Command Setup: Checklist

Command Setup: Checklist

Purpose Statement

  1. 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

  1. 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.  In Web Responder, select the Responder Module and then Command Setup.






2.   In Command Setup, select Checklist






3.  Checklists are divided into 2 areas Checklist Item Types and Checklist Items. Checklist Item Types are the categories or groups that the Checklist Items (or tasks) will be assigned.






4A.   To create a Checklist Item Type select Checklist Item Types.
4B.  Then select "+ Create Checklist Item Type".






5A.  Enter the Name of the Checklist Item Type.
5B.  Select Create.   






6.  The Checklist Item Types (as well as Checklist Items) can be edited with the Pencil icon or Archived using the File Box icon.






7A. To create a Checklist Item select Checklist Items.
7B.  Then select "+ Create Checklist Item".







8A.  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.

8B.  Enter the Name of the Checklist Item.
8C.  Enter the Threshold time (if desired).
8D.  Select Create.





9.  To make an archived Checklist Item Type active, navigate to the Archived section of Checklist Item Types, and select the checkmark next to the item to make it active again. Once confirmed the Checklist Item Type will appear back in the Active list again.





10.  To make an archived Checklist Item active, navigate to the Archived section of Checklist Items, and select the checkmark next to the item to make it active again. Once confirmed the Checklist Item Type will appear back in the Active list again.



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.

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