Purpose Statement
The Checklist feature in the Command Module allows departments to create structured task lists and categories that support systematic incident management. This feature enables incident commanders to ensure critical tasks are completed and tracked throughout emergency operations by organizing checklist items into logical categories (checklist item types).
Background Information
Checklists in the Command Module are organized into two components: Checklist Item Types (categories or lists) and Checklist Items (individual tasks). Checklist Item Types serve as containers or categories that group related tasks together, while Checklist Items are the specific tasks or actions that need to be completed. This hierarchical structure allows departments to create organized, systematic approaches to incident management that ensure nothing is overlooked during emergency operations.
Required Permissions
Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands Templates permission configured in their role:
- Read: View command boards in read-only mode
- Update: Modify command board settings and information
- Create: Initiate new command boards and add custom items
- Delete: Remove command board elements and complete incidents
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to Checklists
- Open the Main Menu
- Select Response
-
Select Command Setup
2. In Command Setup, select Checklist
3. Understand Checklist Structure
- Checklist Item Types act as categories or parent lists
- Checklist Items are individual tasks assigned within each category
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Important Note:
For the sake of simplicity the steps shown below may show either a Checklist item or Checklist item type since the process for creating, editing and managing Checklist Item Types and Checklist Items is identical within each respective section.
4. Search for Existing Checklist Item Types or Checklist Items
- Use the search field at the top of the page
- Enter the checklist item type name or partial text
- Review the returned results
Users can also:
- Filter by the user who created the checklist item type
The search uses fuzzy search functionality, meaning:
- Partial matches may appear
- Similar text matches may also display
To clear the search:
- Select Reset
5. Customize Displayed Columns
- Select the column dropdown menu
- Choose which columns should display
6. Columns can also be:
- Rearranged
- Resized
- Sorted ascending
- Sorted descending
7. Creating a Checklist Item Type
- Select Checklist Item Types.
-
Then select "+ Create Checklist Item Type".
8. Enter the checklist item type name Select Create
9. Creating a Checklist Item
- Select Checklist Item.
- Then select "+ Create Checklist Item".
10. Complete the required and optional information for creating a Checklist Item:
A. Select the Checklist Item Type from the dropdown list to associate this Checklist item with.
Warning:
Checklist Items can only be associated with one Checklist Item Type. This means that if the department has multiple Checklist Items Types (BENCHMARKS & VEHICLE ROLLOVER) that both require a Checklist Item named SEARCH, it will be necessary to build multiple Checklist Items and associate one to each of the Checklist Item Types.
B. Enter the Name of the Checklist Item.
C. Enter the Threshold time (if desired).
D. Select Create.
11. Edit an Existing Checklist Item Type or Checklist Item
- Locate the checklist item type or Checklist Item in the list
- Select the Pencil Icon
- Make the necessary changes
- Select Save
12. Archive an Existing Checklist Item Type or Checklist Item
- Locate the checklist item type or Checklist Item in the list
- Select the File Box Icon
- Make the necessary changes
- Select Save
13. Reactivate an Archived Checklist Item Type or Checklist Item
- Navigate to the archived list of the Checklist Item type or Checklist Item
- Select the checkmark next to the checklist item type or Checklist Item
- Select Confirm
14. Bulk Archive Checklist Item Type or Checklist Item
- Select multiple Checklist Item type or Checklist Items using the checkboxes
- Select the Bulk Archive button
- Select Confirm
15. Bulk Add Checklist Item Types
- Select the Bulk Add button
- Enter multiple checklist item type names into the text field
- Place each entry on a separate line
Once complete:
- Select Preview Import
During preview:
- Entries are compared against existing checklist item types
- Duplicate entries are marked invalid
- Invalid entries will not import
To complete the import:
- Select Import
All valid records will appear in the list.
16. Bulk Add Checklist Items
- Select the Bulk Add button
- Select the Checklist Item Type or category
- Enter checklist item entries into the text field
- Place each entry on a separate line
Each entry should follow this format:
- Checklist Item Name, MM:SS
Example:
- Establish Water Supply, 05:00
- Conduct PAR Check, 10:00
Important:
- Threshold times are optional
- Threshold times must use:
- Double-digit minutes
- Colon separator
- Double-digit seconds
Once complete:
- Select Preview Import
During preview:
- Entries are compared against existing checklist items
- Duplicate entries are marked invalid
- Invalid entries will not import
To complete the import:
- Select Import
All valid records will appear in the checklist item list.
Best Practices
- Create logical checklist item types that reflect your department's operational procedures
- Use descriptive names for both checklist item types and checklist items
- Set appropriate threshold times for time-sensitive checklist items
- Regularly review and update checklists to reflect current best practices
- Train personnel on proper checklist usage during incidents
- Consider creating separate checklist item types for different incident scenarios
- Archive outdated items rather than deleting them to maintain historical reference
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Can one checklist item be associated with multiple checklist item types?
A: No, checklist items can only be associated with one checklist item type. If multiple checklist item types need the same task, you must create separate checklist items for each type.
Q: What is threshold time and when should I use it?
A: Threshold time sets a time limit for completing a checklist item. Use this for time-critical tasks that must be completed within specific timeframes.
Q: Why can't I see the Checklist option in Command Setup?
A: Verify you have the necessary Command Module permissions and administrative access rights.
Q: What happens when I archive a checklist item type that has associated checklist items?
A: Check your system documentation for specific behavior, as this may affect the associated checklist items.
Q: Can I reorder checklist items within a checklist item type?
A: Reordering capabilities depend on your system configuration and may be available through the edit function.
Q: How do I handle duplicate task names across different checklist item types?
A: Create separate checklist items with the same name for each checklist item type that requires that task, as demonstrated in the example with "search" tasks for both "benchmarks" and "vehicle rollover" categories.