What is a significant function of an Assisting Agency during an incident?

The significant function of an Assisting Agency during an incident is to provide additional support and resources. This role is crucial because when a major incident occurs, the primary agency managing the response may not have all the necessary resources, personnel, or specialized equipment required to effectively handle the situation. Assisting Agencies step in to fill these gaps, ensuring that the primary agency can maintain focus on managing the incident while relying on additional assistance to enhance operational capabilities.

Assisting Agencies are typically involved in tasks such as supplying equipment, deploying personnel, and offering specific skills or expertise that are integral to the overall incident response. This collaborative effort is essential for ensuring a well-coordinated and effective response, aligning with the principles of mutual aid and inter-agency cooperation that are foundational in emergency management.

Other roles, such as taking over command or creating the Incident Action Plan, are generally designated to the primary agency or the Incident Command System. Conducting assessments might be part of an assisting agency's duties, but their main function is centered around augmenting resources to support the incident management efforts.