RESPONSE INFORMATION FLOW MANAGEMENT: CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING AND TRAINING
ABSTRACT Spill responses are information-intensive events. The Incident Command System (ICS) does not adequately address the concepts and techniques of response information management, particularly the internal information flow used to manage the response. Automated systems based on Incident Command System forms do not provide the solution. Response information management procedures must be planned. Both internal and external information needs must be identified so that resources can be allocated to ensure effective information flow. Personnel at all levels in a response need to understand the concept of proactive, aggressive information management. This paper reviews lessons learned from spill exercises and actual spill responses over the past 5 years. It also discusses considerations for improving the flow of information within the ICS. It recommends specific training and planning guidelines for gathering, displaying, and distributing response information.