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Commentary | July 2, 2025

Coast Guard releases updated Incident Management Handbook

By LCDR Terry Plank, Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The Coast Guard has updated its playbook for handling emergencies. The 2025 Incident Management Handbook (IMH) is the first update in over a decade, and reflects the latest best practices in national emergency response. It's easier to use and understand, with clearer language and a better structure for finding important info fast. 
 
Integrating the principles of Force Design 2028, this new handbook focuses on being flexible and adaptable, not just following a checklist. It empowers Coast Guard members and emergency managers to make informed decisions in unpredictable and challenging situations. It also stresses planning ahead and using data to predict and prevent problems. 

Some key improvements include: 

  • Easier to use: Simplified layout and language for quick access to critical information. 
  • Flexible response: Guidance for handling any incident, big or small. 
  • Better teamwork: Improved communication and coordination with other agencies. 
  • Up-to-date procedures: New sections on cyber events, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs), and severe weather. 
  • Assistance for responders: Emphasis on responder resilience for crisis operators. 

The new IMH is available via the Coast Guard intranet (CAC required), and is available to our stakeholders at via our public facing site. Printed versions will soon be available through the Government Publishing Office (GPO).  

The Coast Guard will keep improving the handbook based on your feedback to make sure it’s always the best tool possible. All Coast Guard members, civilians, and emergency response partners are encouraged to read the new IMH. 

-USCG- 

Suggested Imagery: DVIDS - Images - Salvors remove a large portion of bridge blocking the Fort McHenry channel [Image 5 of 21] 
Resources:  

feature news FD28 IMH

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