he response structure in ESS involves activating the functions necessary to meet the immediate needs of evacuees based on the overall impact of the incident. Not every function will be filled or addressed in every emergency. For example, if evacuees arrive at the GL facility and there are no special needs issues, then the Special Needs Unit in the Health Branch does not need to be activated. As the situation changes, the organization should also change. Additional functions (Units, Branches etc.) should be activated as needed and demobilized when no longer required. For those functions that are activated, separate responders for each function are not required. In other words, one individual could fulfill multiple functions at the GL facility.
Only those functions that are needed should be activated. Other functions will be activated as needed. It is important to note that one responder can perform several functions. The GL Manager, along with the management team, will determine clear actions for the first operational period such as the services and set-up required.
The GL structure is organized around five primary functions based on the incident command system (ICS): Management, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance. The management function, led by the GL Manager, is responsible for the overall decision-making and smooth-functioning of the GL facility and includes the functions of Information, Liaison, and Safety. The Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance sections are responsible for overseeing the internal functioning of their individual Sections and interacting with GL management and others to ensure an effective ESS response. A diagram of this GL structure is provided in the figure below.
