Which ICS functional area tracks resources, collects and analyzes information, and maintains documentation?

The Planning Section within the Incident Command System (ICS) is responsible for supporting the incident action planning process by tracking resources, collecting and analyzing information, and maintaining documentation.

The Planning Section ensures effective incident management by providing a structured framework for organizing and coordinating resources, information, and efforts across various agencies and responders. The Planning Section, integral to the Incident Command System, is essential in scenarios like hurricane response operations. In such cases, it coordinates multi-agency efforts by assessing resource needs, developing action plans, and maintaining detailed documentation, which is vital for managing the deployment of rescue teams, allocating emergency supplies, and adapting strategies to the rapidly changing conditions of the disaster.