This is a comprehensive guide to enhance the understanding and communication of key terms and concepts among regional TEAMS coordinators and members. This resource is curated to support a seamless onboarding experience, fostering a collaborative and efficient response to emergencies and disasters in the province.
A |
Activation
When a natural disaster, emergency or an event forces a community to evacuate and the Indigenous governing body or local authority begin their ESS plan.
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Incident-based resources that are prepared and ready for deployment as needed during an incident.
B |
B.C. Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS)
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In the context of incident management, a branch is a specific level of organization that oversees major parts of incident operations based on either functions or geographic areas.
C |
Cache
A pre-determined collection of tools, equipment, and/or supplies stored in a designated location, readily available for use during an incident.
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Materials, personnel, and finances that are in limited supply and are required by more than one incident management team or for high-priority assignments. When a particular resource is in demand by multiple agencies or jurisdictions, and the available quantity is limited, it can be designated as a "Critical Resource" by the EOC Director, PREOC Director, or PECC Director. All requests for "Critical Resources" must receive approval from the EOC Director, PREOC Director, or PECC Director.
D |
Disaster
A catastrophic event caused by accident, fire, explosion, technical failure, or natural forces that leads to significant harm to people's health, safety, or welfare, or widespread damage to property.
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A unit within the planning section that is responsible for gathering, recording, and safeguarding all relevant documents related to the response.
E |
Emergency
An impending event or situation caused by accident, fire, explosion, technical failure, or natural forces that demands immediate coordination of actions or specific regulations for individuals or property to safeguard people's health, safety, or welfare and minimize damage to property.
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An event refers to a planned, non-emergency activity. The Incident Command System (ICS) can be utilized as the management system for a diverse range of events, such as parades, concerts, or sporting events, to ensure organized and effective coordination.
F |
Finance/Administration
Responsible for financial activities and other administrative aspects.
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In BCEMS, function refers to the five major activities such as command/management, operations, planning, logistics, and finance. The term function is also used when describing specific activities, for example, the planning function. In some instances, sections, branches, and units are loosely referred to as functions as well.
G |
General Staff
A collective of management personnel reporting to the manager. The general staff includes the Operations section chief, Planning section chief, Logistics section chief, and Finance section chief.
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The person responsible for overseeing the overall management at the Group Lodging facility.
H |
Helibase
The main place where helicopters are parked, fueled, maintained, and loaded in support of an incident.
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Any assigned location where a helicopter can safely land and take off. Some helispots may also be used for loading and unloading supplies, equipment, personnel, and for medical evacuation.
I |
Incident
An event caused by humans or natural forces that needs response personnel to take action in order to prevent or minimize harm to people, property, and the environment, and to lessen economic and social losses.
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Responsible for providing services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. ISC works to support the well-being and advancement of Indigenous communities by addressing various aspects such as healthcare, education, social services, infrastructure, and economic development.
J |
Jurisdiction
The scope or area of authority. Agencies possess jurisdiction at an incident based on their legal responsibilities and authority for incident mitigation.
K |
Key Ministry
The provincial ministry/ministries tasked with coordinating the government's response to the occurrence of any hazards for which it holds responsibility as specified by regulation.
L |
Life-Safety
Refers to the combined consideration of both the life and physical well-being of individuals.
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The section responsible for providing facilities, services, personnel, equipment, and support to the incident.
M |
Management
Responsible for overall emergency policy and coordination; public information and media relations; agency liaison; and proper risk management procedures, through the joint efforts of local government agencies and private organizations.
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Mobilization Centre: Locations off-incident where emergency service personnel and equipment are temporarily situated while awaiting transfer to the site. Note that this is not a staging area.
N |
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O |
Operations
Responsible for coordinating all jurisdictional operations in support of the emergency response through implementation of the jurisdiction’s Action Plan. Includes Branches, Divisions and / or Groups, Task Forces, Strike Teams, Single Resources, and Staging Areas.
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Resources that have been allocated to an incident but are temporarily unable to respond due to mechanical issues, the need for rest, or staffing reasons.
P |
Planning
Responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information. They create the Action Plan for the area and keep track of what's happening. They work together with other teams and handle all the paperwork at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
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During emergencies, Indigenous and local governments lead local responses, but if the situation exceeds their capacity, PREOCs can be activated for support. Staffed with emergency management professionals, PREOCs aid Indigenous and local governments in response planning, coordination, and logistics. There are six PREOCs in B.C., one in each EMBC region (PDF, 279 KB)
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R |
Radio Cache
A collection of radios stored in a pre-determined location, ready to be assigned to incidents as needed.
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Risk management is the strategic process of identifying, assessing, and implementing measures to minimize adverse impacts from accidental or business losses within an organization.
S |
Safety Officer
A member of the Command Staff responsible for watching and evaluating safety hazards or unsafe situations. They develop measures to ensure the safety of personnel. The Safety Officer may have assistants.
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A branch within the Logistics Section responsible for providing personnel, equipment, and supplies. This includes Supply, Facilities, and Ground Support Units.
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U |
Unit(s)
The organizational element with functional responsibility for a specific Planning, Logistics, or Finance/Administration activity.
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W |
WebEOCdefinition
A crisis information management system where resource requests are sent and provided to participating partners/agencies who are expected to respond during emergency events.
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