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

The purpose of an Incident Action Plan (IAP) is fundamentally to communicate objectives and strategies for managing an incident effectively. An IAP serves as a centralized document that outlines the operational and logistical approach to addressing the specific circumstances of an incident. It provides clear objectives, defines the overall strategy for the response, and details the resources needed to ensure a coordinated and efficient operation.

In the context of emergency management, the IAP is crucial because it helps responders understand their roles, the overarching goals of the response effort, and how they fit into the larger operation. By having a shared plan, all personnel can align their actions and focus on the established objectives, enhancing the effectiveness of the response.

While it may include documentation of injuries and damages, assessment of long-term recovery needs, or assignments of duties, these elements are not the primary purpose of the IAP. Instead, they may be part of the overall incident management process but do not capture the essential function of the IAP, which is to convey a clear direction and plan of action for all responders involved.