NOAA-Specific Incident Command System Training in Honolulu Supports Emergency Response and Preparedness
MARCH 25, 2024 — During the week of March 11, OR&R’s Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) held a three-day NOAA-specific Incident Command System 300 (ICS 300) Level Training at NOAA’s Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This training was the first in-person NOAA ICS 300 class since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During the interim, the class has been held virtually to ensure NOAA staff are trained in ICS 300.
This training is based on the ICS 300 course offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides an in-depth focus on the National Incident Management System Incident Command System (ICS). This specific course, created by OR&R, takes a look into NOAA-specific training that includes key information on NOAA’s authorities and responsibilities relative to preparedness, emergency response, resilience, and recovery activities for major man-made incidents and natural disasters. The course expands on the basic information that is covered in FEMA’s ICS-100 and 200 level online training courses.
The ICS 300 course was taught by Katie Krushinksi, the Training and Exercise Program Manager for NOAA’s Homeland Security Program Office (HSPO) and OR&R staff including DPP’s Emergency Planning Specialist Alyson Finn, DPP’s Training and Disaster Preparedness Specialist Brita Berry, and NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator Paige Doelling. There were 15 participants representing almost all of the NOAA line offices.
A second virtual course in this fiscal year is tentatively planned for August.