Incident Command Structure Template

Use this Incident Command Structure Checklist template to outline incidents, ensure a clear command hierarchy, and coordinate response during emergency incidents or planned events.

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Health & Safety
Incident Command Structure Template

Incident Overview & Objectives

Command Staff Assignments

General Staff & Section Chiefs

Support Units & Branches

Communication & Coordination

Documentation & Planning

Review & Approval

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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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Incident Command Structure Template

Use this Incident Command Structure Checklist template to outline incidents, ensure a clear command hierarchy, and coordinate response during emergency incidents or planned events.

1. What is the name and date of the incident or planned event?

2. What are the primary objectives for managing this incident?

3. What is the scope and scale of the incident?

4. Have priorities been identified for life safety, incident stabilization, and property/environmental protection?

1. Who is assigned as the Incident Commander for this incident?

2. Has a Safety Officer been designated and briefed?

3. Is there a Public Information Officer responsible for communication and updates?

4. Has a Liaison Officer been appointed to coordinate with external agencies and partners?

1. Who is the Operations Section Chief overseeing tactical response and field operations?

2. Who is the Planning Section Chief managing resources, documentation, and future planning?

3. Has a Logistics Section Chief been assigned to handle supplies, facilities, and equipment needs?

4. Is there a Finance/Administration Section Chief responsible for cost tracking and procurement?

1. Are functional units (e.g., Medical, Staging, Facilities) identified and staffed under Operations or Logistics?

2. Are branches or divisions created based on geography, function, or complexity of the incident?

3. Have leaders for each branch, division, or unit been named and briefed?

4. Is a Resource Unit tracking personnel and equipment assigned to the incident?

1. Is there an established communication plan with designated channels and frequencies?

2. Are all command and general staff aware of reporting procedures and meeting schedules?

3. Have incident maps, contact lists, and organizational charts been distributed?

4. Is there a designated location for the Incident Command Post (ICP) and staging areas?

1. Is an Incident Action Plan (IAP) prepared and reviewed for the current operational period?

2. Are forms and logs (e.g., ICS 201, ICS 202, ICS 203) being maintained and updated?

3. Are demobilization procedures and resource release plans established?

4. Is there a process to capture lessons learned and conduct an after-action review?

1. Have all assignments and responsibilities been communicated and acknowledged?

2. Is the command structure approved by the Incident Commander and documented?

3. Are regular updates scheduled to review and revise the structure as the incident evolves?

4. Is a final organizational chart prepared and shared with all involved teams?