Auto-generate an ICS 201 form
The auto-generate tool builds your ICS 201 incident briefing from data the session already holds: the situation summary, objectives, and org chart flow in automatically, and you fill the rest through a guided screen. The output is an editable PDF saved straight into the form's version history.
Before you start
Requires an IAP licence. You need to be in an active Virtual Emergency Operations Centre (VEOC) session with ICS Forms open. If the form requires an approver and nobody holds that position, a message appears; you can continue, but assign the position so approval does not stall.
Steps
In ICS Forms, click the wand icon on the ICS 201 form, then Proceed. (Close cancels at any point.)
Map Sketch. A selection is required. Choose No Map Sketch to leave the section blank, or Upload images to include. Appendix Attachment places the images at the end of the form instead.
Uploaded images are not stored in VEOC and are not accessible after the form is generated. Keep your own copies.
Situation Summary & Safety Briefing. Defaults pull from the session initiation input. Update as needed; edits save to this form version.
Current & Planned Objectives. Select an operational period from the dropdown to populate its objectives. To change the objectives themselves, use the Objectives (ICS 202) section: Set objectives and operational periods.
Resource Summary. For each resource, complete the mandatory fields: Resources Ordered, Resource Identification, ETA (the time zone matches the session's), Location, and Assignment (dropdown). Check On Scene only if the resource has arrived; skip it when the ETA is in the future. Add New Resource creates another record; the delete icon removes one.
External Notifications. Enter the Agency and Date (both mandatory) plus any Notes for each notification made. Add or delete records as needed.
Attachments. Attach PDF files; they appear after the additional Map Sketches section, in list order.
Preview opens a downloadable PDF in a new browser tab. The current org chart is included automatically, along with the session name, date and time prepared, and the form creator's role and name.
Click Save to finalize the form into the ICS Forms Version History.
After you save
If the form requires approval, an automatic direct message goes to the assigned approver in the Forum, and only the creator and approver can view the form until it is approved. See Set approvers and approve ICS forms.