Workflow step 2: Plan communications · Incident workspace

Radio communications plan worksheet — auto-saves locally. Works offline after your first visit.

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ICS-205 Frequency Plan

ICS-205 is the Incident Command System radio communications plan — the table of frequencies, tones, and assignments for one operational period. This offline planner builds that table on your device so you can print or export it without FEMA PDFs.

PACE alignment: Map each ICS-205 row to a PACE layer — e.g. Ch 1 = Primary repeater, Ch 2 = Alternate simplex, Ch 3 = Contingency DMR, Ch 4 = Emergency HF. Open PACE planner side-by-side; both forms roll into the incident workspace export.

ChRX MHzTX MHzModeToneAssignment

When to fill ICS-205

Use ICS-205 whenever more than one radio net, talkgroup, or agency channel will be in play. Each row is a channel: function, assignment, RX/TX, tone, and remarks. Align rows with your PACE layers so Primary cell failure has a documented Alternate already programmed.

East Tennessee examples: row 1 might be NETNRC 146.805 MHz PL 203.5 for ham command, row 2 NETNRC GMRS 462.600 PL 88.5 for family or unlicensed staff, row 3 146.520 simplex, row 4 a BrandMeister talkgroup such as Tennessee 3147. Confirm every tone on-air; this form does not replace RepeaterBook or trustee coordination.

The Communications Unit Leader (COML) typically prepares ICS-205; a field operator can still draft it for a small incident or neighborhood drill. Pair with ICS-214 for the activity log and the incident workspace to export one packet.

See also: ICS forms hub · COML hub

Common questions

What is ICS-205?

The ICS radio communications plan listing incident frequencies, tones, and assignments.

Who prepares ICS-205?

Typically the Communications Unit Leader (COML) or designee under the Incident Commander.

Is this an official FEMA form?

It is a field worksheet that captures the same ICS-205 fields. For a typed agency packet, transfer the rows onto the official FEMA ICS-205 PDF.

How many channels belong on ICS-205?

Only channels assigned for this operational period. Spare memories on an HT stay off the form so net control is not hunting dead rows.