Western Kern County ARES®
Rev. December 2012

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COMMUNICATIONS UNIT LEADER CHECK LIST

    The following checklist should be considered as the minimum requirements for this position. Note that some of the tasks are one-time actions; others are ongoing or repetitive for the duration of the incident.
 Task
1. Obtain briefing from the Logistics Section Chief or Service Branch Director.
2. Organize and staff Unit as appropriate:
         Assign Communications Center Manager and Lead Incident Dispatcher.
         Assign Message Center Manager and ensure adequate staff is assigned to answer
            phones and attend fax machines.
3. Assess communications systems/frequencies in use; advise on communications
    capabilities/limitations.
4. Develop and implement effective communications procedures (flow) internal and external to
    the incident/Incident Command Post.
5. Assess Incident Command Post phone load and request additional lines as needed.
6. Prepare and implement Incident Communications Plan (ICS Form 205):
     Obtain current organizational chart.
     Determine most hazardous tactical activity; ensure adequate communications.
     Make communications assignments to all other Operations elements, including
        volunteer, contract, or mutual aid.
     Determine Command communications needs.
     Determine support communications needs.
     Establish and post any specific procedures for use of Incident Command Post
        communications equipment.
7. Document all activity on Unit Log (ICS Form 214)