3.4 Coordination

This phase is critical in that it is when the command structure is determined. Depending on evacuation area radius and location, multiple agencies at various tiers of the public sector may be involved. The ICS, as defined in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), should be defined in the plan and followed.

The tasks that will be conducted during this phase will likely involve gathering information that will be disseminated to the media and the public. Those agencies responsible for maintaining the information-gathering equipment during normal times will likely be asked to report the critical information gathered from their equipment and devices during the incident notification phase. Ideally, the information will be transferred through the proper channels using the ICS before being disseminated to the media and the public.

This phase will also require coordination between transportation officials and law enforcement officials. Ideally, preparation for an actual evacuation from a transportation standpoint will begin during the incident notification phase. After identifying preferred evacuation routes, transportation officials should work closely with law enforcement officials to provide traffic control equipment and resources.

June 26, 2006
Publication #FHWA-HOP-08-020