Unified command is one way to carry out command in which responding agencies and/or jurisdictions with responsibility for the incident share incident management.
A unified command may be needed for incidents involving multiple jurisdictions or agencies.
If a unified command is needed, incident commanders representing agencies or jurisdictions that share responsibility for the incident manage the response from a single incident command post.
A unified command allows agencies with different legal, geographic, and functional authorities and responsibilities to work together effectively without affecting individual agency authority, responsibility, or accountability.
Under a unified command, a single, coordinated incident action plan will direct all activities.