National Incident Management System NIMS, an Introduction Steve Gage Emergency Management Specialist USDA Forest Service

Background In February of 2003, President Bush signed Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 (HSPD-5). This action directed the development of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and a rewrite of the National Response Plan (NRP). NIMS establishes standards for all levels of government and non-government agencies as well as some private sector companies to use when responding to domestic incidents.

I100/ IS-700 NWCG and DHS designs for Incident Command organizations are identical. DHS approach to ICS looks beyond wildfire applications to wide ranging all-risk initiatives, that engage local and state government in preparedness and response. IS-700 addresses both “Command and Control”, and “Coordination” processes

NWCG IS-700 Compliance In this lesson, we will provide orientation to those basic ICS concepts in the DHS-5 directive not addressed in I100

Six Components to NIMS Command and Management Preparedness Resource Management Communications and Information Management Supporting Technologies Ongoing Management and Maintenance

Command and Management Incident Command System (ICS)- standard, on-scene, all hazard management system. Multi-agency Coordination Systems - preplanned processes designed to support on- scene operations during incident response. Public Information Systems –preplanned processes to ensure the public receives accurate, timely information.

Incident Command System Establishes a common management structure. Is interdisciplinary and flexible Over 30 years experience in applied use Enables communication for safe, efficient and cost effective response. Basic design enables Single agency, or Unified or Area Command applications

Multi-agency Coordination Systems Established on large or wide scale emergencies. Facilitate logistics support and resource tracking Establish priorities for resource tracking Coordinate incident related information Coordinate interagency and intergovernmental policy issues

Public Information Systems Incident PIO member of Command Staff directed by IC Establishes and operates within parameters for Joint Info System (JIC) Key elements of JIC include interagency coordination and integration, development/delivery of coordinated messages

Preparedness Process for planning, training and exercising Personnel Qualification and Certification Equipment Certification Mutual Aid and Emergency Management Assistance Compacts Publication Management

Planning, Training, Exercising Establish and coordinate emergency plans and protocols Promote interoperability between jurisdictions and agencies Establish protocols/priorities for resource sharing Define key hazards to establish training/exercise needs.

Personnel Qualification and Certification Identify workforce needs for assigned planning level. Define training requirements and approved courses for all NIMS users, including instructor qualifications Based on national standards for qualification and certification of emergency response personnel.

Equipment Certification The NIMS Integration Center (NIC) will; Facilitate development and or publication of national equipment standards, guidelines and protocols. Review and approve lists of emergency responder equipment that meets these standards.

Mutual Aid and EMACs Mutual Aid and Emergency Management Assistance Compacts establish formal mechanism for jurisdictions (including states) to support one another during and incident. These jurisdictions are encouraged to enter agreements with; one another, Private sector and NGO’s Private organizations, such as ARC.

Publication Management NIC will manage publications including; development of numbering/naming conventions. Review and certification of publications Methods of publication control Identify sources and suppliers Management of distribution

Resource Management Advanced Planning Resource Identification and Ordering Resource Categorization (Typing) Use of Agreements Effective Management

Advanced Planning Emergency response agencies need to work together to plan “integrated response” to the hazards within shared jurisdictions. Identification of data sets that guide readiness levels, trigger points, pre- positioning will improve response efficiency and remove duplication.

Resource Identification and Ordering Sharing of resource lists within interagency partnerships improves info currency and helps reduce costs As incident evolves requirements and availability change, and require interagency coordination. Resources IC cannot obtain locally must be submitted through EOC or Multi-agency Coordination Entity using established procedures.

Resource Categorization (Typing) Categorizing resources by capability based on measurable standards. Designed to be as simple as possible to facilitate frequent use and accuracy. Certification and credentialing of personnel assures training, experience and fitness levels

Use of Agreements MOUs and other formal documents detail; Call-up procedures Costs/ cost recovery Demobilization notification And enable organizational efficiency within the IMT logistics and financial functions

Effective Management Established procedures enable continuous tracking from mobilization through demobilization. Effective resource tracking enables response to shifting resource priorities over the life of an incident.

Communications and Information Management Common Operating Picture for all Jurisdictions and Agencies Common Communications and Data Standards

Common Operating Picture across all Jurisdictions and Agencies Helps ensure consistency at all levels, among all who respond to or manage incident response. Closely tied to effective communication management within the IMT and coordinating agencies.

Common Communications and Data Standards Effective Communications, both within and outside of the incident response structure, are enhanced by adherence to common standards. Data sets such as ROSS, IQCS, and IQS are designed for interoperability

Principles of Supporting Technologies Interoperability and Compatibility Technology Support Technology Standards Broad-based Requirements Strategic Planning and R&D

Interoperability and Compatibility Systems must be able to work together Identification of compatible systems can establish baseline for cooperation Identification of incompatibilities can initiate work processes to address needed change

Technology Support All organizations using NIMS will be able to enhance all aspects of incident management and emergency response. Technology support facilitates incident operations and sustains R&D programs.

Technology Standards NIC will coordinate the establishment of tech standards for NIMS users, within following principles. Performance measures as basis for standards. Consensus based Performance Standards Test/Evaluation by Objective Experts Tech guides for training Emergency Responders on Equipment Use

Broad-based Requirements Needs for new technologies, procedures, protocols likely to be identified at field and national levels Since needs likely to exceed available resources, NIMS provides approach to aggregating and prioritizing. Such needs will be met across incident life cycle by coordination of research and evaluation.

Strategic Planning for R&D Needed to identify future technologies that can improve response or lower costs. NIC, in coordination with DHS will integrate into the National R&D agenda the incident management science and technology needs of responders at all levels.

Ongoing Management and Maintenance- Concepts and Principles NIMS design ensures that all users and stakeholders have opportunity to participate in all phases of NIMS Integration Center activities. NIMS maintenance and management relies heavily on lessons learned and recognized best practices

Ongoing Management and Maintenance – Structure and Process Secretary of DHS will establish and administer NIC Proposed changes to NIMS will be submitted to NIC for consideration and approval. Secretary of DHS has ultimate approval authority.

NIMS Integration Center Responsibilities Responsible for; National program for education and awareness Promotion of compatibility between NIMS national level and other public, private and professional groups Development of materials and standardized templates to support implementation and refinement.

NIC Responsibilities, continued Developing assessment criteria for various system components. Facilitating the definition of general training requirements. Facilitating the development of standards and protocols for training and exercises And many more.

The NIMS Integration Center Strategic direction for and oversight of NIMS and the NRP Support NIMS implementation through... Mutual aid, resource management, credentialing NIMS National Standard Training Curriculum Guidance and evaluation tools

The NIMS Integration Center NIMS Advisory Committee Guides for Elected Officials EOP Guidance for States/Locals NIMS Communications Coordination of Activities

The NIMS Integration Center General Information Web Page: NIMS-Integration- NIMS Training: sp NRP Training: sp ICS Training:

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