Final answer:
The number of Joint Information Centers involved in an incident varies based on the incident's scale and complexity. Usually, one central JIC is established, but there can be multiple if needed. The CDC, for example, has multiple centers that could act as JICs during widespread emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In emergency management, the number of Joint Information Centers (JICs) involved in an incident can vary greatly depending on the scale and complexity of the incident. Typically, there is one JIC set up to function as a central location where public information officers from all agencies involved can coordinate and disseminate information. If an incident is large, complex, or multi-jurisdictional involving several locations, there could be more than one JIC established to manage the flow of information effectively in different areas or aspects of the incident.
For example, in the case of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, there could be multiple command and control centers, including JICs, that monitor outbreaks, resources, and threats using geographic information systems (GIS) and other data sources. The organizational structure of the CDC, where facilities are primarily located in Washington, D.C. area but also spread across the field offices, such as the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) and the Office of Criminal Investigations, suggests that integration and coordination between various JICs might be necessary during widespread public health emergencies.