The National Incident Management System

National Incident Management System “…a consistent nationwide approach for federal, state, tribal, and local governments to work effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size, or complexity.” -HSPD-5 Will have profound impact on the way we prepare for and respond to domestic incidents and disasters. Nationwide, standardized approach to incident management and response. Establishes a standard, consistent framework for federal, state, tribal and local governments to work together to respond to incidents, emergencies – no matter the cause or complexity. Developed by Homeland Security at the request of the President – Homeland Security Presidential Directive—5. Not only about response – also about preparedness, prevention, recovery and mitigation. Built on the foundation of existing systems. Integrates best practices developed over the years. Developed through collaborative process involving functional disciplines in emergency and incident management. Represents a core set of doctrines, concepts, principles, terminologies and processes. Not an operational plan or resource management plan. Not a plan specifically for terrorism or WMD. HSPD-5 requires that federal departments & agencies adopt the NIMS and use to support state, local, tribal entities. It also stipulates that federal departments & agencies require state and local entities to adopt the NIMS as a condition for federal preparedness assistance after a phase-in period.

NIMS: What It Is / What It’s Not NIMS is… Core set of: Doctrine Concepts Principles Terminology Organizational processes Applicable to all hazards NIMS is not… An operational incident management plan A resource allocation plan A terrorism / WMD-specific plan Designed to address international events NIMS NIMS provides overall conceptual framework for incident management. NRP NRP an operational plan spelling out how efforts and resources of participants are integrated into a cohesive response operation. Forms the basis of how the federal government interfaces with state, local, tribal governments and the private sector. Includes planning assumptions, roles and responsibilities, concept of operations and preparedness guidelines. Details missions, policies, structures, responsibilities of federal agencies responding to Incidents of National Significance. Outlines functions of each Emergency Response Function coordinators, primary agencies and support agencies.

National Incident Management System (6 Major Components) Command and Management (1) Incident Command System Multiagency Coordination System Public Information System Components of NIMS … ICS and NIMS … NIMS establishes ICS as the standardized incident organizational structure for responding to all incidents. NIMS requires that states and locals institutionalize “ICS as taught by DHS” across entire response system. This means that ICS training must be consistent with concepts, principles, characteristics of DHS ICS training. Does not mean that ICS training must be provided by a DHS employee or DHS training facility. NIMS ICS training developed by FEMA/EMI is available: ICS-100, Introduction ICS-200, Basic ICS-300, Intermediate ICS-400, Advanced NIMS ICS is based on FIRESCOPE and NIIMS – training developed or provided by FIRESCOPE or NIIMS is consistent with DHS NIMS ICS. As critical components of NIMS ICS are modified by the NIC over time, training providers will need to update accordingly. ICS training should encourage and support integrated training opportunities where law enforcement, fire, public health emergency medical, public works, emergency management train together. MACS A multiagency coordination system involves the integration of personnel, procedures, equipment and facilities into a common system that manages the incident. Response activities are typically coordinated at an Emergency Operations Center, while the Incident Command Post is located at the site of the incident. Public Information Systems Public Information Systems involve the systems and protocols for communicating information to the public during a crisis or emergency situation.

National Incident Management System Components of NIMS … Preparedness (2) Planning Training and Exercises Standards and Certification Mutual Aid Information and Publications Preparedness involves a continuous cycle of planning, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating and taking action to correct and mitigate. Involves guidelines, protocols, standards for planning, training, [personnel qualification and certification, equipment certification and publications… Linked to HSPD-8 Processes for providing guidelines; protocols; standards for planning, training, qualifications and certification; and publication management Mitigation activities are important elements of preparedness “National-level preparedness standards related to the NIMS will be maintained and managed through a multijurisdictional, multidiscipline center, using a collaborative process.”

National Incident Management System Components of NIMS … Resource Management (3) Identify and type resources Certify and credential personnel Inventory, acquire, mobilize, track and recover Concept and Principles NIMS resource management involves typing resources; credentialing personnel; identifying resource requirements; and acquiring, tracking and recovering resources Effective resource management utilizes mutual aid Provides a uniform way to identify and track resources Requires standardized classification of the kinds and types of resources needed in incident management Credentialing system tied to training and standards Coordinated by EOC or Multiagency Coordination System or through ICS structure

National Incident Management System Components of NIMS … Communications and Information Management (4) Supporting Technologies (5) Ongoing NIMS Management (6) Communications and Information Management NIMS requires a common operating picture that is accessible across jurisdictions and agencies. A common operating picture will help ensure consistency at all levels and among those who respond to or manage incident response. Common communications and data standards are fundamental. Effective communications within and outside the response structure are enhanced by adherence to standards. Supporting Technologies NIMS supporting technology standards are based on: Interoperability and compatibility Technology support Broad-based requirements Strategic planning and R&D The NIMS Integration Center will provide ongoing NIMS management.

NIMS Integration Center Initiatives – Resource Typing National Mutual Aid Glossary of Terms and Definitions Resource Typing Definitions – II www.fema.gov/nims/ Enhanced resource management tools designed to help incident managers identify, obtain and track needed resources during an incident or disaster. National Mutual Aid Glossary of Terms and Definitions provides terms for equipment, teams and personnel used in disasters, and Resource Typing Definitions – II, categorizes equipment and teams by functional grouping and then 'types' or organizes them according to capability and/or capacity. Resource management is a key component of the new National Incident Management System. Federal, state and local officials should use the 120 typed definitions as they develop or update their inventories of response assets. Will help ensure that equipment and personnel deployed through NIMS are compatible with those of jurisdictions that work together through mutual aid agreement. The glossary and resource typing definitions may be downloaded from the FEMA.GOV Web site at www.fema.gov/nims/. The resource definitions were developed by federal, state, and local experts from the following disciplines: Animal Health, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Fire/Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medical Services, Health and Medical, Law Enforcement, Public Works, and Search and Rescue.   Also … FEMA developed a model Intrastate mutual aid agreement for use by states and local jurisdictions – www.emacweb.org

NIMS Integration Center Initiatives – Credentialing NIMS calls for a nationwide system for credentialing personnel and equipment … A documentation and database system for qualification, certification and credentialing of incident management personnel and organizations. Specify and standardize roles and responsibilities of first responders operating in emergencies. Ensure that personnel responding to an incident are properly trained and qualified. Provides uniform certification programs so responders can provide mutual aid assistance nationwide. Work with existing entities to establish national recognition for multi-jurisdictional response under mutual aid agreements.

National Incident Management System FY 2005 Compliance: States Incident Command System NIMS into Emergency Operations Plans NIMS into training, exercises Intrastate mutual aid agreements Technical assistance Institutionalize use of Incident Command System Incorporate NIMS concepts into Emergency Operations Plans Incorporate NIMS concepts into existing training programs and exercises Promote intrastate mutual aid agreements Coordinate, provide technical assistance to local entities Use federal preparedness funding supports implementation at state and local levels (Homeland Security Grant Program, Urban Area Security Initiative funds) Letter from Secretary Ridge to Governors, Sept. 8, 2004

National Incident Management System FY 2005 Compliance: State, Local, Tribal Complete EMI Course – NIMS, An Introduction Formally recognize NIMS Establish NIMS baseline Establish strategy for implementing NIMS Institutionalize use of ICS Institutionalize use of Incident Command System Incorporate NIMS concepts into Emergency Operations Plans Incorporate NIMS concepts into existing training programs and exercises Promote intrastate mutual aid agreements Coordinate, provide technical assistance to local entities regarding NIMS Use federal preparedness funding to support NIMS implementation at state and local levels (DHS Homeland Security Grant Program, Urban Area Security Initiative funds) FY 2006: Certify completion of FY 2005 requirements in grant application. FY 2007: Full Compliance Required Letter from Secretary Ridge to Governors, Sept. 8, 2004

The NIMS Integration Center Web Page: www.fema.gov/nims E-Mail: NIMS-Integration-Center@dhs.gov NIMS Training: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp Main Number: 202-646-3850 Mailing Address: NIMS Integration Center, 500 C Street SW, Suite 707, Washington, DC 20472

Virginia Department of Fire Programs IMS Programs Steve Grainer Chief, IMS Programs phone: 804-249-1954 fax: 804-371-3209 email: sgrainer@vdfp.virginia.gov website: www.vafire.com