What is an essential component of the Incident Action Plan?

Establishing strategies is a fundamental component of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) as it outlines the specific goals and objectives for the incident response. The IAP is essentially a roadmap that guides the incident management team, detailing how to effectively allocate resources, prioritize tasks, and coordinate the response efforts.

The strategies identified within the IAP are developed based on the assessment of the current situation, risks, resource availability, and the desired outcomes of the incident. This structured approach ensures that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities, which is crucial for an effective and cohesive response.

Other options, while they may play a role in incident response, do not constitute a core element of the IAP. For example, conducting surveys may help gather information but is not a direct component of the plan itself. Buying new supplies could be part of the logistical support, but it does not directly tie into the strategy formulation. General communications are important for overall clarity and coordination but are not specifically a strategic element of the IAP. Thus, establishing strategies is the foundation upon which a successful incident response is built.