Your Team

Incident Commander

Job Description

To Get Ready,
Watch This Video!

The Incident Commander directs organizational resources to emergency preparedness, response and recovery actions, overriding normal operating procedures and protocols.

When a disaster strikes, the main functions include:

  • Activating the Disaster Staffing Plan.
  • Maintaining close communication with the CEO/Executive Director.
  • Conducting Command Level Meetings during each operational period.
  • Setting up an Emergency Operations Center as needed.

Qualifications may include:

  • Familiarity with the key operational, financial and connectivity concerns of the organization.
  • Being comfortable with and able to make important decisions on behalf of the organization, in consultation with the CEO/Executive Director.

A likely staff member to fill this role may be:

  • Someone from senior leadership including the Deputy Director or Associate Director.

During the planning phase, the Incident Commander should:

  • Review the Emergency Operations Center Guide and determine potential locations for an Emergency Operations Center. Consider reaching out to a community partner that may have an extra community room or educational facility.
  • Customize the Command Level Meeting Checklist to align with the organization’s staffing structure and priorities.
Incident Commander Job Action Sheet

A Job Action Sheet includes specific tasks to be completed by the Disaster Response Role over eight Operational Periods before, during and after a disaster.
Optional Command Level Administrator Job Action Sheet

A Command Level Administrator can be appointed to assist the Incident Commander and Section Chiefs in follow-up of assigned tasks.  
Emergency Operations Center Guide

Set up your Emergency Operations Center (EOC)—your center of operations during a disaster.
Command Level Meeting Checklist

This checklist will help you prepare for and lead Command Level Meetings before, during and following a disaster.