COG Mutual Aid Operations Plan

Question 1

What was entered in to effectuate the provisions of the National Captial Region Mutual Aid Agreement, entered into by local governments and other entities in the Metropolitan Washington Area, and effective by its terms when?

Answer 1

Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Operations Plan (“MAOP”), December 15, 2005

COG MAOP pg. 4

Question 2

The National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement was authorized by which Act and when?

Answer 2

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protect Act of 2004, December 17, 2004

COG MAOP pg. 4

Question 3

Participants in the Fire and Rescue MAOP are expected to have what?

Answer 3

The FULL operational capability and organization authority to comply with the provisions of this plan.

COG MAOP pg. 4

Question 4

It is the intent of the participants of the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Operations Plan that this plan is not what?

Answer 4

subject to Federal or State Freedom of Information disclosure requirements, under applicable law enforcement, emergency management, and anti-terrorism expectations.

COG MAOP pg. 5

Question 5

The ICS provides for the implementation of an incident management system for which following types of operations?

Answer 5

Single-jurisdiction/ Single-agency incidents
Single-jurisdiction/ Multi-agency incidents
Multi-jurisdiction/ Single-agency incidents
Multi-jurisdiction/ Multi-agency Incidents.

COG MAOP pg. 5

Question 6

Definitions
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5)

Answer 6

A Presidential directive issued on February 28, 2003, and intended to enhance the ability of the U.S. to manage domestic incidents by establishing a single, comprehensive national incident management system.

COG MAOP pg. 7

Question 7

Prior mutual aid agreements to Section 7302 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act of 2004 in the time of emergency or other joint powers agreements entered into that are not intended to implement the Act, will what?

Answer 7

will not be referred to as mutual aid agreements. Rather they may be referred to as mutual assistance agreements, supplementary mutual aid agreements, or just agreement or memoranda of understanding.

COG MAOP pg. 7

Question 8

NIMS Definitions
Command Staff

Answer 8

In an incident management organization, the Command Staff consists of the Incident Command and the special staff positions of Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, Liason Officer, and other positions as required, who report directly to the IC. They may have an assistant or assistants, as needed.

COG MAOP pg. 9, 10

Question 9

NIMS Definitions
Function

Answer 9

Function refers to the five major activities in ICS: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. The term function is also used when describing the activity involved, e.g., planning function. A sixth function, Intelligence, may be established, if required, to meet incident management needs.

COG MAOP pg. 10

Question 10

NIMS Definitions
Incident Command Post (ICP)

Answer 10

The field location at which the primary tactical-level, on-scene incident command functions are performed. The ICP may be collocated with the incident base or other incident facilities and is normally identified by a green rotating flashing light.

COG MAOP pg. 10

Question 11

NIMS Definitions
Logistics

Answer 11

Providing resources and other services to support incident management.

COG MAOP pg. 11

Question 12

NIMS Definitions
Management by Objective

Answer 12

A management approach that involves a four-step process four achieving the incident goal.
1. Establishing overarching objectives;
2. Developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols;
3. Establishing specific, measurable objectives for various incident management functional activities and directing efforts to fulfill them, in support of defined strategic objectives;
4. and, Documenting results to measure performance and facilitate corrective action.

COG MOAP pg. 11

Question 13

Meaning of the acronym MAOP

Answer 13

Mutual Aid Operations Plan

COG MOAP pg. 11

Question 14

NIMS Definition- Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG or COG)

Answer 14

A regional organization of Washington area local governments. COG is composed of 21 local governments surrounding our nation’s capital, plus, area members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

COG MOAP pg. 11, 12

Question 15

NIMS Definitions
Operations Section

Answer 15

The section responsible for all tactical incident operations. In ICS, it normally includes subordinate branches, divisions, and/or groups.

COG MOAP pg. 12

Question 16

NIMS Definitions
Planning Section

Answer 16

Responsible for the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of operational information related to the incident, and for the preparation and documentation of the IAP. This section also maintains information on the current and forecasted situation and on the status of resources assigned to the incident.

COG MOAP pg. 12

Question 17

NIMS Definitions
Unified Area Command

Answer 17

A Unified Area Command is established when incidents under an Area Command are multi-jurisdictional.

COG MOAP pg. 13

Question 18

Steps for requesting mutual aid.

Answer 18

1. Establishment of need.
2. Establishment of Procedure.
3. Designation of authorized individuals.
4. Modification of designation.
5. Communication of request.
6. Communication of response authorization.
7. Termination of a request.

COG MOAP pg. 14, 15

Question 19

Requests for assistance shall include what?

Answer 19

a. The nature and location of the incident;
b. If not immediate, the date and time of the incident or event;
c. The type and number of resources requested, whether specialized personnel are needed, and/or the number of personnel needed;
d. The location where the assisting units shall report and any special reporting instructions;
e. The appropriate response channel or communication link.

COG MOAP pg. 16

Question 20

Specific procedures for requesting mutual aid, a jurisdiction/agency shall send assistance without being requested.

Answer 20

No. No Jurisdiction/Agency shall send assistance unless requested.

COG MOAP pg. 16

Question 21

Mutual aid personnel assigned to an incident shall fall under whose authority?

Answer 21

The authority of the Incident Commander.

COG MOAP pg. 17

Question 22

Whenever possible, mutual aid personnel shall be deployed as integral units under their own supervisor, if this deployment is not possible, who shall the mutual aid personnel be deployed under?

Answer 22

Under the supervisor(s) (or designee) of the requesting jurisdiction. If neither of these procedures is possible, the deployment shall be determined by the Incident Commander.

COG MOAP pg. 17

Question 23

ICS is managed by ______. ______ are communicated throughout the entire ICS organization through the incident _____ ______.

Answer 23

objectives, Objectives, planning process.

COG MOAP pg. 18

Question 24

Management by objectives includes what?

Answer 24

• Establishing overarching objectives;
• Developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols;
• Establishing specific, measurable objectives for various incident management functional activities;
• Directing efforts to attain them, in support of defined strategic objectives;
• Documenting results to measure performance and facilitate corrective action.

COG MOAP pg. 19

Question 25

On single-jurisdictional incidents who shall have command?

Answer 25

The jurisdiction in which the incident occurs shall have command and control authority.

COG MOAP pg. 20

Question 26

On multi-jurisdictional incidents when jurisdictional boundaries are uncertain, two or more jurisdictions are affected, or doubt exists as to the ultimate responsibility for command, who has command of the scene?

Answer 26

The first unit from one of the affected jurisdictions to arrive on the scene shall have command and control authority, with appropriate transfer of command contingent upon the arrival of senior official(s) from that SAME jurisdiction.

COG MOAP pg. 20

Question 27

Who is responsible for their resolution if issues related to command and control authority cannot be reconciled among chief public safety officials?

Answer 27

The principal elected or appointed officials of the affected jurisdictions.

COG MOAP pg. 21

Question 28

The personnel accountability system is initiated when, and continues until when?

Answer 28

Upon the arrival of the first unit on the scene and continues until the IC de-escalates the incident and releases units.

COG MOAP pg. 22

Question 29

Accountability. During regular intervals, starting at ___ _____ into the incident (or entry into remote hazard area) AND subsequently at regular intervals in accordance with whom, will a formal Accountability roll call be conducted?

Answer 29

20 minute, procedures set forth by the host jurisdiction.

COG MOAP pg. 22

Question 30

Whenever possible, the assisting personnel and equipment shall be withdrawn pursuant to the mutual agreement of the requesting and assisting jurisdictions. If an agreement is now possible, what may occur?

Answer 30

Either the requesting or assisting jurisdiction may unilaterally withdraw the assisting personnel or equipment, only after notifying the other of the intended action.

COG MOAP pg. 23

Question 31

General demobilization guidelines for all personnel are to what?

Answer 31

• Complete all work assignments and required forms/reports;
• Brief replacements, subordinates, and supervisor;
• Evaluate the performance of subordinates;
• Follow incident and agency check-out procedures;
• Provide adequate follow-up contact information;
• Return any incident-issued equipment or other nonexpendable supplies;
• Complete post-incident reports, critiques, evaluations, and medical follow-ups;
• Upon return, notify the home unit (i.e. whomever is tracking you) of your arrival and ensure your readiness.

COG MOAP pg. 23

Question 32

All COG Fire and Rescue Departments, own or share a ___/___ ultra high frequency radio system. This allows for what?

Answer 32

700/800 MHz, daily operations between jurisdictions without the need for any additional interventions from Public Safety Communications Systems Operators.

COG MOAP pg. 24

Question 33

Communications interoperability is defined as what?

Answer 33

The ability of public safety agencies to talk across disciplines and jurisdictions via radio communications systems, exchanging voice and/or data with one another on demand, in real-time, when needed, and as authorized.

COG MOAP pg. 25

Question 34

Four basic types of equipment can be utilized to achieve communications interoperability, what are they?

Answer 34

1. Shared Systems
2. Shared Channels
3. Gateways
4. Cache Radios

COG MOAP pg. 25

Question 35

Communications with the “host” or “dispatching” jurisdiction should be attempted in the following order?

Answer 35

1. Shared system or shared channel that allows the responding unit to communicate on the assigned response frequency. This includes the utilization of a cache radio if time permits for distribution.
2. Utilization of NPSPAC “8-CALL”
3. Fire Mutual Aid Radio System (FMARS).
4. Metropolitan Washington Interoperability Radio System (MIRS) Gateway patch activation.

COG MOAP pg. 26

Question 36

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments RICCS (Reginal Incident Communication and Coordination System); is a software application for what?

Answer 36

Utilized to deliver emergency alerts, notifications, and updates to e-mail accounts and portable electronic devices. The primary host center for RICCS is the District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency.

COG MOAP pg. 27

Question 37

Individuals assuming a command or supervisory assignment must be visually conspicuous on the incident scene. Utilization of ____ ensures what?

Answer 37

vests, ensures that personnel operating at an incident can easily and readily interact effectively with the command staff.

COG MOAP pg. 28

Question 38

Officers in tactical command positions should not utilize a vest if they will be doing what? And why?

Answer 38

entering an IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) environment, as vests can compromise the effectiveness of personal protective equipment.

COG MOAP pg. 28

Question 39

Command vests should be carried in what? A full complement of all identified vests should be carried on which units?

Answer 39

On command vehicles, aboard mobile command units, shift Deputy/Assistant Chief’s vehicles and/or command support units.

COG MOAP pg. 28

Question 40

All helmets shall be marked with what? Turnout coats shall be labeled with what?

Answer 40

The name of the individual’s jurisdiction, with the name of the individual’s jurisdiction and the name of the department member.

COG MOAP pg. 29

Question 41

Upon assumption of “Command”, the IC shall verbalize what and do what? The ICP shall be readily identified by what?

Answer 41

the location of the ICP and he/she shall don the appropriate vest, identified by a fixed green flashing light.

COG MOAP pg. 29

Question 42

The following functional areas are the minimal areas that require identification. Identified how, what color are they and how tall are they?
Public Information Area
Staging Area
Treatment Area

Answer 42

Public Information Area White Flag
Staging Area Green Flag
Treatment Area Orange Flag

Flags shall be at least 3 feet by 2 feet and be displayed at least 12 feet above the ground.

COG MOAP pg. 29

Question 43

When operating in a multi-story structure, it may be necessary to designate geographical locations by floor. This system of geographical designation uses what?

Answer 43

the floor number. For example: Floors designated as Floor 1 - “Division 1”; Parking level or P level 1 - “Division P1”; or Mezzanine level 4/5 - “Messanine Division 4/5.”

COG MOAP pg. 31

Question 44

The Fire Mutual Aid Operations Plan may be amended with the consent of a majority of the Signatory Agencies. If any Signatory Agency elects not to agree to an amendment approved by the majority of the signatories hereto, what shall happen?

Answer 44

it shall notify COG and all signatories and shall of its refusal. Its obligations and opportunities hereunder terminate thirty days after such notice.

COG MOAP pg. 33

Question 45

The update of this document and it appendices will begin when? And be completed when?

Answer 45

Will begin during the fourth year following the approval date on this document and will be completed no later than the completion of the fifth year.

COG MOAP pg. 33

Question 46

The Fire Mutual Aid Operations Plan can be released as needed.

Answer 46

False, under no circumstances should this document and its appendices be released unless prior approval is obtained.

COG MOAP pg. 35