What is the purpose of an Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

The purpose of an Incident Action Plan (IAP) is to define specific objectives, strategies, and assignments for a response operation. An IAP serves as a crucial tool in emergency management, providing clear guidance on what needs to be achieved during an incident response, how resources will be utilized, and what specific actions will be taken by various teams. This plan is formulated during the planning process of an incident and ensures that all responders are on the same page regarding their roles, priorities, and operational tactics.

By focusing on clear objectives and strategies, the IAP facilitates coordination among different agencies and stakeholders involved in the emergency response. It also allows for assessing progress and adjusting tactics if necessary, making it an essential element in effective incident management.

In contrast, while establishing a timeline for recovery could be part of a broader recovery plan, it doesn’t encompass the immediate operational goals of an IAP. Assessing resource availability and allocation is a task that may inform the IAP but is not its main purpose. Documenting training procedures for EOC staff, while important for overall preparedness, does not relate directly to the operational focus of an IAP.