PLANNING SECTION CHIEF (PSC)

The PSC is a member of the General Staff and responsible for the development of the IAP (Incident Action Plan), the collection, evaluation, dissemination, and use of incident information and maintaining status of assigned and demobilized resources. The PSC may have Deputy PSCs, who may be from the same agency as the PSC or from an assisting agency. The Deputy PSC must have the same qualifications as the person for whom they work, as they must be ready to take over that position at any time.

The major responsibilities of the PSC are:

1. Collect, process, display, and disseminate incident information.
2. Assist OSC in the development of response strategies.
3. Supervise preparation of the IAP.
4. Facilitate planning meetings and briefings.
5. Supervise the tracking of incident personnel and resources through the Resources Unit.
6. Assign personnel already on-site to ICS organizational positions as appropriate.
7. Oversee information management processes and plans, including the development and approval of the Information Management Plan (if needed, see chapter 11).
8. Ensure the accuracy of all information being produced by Planning Section Units with special attention to IC/UC CIRs and their reporting requirements.
9. Support information requirements and reporting schedules for Planning Section Units (e.g., Resources Unit and Situation Unit).
10. Establish special information collection activities as necessary (e.g., weather, environmental, and toxics).
11. Assemble information on alternative strategies.
12. Provide periodic predictions on incident potential.
13. Keep IMT apprised of any significant changes in incident status.
14. Oversee preparation and implementation of the Incident Demobilization Plan.
15. Incorporate plans (e.g., traffic, medical, communications, and site safety) into the IAP.
16. Develop other incident supporting plans (e.g., salvage, transition, and security).
17. Maintain Unit Log (ICS 214-CG) and forward to DOCL for disposition.