Types of Incidents
Preparedness 101
Acronyms
ICS Functional Areas
100

This type of incident refers to a major breach of information systems resulting in significant digital compromise.

Cyberattack

100

According to FEMA and the CDC, this is the minimum number of days a household should be able to sustain itself with stored supplies during an emergency

3

100

DSW

Disaster Service Worker

100

This command function sets incident objectives, strategies, and priorities, holding overall responsibility for managing the incident.

Incident Command

200

On June 1, 2026, the CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center in preparation for this major international sporting event.

World Cup

200

If you’re unable to evacuate during an emergency, planning with neighbors, friends, or relatives ensures someone can care for or relocate these members of your household

Pets

200

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

200

This section of the Incident Command System carries out incident activities, establishes tactics, and directs all resources to achieve the incident objectives.

Operations

300

This type of disaster response challenge in California during the 1960s and 70s led to the development of what became the universal Incident Command System.

Wildfires

300

This portable device is recommended for storing scanned copies of vital documents like birth certificates so you have a digital backup during emergencies when physical copies may be unreachable

Flash drive

300
CAL OES

California Office of Emergency Services

300

This section of the Incident Command System supports the incident action process by tracking resources, analyzing information, and maintaining essential documentation.

Planning

400

This highly contagious virus, once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, resurged in 2025 with nearly 1,300 cases across 38 states—the biggest outbreak in 33 years

Measles

400

To ensure someone in your support network can access your home, emergency supplies, and lifesaving equipment when you can’t, you should give them this essential item.

Key

400

ICS

Incident Command System

400

Arranges for resources and needed services to support achievement of the incident objectives (resources can include personnel, equipment, teams, supplies, and facilities).

Logistics

500

This U.S. city became the center of a major public health emergency from 2014 to 2016 after its water supply was switched from Lake Huron to the Flint River in a cost‑saving move.

Flint, Michigan

500

This practice activity helps everyone become familiar with an emergency plan so it feels automatic during a real crisis

Drill

500

EOC

Emergency Operations Center

500

Monitors costs related to the incident. Provides accounting, procurement, time recording, and cost analyses.

Finance