The "hardware" systems that transfer information. Planning: Planning for the use of all available communications resources. Networks: The procedures and processes for transferring information internally and externally. Composition Incident commander Single incident commander – Most incidents involve a single incident commander. In these incidents, a single person commands the incident response and is the decision-making final authority. Unified command – A unified command involves two or more individuals sharing the authority normally held by a single incident commander. Unified command is used on larger incidents usually when multiple agencies or multiple jurisdictions are involved. A Unified command typically includes a command representative from major involved agencies and/or jurisdictions with one from that group to act as the spokesman, though not designated as an Incident Commander. A Unified Command acts as a single entity. It is important to note, that in Unified Command the command representatives will appoint a single operations section chief. Area command – During multiple-incident situations, an area command may be established to provide for incident commanders at separate locations. Generally, an area commander will be assigned – a single person – and the area command will operate as a logistical and administrative support. Area commands usually do not include an operations function. Command staff Safety officer – The safety officer monitors safety conditions and develops measures for assuring the safety of all assigned personnel. Public information officer – The public information officer (PIO or IO) serves as the conduit for information to and from internal and external stakeholders, including the media or other organizations seeking information directly from the incident or event. While less often discussed, the public information officer is also responsible for ensuring that an incident's command staff are kept apprised as to what is being said or reported about an incident. This allows public questions to be addressed, rumors to be managed, and ensures that other such public relations issues are not overlooked. Liaison officer – A liaison serves as the primary contact for supporting agencies assisting at an incident. General staff Operations section chief: Tasked with directing all actions to meet the incident objectives. Planning section chief: Tasked with the collection and display of incident information, primarily consisting of the status of all resources and overall status of the incident. Finance/administration section chief: Tasked with tracking incident-related costs, personnel records, requisitions, and administrating procurement contracts required by Logistics. Logistics section chief: Tasked with