Session 8 1

National Incident Management Systems

Session 8 Slide Deck

Session 8 2

Session Objectives

1. Provide a Brief Overview and Explanation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

2. Provide an Overview of NIMS Compliance and Implementation

3. Explain NIMS Doctrine, Concepts, Principles, and Terminology

4. Provide a Justification for the Existence of NIMS

Session 8 3

NIMS Definition• NIMS provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide

departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss of life and property and harm to the environment.

• NIMS works hand in hand with the National Response Framework (NRF). NIMS provides the template for the management of incidents, while the NRF provides the structure and mechanisms for national-level policy for incident management. (FEMA, 2008)

Session 8 4

ICS Definition• ICS a standardized on-scene emergency management construct

specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.

• ICS is the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents.

• It is used for all kinds of emergencies and is applicable to small as well as large and complex incidents.

• ICS is used by various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private, to organize field-level incident management operations.” (FEMA Glossary, 2009)

Session 8 5

NRF Definition• The NRF is a guide that details how the Nation conducts all-hazards

response from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. • This document establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards

approach to domestic incident response. • The Framework identifies the key response principles, as well as the

roles and structures that organize national response. It describes how communities, States, the Federal Government and private-sector and nongovernmental partners apply these principles for a coordinated, effective national response.

• In addition, it describes special circumstances where the Federal Government exercises a larger role, including incidents where Federal interests are involved and catastrophic incidents where a State would require significant support. It lays the groundwork for first responders, decision-makers and supporting entities to provide a unified national response.” (FEMA, n/d)

Session 8 6

What NIMS Is:

• A comprehensive, nationwide, systematic approach to incident management, including the Incident Command System, Multiagency Coordination Systems, and Public Information

• A set of preparedness concepts and principles for all hazards• Essential principles for a common operating picture and

interoperability of communications and information management

• Standardized resource management procedures that enable coordination among different jurisdictions or organizations

• Scalable, so it may be used for all incidents (from day-to-day to large-scale)

• A dynamic system that promotes ongoing management and maintenance

Session 8 7

What NIMS is Not:• A response plan

• Only used during large-scale incidents

• A communications plan

• Only applicable to certain emergency management / incident response personnel

• On the Incident Command System or an organizational chart

• A static system

Session 8 8

NIMS Compliance

• HSPD-5:– “Beginning in Fiscal Year 2005, Federal

departments and agencies shall make adoption of the NIMS a requirement, to the extent permitted by law, for providing Federal preparedness assistance through grants, contracts, or other activities. The Secretary shall develop standards and guidelines for determining whether a State or local entity has adopted the NIMS.”

Session 8 9

NIC Responsibilities

• Administration and Compliance

• Standards and Credentialing

• Training and Exercise Support

• Publication Management

Session 8 10

NIMS Principles

• Flexibility

• Standardization

Session 8 11

NIMS Components

• Preparedness

• Communications and Emergency Preparedness

• Resource Management

• Command and Management

• Ongoing Management and Maintenence