Highway Maintenance Response Time Standards

5. Expanding Incident Command:After evaluating the incident situation and determining the response priority of the incident, theFirst Responder must decide whether the incident can be handled without assistance or if the ICSorganization should be expanded.The First Responder will base the decision to expand (or contract) the ICS organization on threemajor incident priorities:Safety. The First Responder’s first priority is always their own safety, the safety of otherincident responders and the safety of the traveling public.Incident Stability. The First Responder is responsible for determining the strategy thatwill minimize the effect that the incident may have on the surrounding area and maximizethe response effort, while using resources efficiently.Property Conservation. The First Responder is responsible for minimizing damage toproperty, while achieving the incident response objectives.As incidents grow, the First Responder may delegate authority for performing certain activitiesto others. When expansion of the ICS organization is required, the district Incident Commanderwill establish the other Command Staff positions and activate additional General Staff sectionsas needed. The section chiefs then have the authority to expand or contract their operations asthe demands of the incident increase or decrease.44 Incident Response Plan