Free Essay

Nims & Incident Management System

In: Other Topics

Submitted By bizfoshiz0930
Words 1652
Pages 7
Nathan Bizzle
HLS 420-Preparedness, Prevention And Deterrence
MAR-MAY 2014

Picture yourself as an FBI agent in the Afred P. Murrah Federal Building in the city of Oklahoma on April 19, 1995. At 9:02 a.m. a bomb is detonated on the North side of the building reducing a third of the building to rubble incinerating dozens of nearby cars and damaging or destroying some 300 nearby buildings. (Terror Hits Home, 2014) As a first responder, it is imperative that you are able to communicate with local law enforcement, medical agencies and government intelligence agencies as quick as possible in order to ensure that medical care is rendered, innocents are rescued, infrastructure is saved and the source of the destruction is apprehended. The only problem is that you have no expertise in the field of emergency management. You are unaware of neither local nor federal operating procedures in response to such a devastating attack. If only there were a uniform set of processes and procedures that enabled all emergency responders at all levels to work together effectively and efficiently in the management of domestic incidents regardless of their size and complexity. Unfortunately for first responders, emergency management personnel and 168 unfortunate souls in Oklahoma City on that fateful day, there wasn’t. Derived from the Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) was developed by the Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, to develop a consistent nationwide approach for federal, state, tribal and local governments to prepare for and respond to disaster. (NIMS and the Incident Command System, 2004) This systematic approach to incident management was set up with focus on five key areas to practice in the emergency management and incident response. These five focus points used in conjunction with the Incident Command System (ICS) will help provide responders at all areas guidance on quick and effective preparation, response and improvement to any kind of disaster. The first key focus area of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) is that of preparedness. The preparedness module enhances cooperation through all levels of government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. It enforces the principle that preparedness is essential for effective incident and emergency management. This involves a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training equipping, exercising, evaluating and taking corrective measures to achieve and maintain readiness to respond to emergencies. (Preparedness Overview, 2014) Simply put, in this specific phase a region, city, county or parrish’s different threats are identified by both local and later federal emergency management authorities. Scenarios are established and run through in regards to the needs of both first responders and citizens in the community based on the type of disaster and a chain of command along with communications outline if prepared in preparation for the training aspect of each disaster. Various baseline trainings are conducted giving each person involved in the scenario a background of the threat and impact that it may or may not have based on the response capabilities of the community. That training is then put into effect through various exercises designed to test and implement primary, secondary and tertiary measures while later being evaluated for weaknesses or areas of improvements that would help evolve the ability of all aspects and levels of governments involved. Following the re-evaluation of areas that need improvement the process begins all over again with those new controls put into effect. This allows for the NIMS to be an ever-growing and evolving tool as opposed to a static, outdated one that constantly requires re-organization. For example, in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo struck the state of South Carolina, the governor’s office and the Emergency Management System had set-up and established Emergency Operations Centers and neither knew that the other existed. (Miskel, 2006) Through the usage of NIMS it could have easily been recognized that in a state of emergency the primary command center for control of disaster assistance would have been the state’s emergency management agency and the Governor could have used such an agency to establish the need for and request disaster assistance instead of attempting to re-invent the wheel himself. The second focus area for NIMS is that of communications and information management. This particular aspect distinguishes that the lack of emergency communications interoperability across disciplines and jurisdictions hinders situational awareness, command and control and the overall management of response and recover efforts. This particular area focuses on two subcomponents known as a common operating picture and interoperability. The common operating picture gives officials a standard overview of an incident that enabling the Incident Commander/Unified Command and any supporting agency/organization the ability to make timely decisions regarding the disaster/incident. This information is not obtained without interoperability. This allows emergency management and response personnel the ability to communicate in any way possible when needed and authorized. (Communications and Information Management, 2014) In any situation, the key to resolution is the free-flowing exchange of information. With this effective capability achieved, both state and federal officials have a clear picture of what the disaster is, what assets/resources are needed to assist with immediate threats and what assets/resources will be needed post disaster in order to effectively re-boot the local community. It provides a multi-tiered approach in the establishment of communications in the event of failure of one or more pre-planned methods of communications to ensure information can be shared. The third component is that of the effective management of resources in the pre and post disaster stage. This enables the effective identification of accredited individuals, equipment, teams, units and personnel needed in order to respond to a particular type of disaster. The steps taken in response to an incident involve identifying requirements, ordering/acquiring, mobilization, tracking and reporting, de-mobilization, reimbursement and finally inventorying. (Resource Management, 2014) This allows for the affected region to receive the specified number of units of an item needed and then re-acquiring all assets in preparation for the next anticipated need for that particular item. For example, a hurricane hits your county and effectively disables all power for the next days. Through the utilization of NIMS you can identify exactly how many generators are needed to provide power for first responders. Once it has been identified that more generators are needed than on hand, a request is submitted and federal assistance is met in the form of diesel generators and gas to power them. Once power is restored in your local area, the generators are returned to their source, maintenance is performed and the source is reimbursed for their usage. The fourth component is that of the Command and Management System and within, the Incident Command System. In any situation, a chain of command must be established not only for accountability, but also to enable multiple agencies a source of information regarding direction and priority in response to daily situational reports. This is where the Incident Command System (ICS) allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications with a common organizational structure. It does this through a coordinated response on behalf of multiple agencies while establishing common process for planning and management of resources. (Incident Command System, 2014) Think to yourself: In a disaster situation, who knows the local area the best? The local authorities or the federal authorities? So why is it that when a major disaster occurs the federal authorities are largely to blame? ICS allows local authorities to respond to any incident of any kind or size while being able to quickly establish a common management structure in the form of both a logistical, administrative and operational chain of command. This allows the reduction of cost through avoiding the duplication of efforts by multiple agencies. The last component of NIMS is perhaps the most important of all. The Ongoing maintenance and management module provides direction, oversight and coordination of agencies in the application of NIMS in the continued refinement of its concepts and principles. This affords all levels of the government to share lessons learned, refine standard operating procedures and identify shortfalls in response techniques across America. It allows for the ever-demanding task of keeping up with science in technology affording all agencies the ability to have the latest and greatest to support their mission. The National Integration Center (NIC) takes the lead in establishing guidelines and standards in regards to administration and compliance with NIMS, keeping up with standards and credentialing of all levels of response and development of training and exercises that allow agencies the ability to sharpen their usage of NIMS. The National Incident Management System does not hold all the answers in reference to exactly what to do in the event of every type of emergency ever experienced. What it does contain is an ever evolving exchange of information that will enable responders all levels of government to utilize and build upon the framework of a solid foundation for disaster reliefs. This will drastically help reduce the loss of life, money, resources and infrastructure in any emergency situation.

Terror Hits Home: The Oklahoma City Bombing. Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing

NIMS and the Incident Command System. (November 23, 2004) Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://www.fema.gov/txt/nims/nims_ics_position_paper.txt

Preparedness Overview. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-0

Communications and Information Management Overview. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-0

Resource Management. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-0

Incident Command System (ICS) Overview. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved April 6, 2014 from http://www.fema.gov/preparedness-0

Miskel, J.F. (2006). Disaster Response and Homeland Security: What Works, What Doesn’t. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group Inc.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

National Incident Management System (Nims)

...Title: National Incident Management System (NIMS) SEC 310 The federal government has created the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This system directs the creation of a comprehensive, national approach to incident management by federal, state, territorial tribal and local responders. The Presidential directive also makes NIMS compliance a requirement for any of these entities wishing to receive federal funds starting with federal fiscal year 2007. Federal and state response agencies and any agencies receiving federal monies, have been given compliance guidance and are working towards educating and training their respective organization in becoming NIMS compliant. The federal government has expanded the definitions of “ first responder” agencies beyond the traditional fire, Hazmat, Police, EMS to include public works, public health, emergency communications, emergency management, and other agencies involved in disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery activities. The provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, Nongovernment organizations and the private sector to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover , and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss...

Words: 346 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

...finding the balance of collaboration with the whole community to provide training in support of the NIMS Training Program would be the challenge. The challenges of proper communication spread through the community and communication among the joint operations conducted by first responders is critical importance of prevention, protection, mitigation, response...

Words: 510 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

National Incident Management System

...those resources from district 5 agreements, mutual aid agreements and/or other counties, organizations, private sector, or from/through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. National Incident Management System (NIMS) The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a unified approach to incident command, standard command and management structures and an emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid, and resource management. NIMS is structured to facilitate activities in five major functional areas: command, operations, planning, logistics, finance, and administration. NIMS implementation includes process, operational and technical standards integrated into emergency response plans, procedures, and policies....

Words: 442 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Fema Training

...below. When you are ready to proceed, click on the Next button. Review the summary below of "What NIMS is" and "What NIMS is NOT." What NIMS is: | What NIMS is NOT: | * 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 | * A response plan * Only used during large-scale incidents * A communications plan * Only applicable to certain emergency management/incident response personnel * Only the Incident Command System or an organization chart * A static system | Correct. Review the feedback below. When you are ready to proceed, click on the Next button. Review the correct answers below: CONSISTENT WITH NIMS: A jurisdiction is inventorying and categorizing resources (e.g, personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities) to establish and verify levels of capability prior to an incident. Explanation: Inventorying and categorizing of resources is a critical element of preparedness because...

Words: 6379 - Pages: 26

Free Essay

Nims

...What is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)? NIMS is a comprehensive, national approach to incident management that is applicable at all jurisdictional levels and across functional disciplines. It is intended to: • Be applicable across a full spectrum of potential incidents, hazards, and impacts, regardless of size, location or complexity. • Improve coordination and cooperation between public and private entities in a variety of incident management activities. • Provide a common standard for overall incident management. Why do we need NIMS? NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework and approach to enable government at all levels (Federal, State, tribal, and local), the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to work together to prepare for, prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents regardless of the incident’s cause, size, location, or complexity. Consistent application of NIMS lays the groundwork for efficient and effective responses, from a single agency fire response to a multiagency, multijurisdictional natural disaster or terrorism response. Entities that have integrated NIMS into their planning and incident management structure can arrive at an incident with little notice and still understand the procedures and protocols governing the response, as well as the expectations for equipment and personnel. NIMS provides commonality in preparedness and response efforts that allow diverse entities to readily integrate...

Words: 377 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The National Incident Management System

...The National Incident Management System Our experiences of domestic terrorist attacks have taught us many things. For one, it showed how the localized structures and preparedness are not sufficient to effectively and efficiently respond to actual events and threats. It showed how the involvement of agencies at various levels of government could have increased response capacity and how a national approach could have ensured a level of preparedness that is proportionate to the levels of threat that may be experienced. Thus, the National Incident Management System developed standards operating procedures or codes to enhance the different areas of incident management, principles, planning, organization, training, logistics and actual practice that have been implemented nationwide as a requisite for obtaining preparedness budgets FEMA. The result was the formation of the Integrated Command System, Multi Agency Support Systems as well as public information systems (NIMS 2008 Page 1). . These systems ensure the harnessing of resources from the different agencies, levels of government and stakeholders in terms of capacities personnel, finances, logistics or technology. It also enables the smooth working relationship and coordination among these entities in jointly responding to incidents under a common framework and organizational structure NIMS Online. This increased the quality of response to much higher levels, especially which current practices are regularly assessed in to determine...

Words: 1113 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Social Psychology Concept Matrix

...Running head: A CHALLENGE FOR NIMS 1 A Challenge for NIMS Assignment #1 Walter Hogan James Rhyne Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice CRJ-499 Strayer University A CHALLENGE FOR NIMS 2 After 9/11, Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD) 5 and 8 mandated the establishment and implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the standard that all “first Responders” must use when handling large-scale incidents. The stated purpose of HSPD 5 is “to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents by establishing a single, comprehensive national incident management system.” But there was only one problem that was overlooked, and that problem was the training of first responders to effectively handle large scale incidents. NIMS-FEMA Emergency Management Institute offers over one hundred and fifty online courses (I have completed 142 courses) with the main interests and emphasis on how separate organizations work together in all hazards emergencies to save lives and protect property. Public safety’s handling of large scale incidents is always judged by how well they ended, or how many lives were lost or saved, property damage and how quickly was the affected community returned to normal. The question that still needs...

Words: 611 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Incident Command System

...According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website, the Incident Command System (ICS) was developed “in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire in California” (NIMS, 2004) in 1970. During the fire “16 lives were lost, 700 structures were destroyed, and over one-half million acres burned” at the expense of “$18 million per day” (NIMS, 2004) in overall costs. The responding agencies worked as well as they could together but they had many communications issues. Three years after the incident, in 1973 a system known as “FIRESCOPE” (NIMS, 2004) (Firefighting Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies) was developed. This is where the ICS and Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS) were developed. Soon there was “agreed upon ICS common terminology and procedures and conducted limited field-testing of ICS” (NIMS, 2004) the system was used on several fires and adopted by the Los Angeles Fire Department. During the 1980’s it was realized that the ICS could be used on many different large scale incidents to manage personnel and so all responders used the same terminology to create easier communications between responding agencies. Characteristics of the ICS include: • Common Terminology • Modular Organization • Management by Objectives • Reliance on an Incident Action Plan • Manageable Span of Control • Pre-designated Incident Mobilization Center Locations & Facilities • Comprehensive Resource Management • Integrated Communications • Establishment...

Words: 562 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Nims and Incident Command

...NIMS and the Incident Command System The way this nation prepares for and responds to domestic incidents is about to change. It won't be an abrupt change; best practices that have been developed over the years are part of this new comprehensive national approach to incident management known as the National Incident Management System (NIMS). But it will change � and for the better. Developed by the Department of Homeland Security and issued in March 2004, the NIMS will enable responders at all jurisdictional levels and across all disciplines to work together more effectively and efficiently. Beginning in FY 2006, federal funding for state, local and tribal preparedness grants will be tied to compliance with the NIMS. One of the most important 'best practices' that has been incorporated into the NIMS is the Incident Command System (ICS), a standard, on-scene, all-hazards incident management system already in use by firefighters, hazardous materials teams, rescuers and emergency medical teams. The ICS has been established by the NIMS as the standardized incident organizational structure for the management of all incidents. Although many agencies now use various forms of ICS, there...

Words: 3765 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Written Assignment 5

...NIMS and the Incident Command System The way this nation prepares for and responds to domestic incidents is about to change. It won't be an abrupt change; best practices that have been developed over the years are part of this new comprehensive national approach to incident management known as the National Incident Management System (NIMS). But it will change � and for the better. Developed by the Department of Homeland Security and issued in March 2004, the NIMS will enable responders at all jurisdictional levels and across all disciplines to work together more effectively and efficiently. Beginning in FY 2006, federal funding for state, local and tribal preparedness grants will be tied to compliance with the NIMS. One of the most important 'best practices' that has been incorporated into the NIMS is the Incident Command System (ICS), a standard, on-scene, all-hazards incident management system already in use by firefighters, hazardous materials teams, rescuers and emergency medical teams. The ICS has been established by the NIMS as the standardized incident organizational structure for the management of all incidents. Although many agencies now use various forms of ICS, there is considerable uncertainty about NIMS ICS and the impact it will have on systems and processes currently in place. These are important questions because one of the FY 2005 requirements for implementing NIMS is "institutionalizing the use of ICS, across the entire response...

Words: 3765 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Nims Compliance

...Spring 2012 Date Emergency Management Plan for Daytona State College Incident Command System (ICS) ICS provides a standardized incident response preplanning that is on-scene and caters for all hazards. ICS is based on a flexible and scalable response to hazards that can expand or contract as the need arises. At the scene of the incident, responders may come from multiple agencies that do not normally work together but can work efficiently due to the standardization of ICS (Porter 21). There are two classifications of ICS activities. These are incident and events. Incidents are the unplanned situations that necessitate response from various parties. Incidences include terrorism, natural disasters, and hazardous material spills. On the other hand, events are planned situations. Events require the emergency responders to preplan how to respond to emergencies. Some examples of events include parades, inaugurations, parties, concerts, and other state fairs. In ICS, all individuals participating in the operations report to only one supervisor. This helps in eliminating conflicting orders to the individuals (Porter 21). This greatly aids in improving the efficiency of the activities especially if the emergency responders have to expand them. Main Components of NIMS Preparedness Effective emergency management activities should have preparedness activities that are continuously undertaken prior to any potential incident. NIMS focus on five elements of preparedness:...

Words: 1001 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

National Incident Management System

...National Incident Management System 1 RUNNING HEAD: National Incident Management System National Incident Management System February 15, 2012 National Incident Management System 2 National Incident Management System The National Management System provides the template for the management of agencies on all government levels. They provide a proactive and systematic approach to guiding all departments, agencies, all levels of government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to work together in prevention, protection, response, recovery and mitigation of the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location or complexity in order to reduce the loss of life and harm to the environment. The National Incident Management System works together with the National Response Framework. While the NIMS handles the management of incidents, the National Response Framework (NRF) provides the structure and mechanisms for national level policy for incident management (http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/AboutNIMS.shtm). According to the Department of Homeland Security website, on February 28, 2003, the President issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5 which directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer the National Incident Management System (NIMS). It was stated in HSPD-5 that the system will provide a consistent nationwide approach on the Federal, State and Local levels of government in regards to domestic...

Words: 581 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

National Response Framework

...all-hazards response in the five preparedness mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and disaster recovery. NIMS * When would a Deputy Incident Commander (Deputy IC) be necessary? Give examples. * In The missing piece of NIMS: Teaching incident commanders how to function in the edge of Chaos, the author notes that first responders have to deal with a disaster situation already unfolding, and not “all the pieces fit together nicely.” The author writes about the Five Tenets of Working in Chaos. Please paraphrase each one using your own words. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a master plan for departments and agencies of all levels of government, nongovernment and private sector agencies to work together to handle an event, natural disaster or man-made terrorist attack regardless of scope, reason, or location.3 The NIMS is the heart of the National Preparedness System (NPS) which is a collection of frameworks created to make the handling of disasters uniform. Emergency management personnel trained in NIMS will handle a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C. the same way that an Incident Commander is handling a massive hurricane on the Gulf Coast. Any disaster has an inherent level of chaos from the very beginning. Having a framework to follow prevents the first responders from adding to the confusion. If NIMS is considered the big picture, the playbook is the National Response Framework. The NRF is scalable, flexible and adaptable...

Words: 2105 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Hazardous Materials Emergincy Response Plan

...name] | 10/23/2011 | Table of Contents PURPOSE OF EMERGENCY PLAN.................................................................................. PLANNING FOR EMERGENCY....................................................................................... PROCEDURES............................................................................................................... RESPONDERS SAFETY................................................................................................... DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS................................................................................. INCIDENT COMMAND CENTER .................................................................................... INCEDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ISC) FIRE DEPARTMENT....................................................................................................... INCIDENT CLASSIFICATION EVACUATION PROCEDURES.......................................................................................... POLICE DEPARTMENT .................................................................................................. EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONCE................................................................................. STAGING MANAGER COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES.................................................................................. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGINCY RESPONSE PLAN PURPOSE OF EMERGENCY PLAN This plan is to serves as a guide-line for city of Chula...

Words: 1735 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

National Response Plan

...establish consistent, often times comprehensive changes to the way it accomplishes Emergency Response operations. The catastrophic events of both September 11, 2001 and the lingering tragedy of Hurricane Katrina proved to be instantaneous prompts for the evolution of governmental amendment to and eventual restructure of the overarching procedural standard for incident response in the country. One of the many important after-effects would become what was labeled the National Response Framework, or NRF. A detailed outline of the NRF structure and intent follows. The template is a doctrinal approach to the domestic partnerships and implementation of resources above and beyond those rules set by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) (FEMA, 2012). The sole purpose of the 90-page document is to ensure that government executives, private sector, nongovernmental organization (NGO) leaders, and emergency management practitioners across the nation understand domestic incident response roles, responsibilities and relationships in order to respond more effectively to any type of incident. General administrators of NRF-specific guidance will typically be policy-level personnel or heads-of-agencies, who directly or strategically coordinate echelon and subordinate agencies at all eventual layers of government emergency response. It is guided mainly by the data and regulatory information offered to emergency managers at the NRF Resource Center...

Words: 2281 - Pages: 10