What is the main purpose of an incident action plan (IAP)?

The main purpose of an incident action plan (IAP) is to outline the objectives and strategies for incident management. An IAP serves as a crucial navigation tool that details the response goals for the incident, the strategies to achieve those goals, and the resources that will be utilized during the operation. By clearly defining tasks, responsibilities, and timelines, the IAP ensures that all team members are aligned and aware of their roles, which leads to more effective coordination and response during emergency situations. This structured approach enhances situational awareness and operational efficiency, contributing to successful incident management.

In contrast, documenting the history of the incident primarily serves as a record-keeping function and does not guide the actions taken during the response. Evaluating the performance of responders is important but is generally part of a review process that happens after the incident, not a directive component of the IAP. Providing a summary of public interactions may be relevant for communication strategies, but it does not encapsulate the core objective of managing the incident itself, which is the focal point of an IAP.