Incident Command System for Schools

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Institute, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, recently developed the Introduction to ICS for Schools course (IS-100.SC). This free online course was designed for individuals employed in elementary and secondary schools. See Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100.

New York State Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17(e)(2) requires that building-level emergency plans delineate the school’s chain of command during an emergency response in a manner consistent with the Incident Command System (ICS). The FEMA IS-100-SC course, which follows the National Incident Management System (NIMS) guidelines, was developed to promote school safety by familiarizing school staff with ICS principles in a school setting. Additionally, the course was developed to prepare school employees for collaborating and partnering with local emergency responders during an event.

The Introduction to ICS for Schools course covers the following topics: ICS applications in school-based incidents; ICS organizational principles and elements; ICS positions and responsibilities; ICS facilities and functions; and ICS planning.

Please take advantage of this free training opportunity. For questions on ICS, please contact the BOCES health and safety coordinator in your area or Laura Sahr at lsahr@mail.nysed.gov.