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Commentary | Sept. 8, 2022

Submit your suggestions for the Coast Guard Incident Management Handbook (IMH) 

By Zach Shapiro, MyCG Writer 

The Coast Guard Office of Emergency Management and Disaster Response (OEM) is revising the Incident Management Handbook (IMH)—and this is your chance to make recommendations. OEM has developed a survey that will allow the workforce to leave their mark on this important document. 
 
Last drafted in May 2014, the IMH is a core Coast Guard resource that is often shared with interagency partners in emergency response and incident management. It is designed to be an easy reference job aid for responders that provides guidance for response personnel. Various federal agencies use this document as a guide in their response efforts. 
 
The 2022 revision process will help align the IMH with the Commandant’s Intent and will ensure that the service remains ready for new challenges and emergencies. As the Coast Guard’s mission rapidly evolves, OEM is updating the IMH to meet modern standards of national incident policy and shifting service needs. The IMH will incorporate new National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) best practices.  

 
As working groups convene to update the IMH, the Coast Guard's Office of Emergency Management and Disaster Response wants your ideas for the new version. You can offer your experiences to help keep the Coast Guard prepared for any challenge. The survey will also harness outside knowledge from our partner agencies and others to improve future efforts. 
 
“The survey is a platform to help channel the field’s feedback and comments for the IMH. It will help focus the revision team’s objectives and potentially spark ideas to improve the IMH for the future of Coast Guard operations,” said Lt.j.g. Marshall Grant, who designed the survey. 
 
Help the Coast Guard stay ready for any disaster or emergency, from hurricanes to oil spills and beyond, by taking the survey now. You can complete it on MS Forms here, in hard copy on the CG Homeport here, or on the CG Portal. 
 
Want to be considered for future working groups updating the IMH? Send an email to the program coordinator. Active duty, reservists, civilians, and auxiliarists are encouraged to apply by Oct. 3.

Resources: 

OEM IMH incident management handbook emergency response incident management disaster response CG-OEM feature news Civilian Career Development Reserve Careers

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