is NOT a recommended characteristic for incident objectives.
While incident objectives should be flexible enough to allow for changing conditions and circumstances, they should also be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to ensure that they are effective and achievable.
The use of SMART objectives helps to ensure that everyone involved in the response understands what needs to be accomplished and how progress will be measured.
An Incident Commander’s scope of authority comes from the Incident Action Plan.
- True
- False
The answer is B. False.
An Incident Commander’s scope of authority is not derived solely from the Incident Action Plan (IAP). The IAP is a written document that outlines the response objectives, strategies, and tactics for managing the incident, but it does not confer any additional authority to the Incident Commander beyond their existing jurisdiction and responsibilities.
The Incident Commander’s authority is established by their agency or organization, and they are responsible for directing and coordinating the response efforts within their jurisdiction or designated area of responsibility.
The IAP provides guidance and direction for the Incident Commander and their team, but it does not give them any additional authority beyond what they already have.
Final Note on Which Incident Type Requires Regional or National Resources
In conclusion, incidents that require regional or national resources typically fall under the Type 1 or Type 2 categories of the Incident Command System (ICS). These incidents are often more complex and require a significant number of resources and personnel to bring under control.
However, Type 1 incidents are the most severe and may involve multiple jurisdictions. So when such a question as “Which incident type requires regional or national resources,” you should know the right answer is Type 1 incidents.
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