Event Overview
When a gas emergency or customer outage occurs, clear command and coordination are critical. This course is designed for operations, safety, and emergency response team personnel who are responsible for managing fast-moving, high-risk distribution incidents. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how the Incident Command System (ICS) is used during gas distribution leak emergencies and outage responses. The training focuses on real-world application—how ICS establishes clear leadership, communication, and coordination so responders can act quickly, safely, and in alignment with regulatory and organizational expectations.
The course covers core ICS principles, roles, and processes with emphasis on scaling ICS appropriately for distribution incidents rather than large-scale disasters. Participants will explore how ICS supports effective decision-making, situational awareness, and coordination across operations, safety, communications, and leadership during time-critical events. Mutual Aid is also addressed, including how to integrate external crews into an established command structure, set clear expectations, and maintain consistent communication and work coordination. By the end of the course, participants will understand how consistent use of ICS improves response efficiency, reduces confusion, and supports safe, organized restoration of service during emergencies and outages.
The course will be taught in two sessions:
Session 1 (2 Hours) will review the basic principles of Emergency Planning and Response, ICS, Mutual Aid pluses/minuses, and the SGA/NGA Emergency Preparedness and Response Tactical Guide and Emergency Response Quick Tips. Planning considerations.
Session 2 (2 Hours) will be a participative workshop for sharing individual company response plans, scenario group discussions, and response Lessons Learned.
Attendees will receive 4 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion.
Course Objectives
- Explain the purpose and structure of the Incident Command System (ICS) and its application to gas distribution emergencies and outages, applying ICS
- Apply core ICS roles, responsibilities, and processes to establish clear command, communication, and coordination during incident response.
- Integrate Mutual Aid resources into an existing command structure to support safe, efficient emergency response and service restoration.
Who Should Attend
PSMS stakeholders, leadership, compliance, engineers, company emergency personnel, and general PSMS users
