national incident management system (nims), an...

National Incident ManagementSystem (NIMS), An

IntroductionIS-700

Facilitator Guide

August 2004

FEMA

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Facilitator Guide August 2004 Page i

Lesson 1: What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 1-2What Is NIMS?........................................................................................................................................... 1-2NIMS Compliance...................................................................................................................................... 1-2Why Do We Need a National Incident Management System?.................................................................. 1-3NIMS Concepts and Principles.................................................................................................................. 1-6NIMS Components .................................................................................................................................... 1-6For More Information ............................................................................................................................... 1-10

Lesson 2: Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2-2Incident Command and Management ....................................................................................................... 2-2ICS Features.............................................................................................................................................. 2-4For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 2-8

Lesson 3: Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 3-2Unified and Area Command ...................................................................................................................... 3-2Multiagency Coordination Systems ........................................................................................................... 3-5Multiagency Coordination Systems Elements ........................................................................................... 3-7Multiagency Coordination Entity Incident Responsibilities ........................................................................ 3-8Multiagency Coordination Entity Postincident Responsibilities ................................................................. 3-8For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 3-9

Lesson 4: Public InformationLesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 4-2Public Information During Domestic Incidents........................................................................................... 4-2Coordination of Public Information ............................................................................................................ 4-3For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 4-6

Lesson 5: PreparednessLesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 5-2What Is Preparedness? ............................................................................................................................. 5-2Preparedness Organizations ..................................................................................................................... 5-3Preparedness Planning ............................................................................................................................. 5-3Training and Exercises .............................................................................................................................. 5-4Personnel Qualification and Certification................................................................................................... 5-5Equipment Certification ............................................................................................................................. 5-6Mutual Aid Agreement and Emergency Management Assistance Compacts........................................... 5-6Publication Management ........................................................................................................................... 5-7For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 5-8

Lesson 6: Resource ManagementLesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 6-2What Is Resource Management? .............................................................................................................. 6-2Resource Management Concepts ............................................................................................................. 6-2Resource Management Principles............................................................................................................. 6-3Managing Resources................................................................................................................................. 6-4For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 6-5

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Facilitator Guide August 2004 Page ii

Lesson 7: Communications, Information Management, and Supporting TechnologyLesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 7-2Concepts and Principles ............................................................................................................................ 7-2Managing Communications and Information............................................................................................. 7-3For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 7-3

Lesson 8: Course SummarySummary and Posttest Overview .............................................................................................................. 8-2Introduction to NIMS.................................................................................................................................. 8-2NIMS Concepts and Principles.................................................................................................................. 8-2Command and Management Under NIMS ................................................................................................ 8-3Public Information ...................................................................................................................................... 8-9Preparedness ............................................................................................................................................ 8-9Resource Management ........................................................................................................................... 8-13Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology ............................................. 8-16Taking the Posttest .................................................................................................................................. 8-17

NIMS, An Introduction

August 2004

Lesson 1:What Is theNational IncidentManagementSystem (NIMS)?

What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Facilitator Guide August 2004 Page 1-1

LessonPurpose

This lesson introduces the students to the National Incident Management System(NIMS).

Lesson 1Objectives

After completing this lesson, the students should be able to:

Describe the key concepts and principles underlying NIMS. Identify the benefits of using NIMS as a national response model.

Estimated Time 15 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

Lesson Overview What is NIMS? NIMS Compliance Why Do We Need NIMS? NIMS Concepts and Principles NIMS Components For More Information

Materials NIMS Self-Study Guide Visuals 1.1 through 1.9 Computer with PowerPoint 2000 and Projector

Method ofEvaluation

Evaluation is accomplished using a course posttest upon completion of all thelessons.

The posttest includes 25 multiple-choice items. To receive credit for this course,students must answer 75% of the questions correctly.



Lesson Overview

On February 28, 2003, President Bush issued HomelandSecurity Presidential Directive–5 (HSPD-5). HSPD–5directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to developand administer a National Incident Management System(NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide templateto enable all government, private-sector, andnongovernmental organizations to work together duringdomestic incidents.

This lesson will describe the key concepts and principles ofNIMS, and the benefits of using the system for domesticincident response. At the end of this lesson, the studentsshould be able to describe these key concepts, principles,and benefits.

What Is NIMS?

NIMS is a comprehensive, national approach to incidentmanagement that is applicable at all jurisdictional levelsand across functional disciplines. The intent of NIMS isto:

Be applicable across a full spectrum of potentialincidents and hazard scenarios, regardless of size orcomplexity.

Improve coordination and cooperation between publicand private entities in a variety of domestic incidentmanagement activities.

NIMS Compliance

HSPD-5 requires Federal departments and agencies tomake the adoption of NIMS by State and localorganizations a condition for Federal preparednessassistance (grants, contracts, and other activities) by FY2005.

Jurisdictions can comply in the short term by adopting theIncident Command System. Other aspects of NIMSrequire additional development and refinement to enablecompliance at a future date.

What is NIMS?

A comprehensive, national approach to incidentmanagement

Applicable at all jurisdictional levels and acrossdisciplines

NIMS Compliance

Your jurisdiction must adopt NIMS:

ICS by Oct 1, 2004 Other aspects by a later date (to be determined)



Why Do We Need a National Incident ManagementSystem?

Lessons learned from previous large-scale disasters pointto a need for a National Incident Management System.

Emergencies occur every day somewhere in the UnitedSates. These emergencies are large and small and rangefrom fires to hazardous materials incidents to natural andtechnological disasters. Each incident requires aresponse.

Whether from different departments within the samejurisdiction, from mutual aid partners, or from State andFederal agencies, responders need to be able to worktogether, communicate with each other and depend oneach other.

Until now, there have been no standards for domesticincident response that reach across all levels ofgovernment and all response agencies. The events ofSeptember 11 have underscored the need for andimportance of national standards for incident operations,incident communications, personnel qualifications,resource management, and information management andsupporting technology.

To provide standards for domestic incident response,President Bush signed HSPD-5. HSPD-5 authorized theSecretary of Homeland Security to develop the NationalIncident Management System, or NIMS. NIMS providesfor interoperability and compatibility among allresponders.

Why Do We Need NIMS?

Lessons learned have shown the need for:

A coordinated response. Standardization. Interoperability.



Planning Activity

Direct the students’ attention to the Planning Activity on page 1-4 of the Self-Study Guide. Ask the studentsto review the list and mark the items that theirjurisdictions are already able to do.

Yes No Involve all responding agencies, private

organizations, and nongovernmentalorganizations in planning, training, andexercise activities.

Integrate the Incident Command System(ICS) into your jurisdiction’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and procedures.

Use ICS for all incidents, regardless oftype.

Coordinate the sharing of information andintelligence between the IncidentCommand and the EOP or otherMultiagency Coordination Entity.

Operate as a team, regardless of theagencies or mutual aid partners involved ina response.

Communicate among all respondingagencies, including mutual aid partners.

Maintain interoperability of all resources,including resources owned by mutual aidpartners.

Train all personnel who could be involvedin a response to minimum proficiencystandards.

Categorize all response resourcesaccording to performance capability.

Identify, mobilize, dispatch, track, andrecover incident resources.

Establish a Joint Information System (JIS)to coordinate the release of information tothe public.

Maintain complete records of trainingcertifications.

Research and apply best practices fromincidents that present the highest risk toyour jurisdiction.



Planning Activity (Continued)

Review the list below with the group. Facilitate a groupdiscussion about the items on the list and how eachcontributes to a coordinated response.

Suggest that jurisdictions that don’t do all of the items on the list can benefit from NIMS.

Involve all responding agencies, private organizations,and nongovernmental organizations in planning,training, and exercise activities.

Integrate the Incident Command System (ICS) intoyour jurisdiction’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and procedures.

Use ICS for all incidents, regardless of type. Coordinate the sharing of information and intelligence

between the Incident Command and the EOP or otherMultiagency Coordinating Entity.

Operate as a team, regardless of the agencies ormutual aid partners involved in a response.

Communicate among all responding agencies,including mutual aid partners.

Maintain interoperability of all resources, includingresources owned by mutual aid partners.

Train all personnel who could be involved in aresponse to minimum proficiency standards.

Categorize all response resources according toperformance capability.

Identify, mobilize, dispatch, track, and recoverincident resources.

Establish a Joint Information System (JIS) tocoordinate the release of information to the public.

Maintain complete records of training certifications. Research and apply best practices from incidents that

present the highest risk to your jurisdiction.



NIMS Concepts and Principles

Tell the students that NIMS provides a framework forinteroperability and compatibility by balancing flexibilityand standardization.

NIMS provides a flexible framework that facilitatesgovernment and private entities at all levels workingtogether to manage domestic incidents. This flexibilityapplies to all phases of incident management,regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.

NIMS provides a set of standardized organizationalstructures, as well as requirements for processes,procedures, and systems designed to improveinteroperability.

NIMS Components

NIMS is comprised of several components that worktogether as a system to provide a national framework forpreparing for, preventing, responding to, and recoveringfrom domestic incidents. These components include:

Command and management. Preparedness. Resource management. Communications and information management. Supporting technologies. Ongoing management and maintenance.

Although these systems are evolving, much is in placenow. Each of these components will be described brieflyon the pages that follow and will be covered in more detailin later units.


NIMS is:

Flexible to enable all responding organizations towork together.

Standardized to improve overall response andinteroperability.



Command and Management

NIMS standard incident management structures are basedon three key organizational systems:

The Incident Command System (ICS) defines theoperating characteristics, management components,and structure of incident management organizationsthroughout the life cycle of an incident.

Multiagency Coordination Systems define theoperating characteristics, management components,and organizational structure of supporting entities.

Public Information Systems include the processes,procedures, and systems for communicating timelyand accurate information to the public duringemergency situations.

Instructors Note: Point out that NIMS uses the termMultiagency Coordination System differently than the studentshave considered MACS. Tell the group that MultiagencyCoordination Systems will be covered more fully in a later unit,but urge them to think more broadly than they have in the past.

NIMS Standard Structures

Incident Command System (ICS) Multiagency Coordination Systems Public Information Systems



Preparedness

Remind the students that effective incident managementbegins with a host of preparedness activities. Theseactivities are conducted on a “steady-state” basis, well in advance of any potential incident. Preparedness involvesa combination of:

Planning, training, and exercises. Personnel qualification and certification standards. Equipment acquisition and certification standards. Publication management processes and activities. Mutual aid agreements and Emergency Management

Assistance Compacts (EMACs).

Resource Management

When fully implemented, NIMS will define standardizedmechanisms and establish requirements for describing,inventorying, mobilizing, dispatching, tracking, andrecovering resources over the life cycle of an incident.

Communications and Information Management

NIMS identifies the requirements for a standardizedframework for communications, information management,and information-sharing support at all levels of incidentmanagement. Tell the students that:

Incident management organizations must ensure thateffective, interoperable communications processes,procedures, and systems exist across all agencies andjurisdictions.

Information management systems help ensure thatinformation flows efficiently through a commonlyaccepted architecture. Effective informationmanagement enhances incident management andresponse by helping to ensure that decisionmaking isbetter informed.

Preparedness

Planning, training, and exercises Personnel qualification and certification Equipment acquisition and certification Publication management Mutual aid/Emergency Management Assistance

Compacts

Resource Management

Includes standardized:

Descriptions Inventories Mobilization Dispatch Tracking Recovery

Communications/Information Management

NIMS identifies requirements for:

Communications. Information management. Information sharing.



Supporting Technologies

Technology and technological systems provide supportingcapabilities essential to implementing and refining NIMS.Provide the following examples:

Voice and data communication systems Information management systems, such as

recordkeeping and resource tracking Data display systems

Supporting technologies also include specializedtechnologies that facilitate ongoing operations andincident management activities in situations that call forunique technology-based capabilities.

Ongoing Management and Maintenance

DHS established the NIMS Integration Center to providestrategic direction and oversight in support of routinereview and continual refinement of both the system andits components over the long term.

Planning Activity

Direct the students to the planning activity on page 1-6 ofthe Self-Study Guide. Ask the students to write the threegreatest benefits that their jurisdictions can gain fromNIMS.

Allow the students 5 minutes to record their responses.Then, facilitate a brief discussion around the benefits ofusing NIMS.

Several of the benefits of using NIMS are listed on thenext page. Note that the list is not inclusive.


NIMS provides systems to standardize:

Voice and data communications. Information management. Data displays.



Planning Activity (Continued)

NIMS Benefits

Flexible framework that facilitates public and privateentities at all levels working together to managedomestic incidents

Standardized organizational structures, processes,procedures, and systems designed to improveinteroperability

Standards for planning, training, and exercising Personnel qualification standards Equipment acquisition and certification standards Publication management processes and activities Interoperable communications processes, procedures,

and systems Information management systems that use a

commonly accepted architecture Supporting technologies, such as voice and data

communications systems, information systems, datadisplay systems, and specialized technologies

For More Information

Tell the group that more information about NIMSprinciples, concepts, and components is included in theNational Incident Management System document, whichcan be found at:www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/NIMS-90-web.pdf.

Urge the group to check the DHS website regularly forupdated information about NIMS as it continues to bedeveloped.


August 2004

Lesson 2:Command andManagement UnderNIMS—Part 1

Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1


LessonPurpose

This lesson introduces the students to the Incident Command System (ICS) as abasic command and management structure under NIMS.

Lesson 2Objectives


Identify the benefits of using ICS as the national response model. Identify the organizational structure of ICS. Identify five major management functions. Describe the purpose of unique position titles in ICS. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Command and General Staff.



Lesson Overview Incident Command and Management ICS Features For More Information

Materials Self-Study Guide Visuals 2.1 through 2.12 Computer with PowerPoint 2000 and a Projector

Remarks Although it is not prerequisite to taking this course, urge students who are notfamiliar with ICS to take Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS 100) forFederal Workers (IS-100). This course can be accessed online through FEMA’s Virtual Campus at: www.training.fema.gov.



Lesson Overview

Analysis of past responses indicates that the mostcommon cause of response failure is poor management.Confusion about who’s in charge of what and when, together with unclear lines of authority, have been thegreatest contributors to poor response.

This lesson will describe how NIMS addresses commandand management. At the end of this lesson, the studentsshould be able to:

Identify the benefits of using ICS as the modelincident management system.

Identify the organizational structure of ICS. Identify five major management functions. Describe the purpose of unique position titles in ICS. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Command

and General staff.

Incident Command and Management

NIMS employs two levels of incident managementstructures, depending on the nature of the incident.Inform the students that:

The Incident Command System (ICS) is astandard, on-scene, all-hazard incident managementsystem. ICS allows users to adopt an integratedorganizational structure to match the needs of singleor multiple incidents.

Multiagency Coordination Systems are acombination of facilities, equipment, personnel,procedures, and communications integrated into acommon framework for coordinating and supportingincident management.

Tell the students that ICS will be described in this lesson.Unified Command, Area Command, and MultiagencyCoordination Systems will be addressed in Lesson 3.

Lesson Overview

Command and management under NIMS Incident Command System overview

Lesson Objectives

Identify the benefits of using ICS as the modelincident management system.

Identify the organizational structure of ICS. Identify five major management functions. Describe the purpose of unique position titles in

ICS. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the

Command and General Staff.



Incident Command and Management (Continued)

NIMS employs two levels of incident managementstructures, depending on the nature of the incident.



ICS will be described in this lesson. UnifiedCommand, Area Command, and MultiagencyCoordination Systems will be addressed in Lesson 3.

NIMS requires that responses to all domestic incidentsutilize a common management structure. The IncidentCommand System—or ICS—is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. ICS is a provensystem that is used widely for incident management byfirefighters, rescuers, emergency medical teams, andhazardous materials teams. ICS represents organizational“best practices” and hasbecome the standard for incidentresponse across the country.

ICS is interdisciplinary and organizationally flexible tomeet the needs of incidents of any kind, size, or level ofcomplexity. Using ICS, personnel from a variety ofagencies can meld rapidly into a common managementstructure.

ICS has been tested for more than 30 years and used forplanned events, fires, hazardous materials spills, andmulticasualty incidents; multijurisdictional andmultiagency disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes,and winter storms; search and rescue missions; biologicaloutbreaks and disease containment; and acts ofterrorism.

ICS helps all responders communicate and get what theyneed when they need it. ICS also provides a safe,efficient, and cost-effective response and recoverystrategy.

ICS

Proven on-scene, all-hazard concept Interdisciplinary and organizationally flexible Appropriate for all types of incidents



ICS Features

ICS has several features that make it well suited tomanaging incidents. Tell the students that these featuresinclude:

Common terminology. Organizational resources. Manageable span of control. Organizational facilities. Use of position titles. Reliance on an Incident Action Plan. Integrated communications. Accountability.

Each of these features will be described on the pages thatfollow.

Common Terminology

Stress that the ability to communicate within ICS isabsolutely critical. Using standard or commonterminology is essential to ensuring efficient, clearcommunications. ICS requires the use of commonterminology, including standard titles for facilities andpositions within the organization.

Common terminology also includes the use of “clear text”—that is, communication without the use of agency-specific codes or jargon. In other words, use plainEnglish.

ICS Features

Common terminology Organizational resources Manageable span of control Organizational facilities Use of position titles Reliance on an Incident Action Plan Integrated communications Accountability

Common Terminology

ICS requires:

Common terminology. “Clear” text.



Organizational Resources

Tell the students that resources, including all personnel,facilities, and major equipment and supply items used tosupport incident management activities, are assignedcommon designations. Resources are “typed” with respect to capability to help avoid confusion and enhanceinteroperability.

Manageable Span of Control

Maintaining adequate span of control throughout the ICSorganization is critical. Effective span of control may varyfrom three to seven, and a ratio of one supervisor to fivereporting elements is recommended.

If the number of reporting elements falls outside of thisrange, expansion or consolidation of the organization maybe necessary. There may be exceptions, usually in lower-risk assignments or where resources work in closeproximity to each other.

Organizational Facilities

Common terminology is also used to define incidentfacilities, help clarify the activities that take place at aspecific facility, and identify what members of theorganization can be found there. For example, you findthe Incident Commander at the Incident Command Post.Provide the following examples of incident facilities:

The Incident Command Post. One or more staging areas. A base. One or more camps (when needed). A helibase. One or more helispots.

Incident facilities will be established depending on thekind and complexity of the incident. Only those facilitiesneeded for any given incident may be activated. Someincidents may require facilities not included on thestandard list.


Includes:•Personnel•Facilities•Equipment and supplies

Requires “typing” by capability

Span of Control

From 3 to 7 reporting elements per supervisor 5 reporting elements per supervisor is optimum

Incident Facilities

Established as required by the incident An ICP is always established



Use of Position Titles

Tell the students that ICS positions have distinct titles.

Only the Incident Commander is called Commander—and there is only one Incident Commander perincident.

Only the heads of Sections are called Chiefs.

Learning and using standard terminology helps reduceconfusion between the day-to-day position occupied by anindividual and his or her position at the incident.

Review the position titles for key ICS positions with thegroup.

Reliance on an Incident Action Plan

Incident Action Plans (IAPs) provide a coherent means tocommunicate the overall incident objectives in the contextof both operational and support activities. IAPs aredeveloped for operational periods that are usually 12hours long.

IAPs depend on management by objectives to accomplishresponse tactics. These objectives are communicatedthroughout the organization and are used to:

Develop and issue assignments, plans, procedures,and protocols.

Direct efforts to attain the objectives in support ofdefined strategic objectives.

Tell the students that results are always documented andfed back into planning for the next operational period.

Incident Command

Organizational Level Title

Incident Command Incident Commander

Command Staff Officer

General Staff (Section) Chief

Branch Director

Division/Group Supervisor

Unit Leader

Strike Team/Task Force Leader

Incident Action Plans

Communicate incident objectives Are based on operational periods Are disseminated throughout the incident

organization



Integrated Communications

Introduce this discussion by providing the followingexamples of integrated communications.

The “hardware” systems that transfer information Planning for the use of all available communications

frequencies and resources The procedures and processes for transferring

information internally and externally

Communications needs for large incidents may exceedavailable radio frequencies. Some incidents may beconducted entirely without radio support. In suchsituations, other communications resources (e.g., cellphones or secure phone lines) may be the onlycommunications methods used to coordinatecommunications and to transfer large amounts of dataeffectively.

Accountability

Effective accountability at all jurisdictional levels andwithin individual functional areas during an incident isessential. To that end, ICS requires:

An orderly chain of command—the line of authoritywithin the ranks of the incident organization.

Check-in for all responders, regardless of agencyaffiliation.

Each individual involved in incident operations to beassigned only one supervisor (also called “unity of command”).


Hardware systems Planning for use of all frequencies and resources Procedures for transferring information internally

and externally

Accountability

Orderly chain of command Check-in for all responders Assignment of only one supervisor per individual

(unity of command)



Group Discussion

Facilitate a group discussion about how the principles ofICS contribute to an effective response. Provide anexample from your own experience or solicit examplesfrom the group (either positive examples or lessonslearned).

Summarize the discussion by reviewing the principlesfrom the examples and linking them to effective incidentmanagement.


For more information about the Incident CommandSystem, visit the following websites:

Introduction to ICS for Federal Disaster Workers (IS100) (FEMA). This course is available through FEMA’s Virtual Campus at: www.training.fema.gov.

ICS Field Operations Guide (U.S. Coast Guard)www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nmc/response/fog.pdf.


August 2004

Lesson 3:Command andManagement UnderNIMS—Part 2



LessonPurpose

This lesson introduces students to the Incident Command System (ICS).

Lesson 3Objectives


Determine when it is appropriate to institute an Area Command. Describe the functions and purpose of Multiagency Coordination Systems.



Lesson Overview Unified and Area Command Multiagency Coordination System Elements Multiagency Coordination Entity Incident Responsibilities For More Information




Lesson Overview

While ICS has proven itself to be effective for all types ofincidents, other levels of coordination may be required tofacilitate management of:

Multiple concurrent incidents. Incidents that are nonsite-specific, such as biological

terrorist incidents. Incidents that are geographically dispersed. Incidents that evolve over time.

This lesson will cover how NIMS addresses the commandand management of these types of incidents. At the endof this lesson, the students should be able to:

Determine when it is appropriate to institute a Unifiedor Area Command.

Describe the functions and purpose of MultiagencyCoordination Systems.

Unified and Area Command

Explain that in some situations, NIMS recommendsvariations in incident management. The two mostcommon variations involve the use of Unified Commandand Area Command.

Unified Command and Area Command will be described onthe following pages.

Lesson Objectives

Determine when it is appropriate to institute aUnified or Area Command.

Describe the functions and purpose ofMultiagency Coordination Systems.

Lesson Overview

Command and Management of:

Multiple concurrent incidents. Incidents that are nonsite specific, such as

biological terrorist incidents. Incidents that are geographically dispersed. Incidents that evolve over time.



What Is Unified Command?

A Unified Command organization chartshowing the shared command functionsamong jurisidctions and theOperations, Planning, Logistics, andFinance/Administration sections.

Tell the students that Unified Command is an applicationof ICS used when:

There is more than one responding agency withincident jurisdiction.

Incidents cross political jurisdictions.

For example, a Unified Command may be used for:

A hazardous materials spill that contaminates a nearbyreservoir. In this incident, the fire department, thewater authority, and the local environmental authoritymay each participate in a Unified Command.

A flood that devastates multiple communities. In thisincident, incident management personnel from keyresponse agencies from each community mayparticipate in a Unified Command.

How Does Unified Command Work?

Explain that under a Unified Command, agencies worktogether through the designated members of the UnifiedCommand to:

Analyze intelligence information. Establish a common set of objectives and strategies

for a single Incident Action Plan.

Unified Command does not change any of the otherfeatures of ICS. It merely allows all agencies withresponsibility for the incident to participate in thedecisionmaking process.

Unified Command

Unified Command(Representatives From Local Jurisdictions)

Finance/Administration

LogisticsPlanningOperations

How Does Unified Command Work?

Agencies work together to:•Analyze intelligence.•Establish objectives and strategies.

Unified Command does not change other features ofICS.



What Is an Area Command?

An Area Command organization chartshowing the coordination relationshipbetween the State EOC with otherState EOCs and the direct relationshipbetween the State EOC and each AreaCommand.

Tell the students that an Area Command is anorganization established to:

Oversee the management of multiple incidents thatare each being managed by an ICS organization.

Oversee the management of large incidents that crossjurisdictional boundaries.

Stress that Area Commands are particularly relevant topublic health emergencies because these incidents aretypically:

Nonsite specific. Not immediately identifiable. Geographically dispersed and evolve over time.

These types of incidents call for a coordinated response,with large-scale coordination typically found at a higherjurisdictional level.

What Does an Area Command Do?

Point out that the Area Command has the responsibilityfor:

Setting overall strategy and priorities. Allocating critical resources according to the priorities. Ensuring that incidents are properly managed. Ensuring that objectives are met. Ensuring that strategies are followed.

An Area Command may become a Unified Area Commandwhen incidents are multijurisdictional or involve multipleagencies.

Area Command

Area Command

ICP 1 ICP 2 ICP 3

What Does Area Command Do?

Sets overall strategy and priorities Allocates resources Ensures proper management Ensures objectives are met Ensure strategies are followed



How Is an Area Command Organized?

An Area Command organization chartshowing the command function and thePlanning, Logistics, and AviationCoordinator sections.

Explain that an Area Command is organized similarly toan ICS structure but, because operations are conductedon-scene, there is no Operations Section in an AreaCommand. Other Sections and functions are representedin an Area Command structure.

Group Discussion

Ask the group to provide examples of when a UnifiedCommand or Area Command has been implemented forincidents in their jurisdictions. For each example, ask thestudents to explain:

Why Unified Command or Area Command was anappropriate structure.

The benefits gained—or problems avoided—by usingthat particular command structure.

Multiagency Coordination Systems

On large or wide-scale emergencies that require higher-level resource management or information management,a Multiagency Coordination System may be required.

Multiagency Coordination Systems are described on thescreens that follow.

Area Command

Area Command

Planning Logistics Aviation Coordinator

Area Command

Planning Logistics Aviation Coordinator



What Are Multiagency Coordination Systems?

Multiagency Coordination Systems are a combination ofresources that are integrated into a common frameworkfor coordinating and supporting domestic incidentmanagement activities. Provide the following examples ofresources:

Facilities Equipment Personnel Procedures Communications

What Do Multiagency Coordination Systems Do?

Explain that the primary functions of MultiagencyCoordination Systems are to:

Support incident management policies and priorities. Facilitate logistics support and resource tracking. Make resource allocation decisions based on incident

management priorities. Coordinate incident-related information. Coordinate interagency and intergovernmental issues

regarding incident management policies, priorities,and strategies.

Direct tactical and operational responsibility for theconduct of incident management activities rests with theIncident Command.


A combination of resources Integrated into a common framework Used to coordinate and support incident

management activities


Support incident management policies andpriorities

Facilitate logistics support and resourcetracking

Make resource allocation decisions based onincident management priorities

Coordinate incident-related information Coordinate interagency and intergovernmental

issues regarding incident management policies,priorities, and strategies



Multiagency Coordination System Elements

Multiagency Coordination Systems include EmergencyOperations Centers (EOCs) and, in certainmultijurisdictional or complex incidents, MultiagencyCoordination Entities. Tell the students that:

EOCs are the locations from which the coordination ofinformation and resources to support incident activitiestakes place. EOCs are typically established by theemergency management agency at the local and Statelevels.

Multiagency Coordination Entities typically consist ofprincipals from organizations with direct incidentmanagement responsibilities or with significantincident management support or resourceresponsibilities. These entities may be used tofacilitate incident management and policycoordination.

Emergency Operations Centers

An EOC organization chart showing themanager function and the Coordination,Communications, ResourceManagement, and InformationManagement sections.

Point out that EOC organization and staffing is flexible,but should include:

Coordination. Communications. Resource dispatching and tracking. Information collection, analysis, and dissemination.

EOCs may also support multiagency coordination and jointinformation activities.

EOCs may be staffed by personnel representing multiplejurisdictions and functional disciplines. The size, staffing,and equipment at an EOC will depend on the size of thejurisdiction, the resources available, and the anticipatedincident needs.

EOC Organization

EOC Manager

Coordination Communications ResourceManagement

InformationManagement


EOC Other entities



Multiagency Coordination Entity IncidentResponsibilities

Graphic showing the flow between theMultiagency Coordination Entity andthe Incident Commands/UnifiedCommands. The ICs/UCs provide theMultiagency Coordination Entity withsituation status and resource needs.The Multiagency Coordination Entityprovides the ICs/UCs with resources,priorities, and strategic coordination.Also, the Multiagency CoordinationEntity coordinates with otherMultiagency Coordination Entities toresolve resource shortages and othercoordination issues.

Regardless of their form or structure, MultiagencyCoordination Entities are responsible for:

Ensuring that each involved agency is providingsituation and resource status information.

Establishing priorities between incidents and/or AreaCommands in concert with the Incident Command orUnified Command.

Acquiring and allocating resources required by incidentmanagement personnel.

Coordinating and identifying future resourcerequirements.

Coordinating and resolving policy issues. Providing strategic coordination.

Multiagency Coordination Entity PostincidentResponsibilities

Tell the students that following incidents, MultiagencyCoordination Entities are typically responsible for ensuringthat revisions are acted upon. Revisions may be made to:

Plans. Procedures. Communications. Staffing. Other capabilities necessary for improved incident

management.

These revisions are based on lessons learned from theincident. They should be coordinated with the emergencyplanning team in the jurisdiction and with mutual aidpartners.

EOC Organization

Coordination

ResourcesPrioritiesStrategic coordination


MultiagencyCoordination Entity

Incident Command/Unified Command 1


Situation statusResource needs

Other MultiagencyCoordination Entities

Coordination








Coordination








Coordination










Group Discussion

Facilitate a group discussion about the ICS/EOC interfacein the students’ jurisdictions. Ask:

When or for what types of incidents is the EOCactivated?

What types of issues is the EOC expected to resolve? How communications between the Incident Command

and the EOC occurs? How the ICS/EOC interface helps on-scene incident

management?


For more information about Unified Command, Area-Command, and Multiagency Coordination Systems, visitthe websites below.

Incident Command System/Unified Command(ICS/UC)Technical Assistance Document (NationalResponse Team). This document is available at:http://nrt.org/production/nrt/home.nsf/resources. SelectPublications 1 to access the document.

Incident Command System National TrainingCurriculum: Unit 13: Unified Command (NationalWildfire Coordinating Group). This module is availableat:www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms/ICS_cours/i400/mod13.pdf

Incident Command System National TrainingCurriculum: Unit 16: Multiagency Coordination(National Wildfire Coordinating Group). This documentis available at:www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms/ICS_cours/i401/i401.pdf


August 2004

Lesson 4:Public Information

Public Information


LessonPurpose

This lesson describes the principles needed to support effective Public InformationSystems.

Lesson 4Objectives

After completing this lesson, the students should be able to describe the PublicInformation Systems required by NIMS.



Lesson Overview Public Information During Domestic Incidents Coordination of Public Information For More Information


Public Information


Lesson Overview

Because public information is critical to domestic incidentmanagement, it is imperative to establish PublicInformation Systems and protocols for communicatingtimely and accurate information to the public duringemergency situations. This lesson describes the principlesneeded to support effective emergency Public InformationSystems.

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able todescribe the Public Information Systems required byNIMS.

Public Information During Domestic Incidents

Under ICS, the PIO is a member of the command staff.The PIO advises the Incident Command on all publicinformation matters, including media and public inquiries,emergency public information and warnings, rumormonitoring and control, media monitoring, and otherfunctions required to coordinate, clear with properauthorities, and disseminate accurate and timelyinformation related to the incident.

The PIO establishes and operates within the parametersestablished for the Joint Information System—or JIS. TheJIS provides an organized, integrated, and coordinatedmechanism for providing information to the public duringan emergency. The JIS includes plans, protocols, andstructures used to provide information to the public. Itencompasses all public information related to the incident.

Key elements of a JIS include interagency coordinationand integration, developing and delivering coordinatedmessages, and support for decisionmakers.

The PIO, using the JIS, ensures that decisionmakers—andthe public—are fully informed throughout a domesticincident response.

Lesson Overview

Principles to support effective Public InformationSystems

Public Information Systems required by NIMS

Public Information for Domestic Incidents

Advises the IC Establishes and operates within the JIS Ensures that decisionmakers and the public are

informed

Public Information


Coordination of Public Information

During emergencies, the public may receive informationfrom a variety of sources. Part of the PIO’s job is ensuring that the information that the public receives isaccurate, coordinated, timely, and easy to understand.

One way to ensure the coordination of public informationis by establishing a Joint Information Center (JIC). Usingthe JIC as a central location, information can becoordinated and integrated across jurisdictions andagencies, and among all government partners, the privatesector, and nongovernmental agencies.

The JIC

A JIC is the physical location where public informationstaff involved in incident management activities cancollocate to perform critical emergency information, crisiscommunications, and public affairs functions.

JICs provide the organizational structure for coordinatingand disseminating critical information.

Organizations Retain Their Independence

Explain that Incident Commanders and MultiagencyCoordination Entities are responsible for establishing andoverseeing JICs, including processes for coordinating andclearing public communications. In the case of a UnifiedCommand, those contributing to joint public informationmanagement do not lose their individual identities orresponsibilities. Rather, each entity contributes to theoverall unified message.

The JIC

Physical location where public information staffcollocate

Provides the structure for coordinating anddisseminating critical information

Public Information


Levels of JICs

Graphic showing the coordination ofinformation flow among multiple JICs.Information between the State andlocal JICs is two-way. Local JICs havetwo-way communication between theJICs and their respective agencies. ThePublic Information Officer for theIncident Command, Unified Command,or Area Command coordinates a two-way information flow with the PublicInformation Officer for each respectiveagency.

JICs may be established at various levels of government.All JICs must communicate and coordinate with eachother on an ongoing basis using established JIS protocols.When multiple JICs are established, information must becoordinated among them to ensure that a consistentmessage is disseminated to the public.

JIC Characteristics

Point out that JICs have several characteristics incommon:

The JIC includes representatives of all players inmanaging the response. This may includejurisdictions, agencies, private entities, andnongovernmental organizations.

Each JIC must have procedures and protocols forcommunicating and coordinating effectively with otherJICs, and with the appropriate components of the ICSorganization.

A single JIC location is preferable, but the JIS should beflexible enough to accommodate multiple JICs when thecircumstances of the incident require.

JICs

State JIC

Local JIC 1 Local JIC 2

Agency 1PIO

Agency 2PIO

IC/UC/Area CommandPIO

(at incident JIC)

JIC Characteristics

Includes representatives of all players in theresponse

Has procedures and protocols forcommunicating and coordinating with other JICs

Public Information


JIC Organization

A Joint Information Center organizationchart showing the Press Secretariesfrom involved jurisdictions and aLiaison (if needed) as staff functionsreporting to the Public InformationOfficer, and research, media, andlogistics teams handling their specificfunctional areas.

Tell the students that a typical JIC organization is shownin the visual.

Additional functions may be added as necessary to meetthe public information needs of the incident.

Group Discussion

Ask the group whether their jurisdictions use a JIS and aJIC to manage the flow of incident information.

Ask one or more students to describe how using a JIS andJIC has helped manage the information flow.

Ask if any of the students have any suggestions for thosewhose jurisdictions do not use a JIS or JIC, including whatto do and what to avoid.

JICs

Joint InformationCenter

Research Team Media Team Logistics Team

Press Secretary(jurisdictional)

Liaison(as required)

Public Information



FEMA offers a course for field delivery at the State or locallevel. Contact your State Training Officer for moreinformation about when this course may be offered inyour area.

Basic Public Information Officers Course (G 290)


August 2004

Lesson 5:Preparedness

Preparedness


LessonPurpose

This lesson covers preparedness measures that are required by NIMS.

Lesson 5Objectives

After completing this lesson, the students should be able to identify ways in whichNIMS affects how their jurisdictions prepare for incidents and events.



Lesson Overview What Is Preparedness? Preparedness Organization Preparedness Planning Training and Exercises Personnel Qualifications and Certifications Equipment Certification Mutual Aid Agreements and Emergency Management Assistance Compacts Publication Management For More Information


Preparedness


Lesson Overview

Preparedness is a key phase of the emergencymanagement cycle. Through preparedness, jurisdictionstake actions to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recoverfrom emergencies.

This lesson covers preparedness measures that arerequired under NIMS. At the end of this lesson, thestudents should be able to identify the ways in whichNIMS affects how their jurisdictions prepare for incidentsand events.

What Is Preparedness?

Preparedness is critical to emergency management.Preparedness involves all of the actions required toestablish and sustain the level of capability necessary toexecute a wide range of incident management operations.

Preparedness is implemented through a continual cycle ofplanning, training and equipping, exercising andevaluating, and taking action to correct and mitigate.

A major objective of preparedness is to ensure missionintegration and interoperability in response to emergentcrises across functional and jurisdictional lines.Preparedness also includes efforts to coordinate betweenpublic and private organizations.

Preparedness is the responsibility of individualjurisdictions, which coordinate their activities among allpreparedness stakeholders. Each level of government isresponsible for its preparedness activities.

NIMS provides tools to help ensure and enhancepreparedness. These tools include:

Preparedness organizations and programs that provideor establish processes for planning, training, andexercising.

Personnel qualification and certification. Equipment certification. Mutual aid. Publication management.

What Is Preparedness

Actions to establish and sustain prescribedlevels of capability

Ensures mission integration and interoperability

Preparedness


What Is Preparedness?

National-level preparedness standards related to NIMS willbe maintained and managed through a multijurisdictional,multidiscipline center, using a collaborative process at theNIMS Integration Center.

Using NIMS as a basis, all preparedness stakeholders willbe able to attain and sustain the level of readinessnecessary to respond to the range of domestic incidentsfacing America today.

Preparedness Organizations

Point out that preparedness organizations represent awide variety of committees, planning groups, and otherorganizations. These organizations meet regularly tocoordinate and focus preparedness activities. The needsof the jurisdiction will dictate how frequently theorganizations must meet and how they are structured.

Responsibilities of Preparedness Organizations

Preparedness organizations at all levels should followNIMS standards and undertake the following tasks:

Establishing and coordinating emergency plans andprotocols

Integrating and coordinating the activities andjurisdictions within their purview

Establishing guidelines and protocols to promoteinteroperability among jurisdictions and agencies

Adopting guidelines and protocols for resourcemanagement

Establishing priorities for resources and other responserequirements

Establishing and maintaining multiagency coordinationmechanisms

Responsibilities of Preparedness Organizations

Establishing/coordinating plans and protocols Integrating/coordinating activities Establishing guidelines and protocols to promote

interoperability Adopting guidelines for resource management Establishing response priorities Establishing/maintaining multiagency

coordination mechanisms

Preparedness


Preparedness Planning

Preparedness plans describe how personnel, equipment,and other governmental and nongovernmental resourceswill be used to support incident managementrequirements. These plans represent the operational coreof preparedness and provide mechanisms for:

Setting priorities. Integrating multiple entities and functions. Establishing collaborative relationships. Ensuring that communications and other systems

support the complete spectrum of incidentmanagement activities.

Types of Plans

Explain that jurisdictions must develop several types ofplans, including:

Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), whichdescribe how the jurisdiction will respond toemergencies.

Procedures, which may include overviews, standardoperating procedures, field operations guides, jobaids, or other critical information needed for aresponse.

Preparedness Plans, which describe how trainingneeds will be identified and met, how resources will beobtained through mutual aid agreements, and theequipment required for the hazards faced by thejurisdiction.

Corrective Action and Mitigation Plans, whichinclude activities required to implement proceduresbased on lessons learned from actual incidents ortraining and exercises.

Recovery Plans, which describe the actions to betaken to facilitate long-term recovery.

Training and Exercises

Organizations and personnel at all governmental levelsand in the private sector must be trained to improve all-hazard incident management capability. Theseorganizations and personnel must also participate inrealistic exercises to improve integration andinteroperability.


Plans describe how resources will be used. Plans describe mechanisms for:•Setting priorities.•Integrating entities/functions.•Establishing relationships.•Ensuring that systems support all incident

management activities.

Types of Plans

Emergency Operations Plans Procedures Preparedness Plans Corrective Action and Mitigation Plans Recovery Plans

Preparedness


Training and Exercises and the NIMS Integration Center

To assist jurisdictions in meeting these training andexercise needs, the NIMS Integration Center will:

Facilitate the development and dissemination ofnational standards, guidelines, and protocols forincident management training.

Facilitate the use of modeling and simulation intraining and exercise programs.

Define general training requirements and approvedtraining courses for all NIMS users, including instructorqualifications and course completion documentation.

Review and approve, with the assistance of keystakeholders, discipline-specific training requirementsand courses.

Personnel Qualification and Certification

Under NIMS, preparedness is based on national standardsfor qualification and certification of emergency responsepersonnel. Managed by the NIMS Integration Center,standards will help ensure that the participating agencies’ and organizations’ field personnel possess the minimum knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to performactivities safely and effectively.

Standards will include:

Training. Experience. Credentialing. Currency. Physical and medical fitness.

Personnel who are certified to support interstate incidentswill be required to meet national qualification andcertification standards.


The NIMS Integration Center will:

Facilitate development and dissemination ofnational standards, guidelines, and protocols.

Facilitate use of modeling/simulation. Define general training requirements and

approved courses. Review/approve discipline-specific training

requirements.

Personnel Qualifications and Certification

Development of standards, including:

Training Experience Credentialing Currency requirements Physical and medical fitness

Preparedness


Equipment Certification

Incident managers and emergency responders rely onvarious types of equipment to perform mission-essentialtasks. A critical component of operational preparedness isthat equipment performs to certain standards, includingthe capability to be interoperable with equipment used byother jurisdictions.

To facilitate national equipment certification, the NIMSIntegration Center will:

Facilitate the development and or publication ofnational equipment standards, guidelines, andprotocols.

Review and approve lists of emergency responderequipment that meet national requirements.

Mutual Aid Agreements and Emergency ManagementAssistance Compacts

Mutual aid agreements and Emergency ManagementAssistance Compacts (EMACs) provide the means for onejurisdiction to provide resources or other support toanother jurisdiction during an incident. To facilitate thetimely delivery of assistance during incidents, jurisdictions(including States) are encouraged to enter intoagreements with:

Other jurisdictions. Private-sector and nongovernmental organizations. Private organizations, such as the American Red

Cross.

Equipment Certifications

Facilitate development of national equipmentstandards, guidelines, and protocols

Review and approve equipment meeting nationalstandards

Mutual Aid and EMACs

Jurisdictions at all levels are encouraged to enterinto agreements with:

Other jurisdictions. Private-sector and NGOs. Private organizations.

Preparedness


Publication Management

The NIMS Integration Center will manage publicationsdealing with domestic incident management andresponse. Publication management will include:

The development of naming and numberingconventions.

Review and certification of publications. Methods for publications control. Identification of sources and suppliers for publications

and related services. Management of publication distribution.

The NIMS Integration Center will manage a wide range ofpublications—from qualification information and trainingcourses to computer programs and best practices.

Group Discussion

Ask the students to think about the preparedness issuescovered in this unit and the preparedness measuresthey’ve taken in their jurisdictions. Ask them to write their three highest priorities for preparedness when theyreturn.

Facilitate a group discussion around the students’ priorities and how implementing these priorities will helpbridge their preparedness gaps.


The development of naming and numberingconventions

Review and certification of publications Methods for publications control Identification of sources and suppliers for

publications and related services Management of publication distribution

Preparedness



For more information about preparedness, visit thewebsites below.

Guide for All-Hazards Emergency Operations Planning(SLG 101) (FEMA). This document can be found at:www.fema.gov/rrr/allhzpln.shtm.

Principles of Emergency Management (IS 230)(FEMA). This course can be found at:http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS230.asp.

Emergency Planning (IS 235) (FEMA). This course isavailable at:http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is235.asp.

Exercise Design (IS 139) (FEMA). This course isavailable at:http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is139.asp.

FEMA also offers several courses for State and localdelivery. Contact your State Training Officer forinformation about when these courses might be offered inyour area.

Exercise Design (G 120) Exercise Evaluation (G 130) Exercise Program Manager/Management (G 137)


August 2004

Lesson 6:ResourceManagement

Resource Management


LessonPurpose

This lesson will cover the requirements for resource management under NIMS.

Lesson 6Objectives

After completing this lesson, the students should be able to describe how NIMSaffects the way resources are managed before, during, and after an incident.



Lesson Overview What Is Resource Management? Resource Management Concepts Resource Management Principles Managing Resources For More Information


Resource Management


Lesson Overview

Resource management involves the coordination andoversight of tools, processes, and systems that provideincident managers with timely and appropriate resourcesduring an incident. Historically, resource managementhas been an issue at incidents, both large and small.Resource management is an area of special attentionunder NIMS.

This lesson will cover requirements for resourcemanagement under NIMS. At the end of this lesson, thestudents should be able to describe how NIMS affects theway resources are managed before, during, and after anincident.

What Is Resource Management?

Point out that resource management involves four primarytasks:

Establishing systems for describing, inventorying,requesting, and tracking resources

Activating those systems prior to, during, and after anincident

Dispatching resources prior to, during, and after anincident

Deactivating or recalling resources during or after anincident

The basic concepts and principles that guide resourcemanagement and allow these tasks to be conductedeffectively are addressed by NIMS. These concepts andprinciples are described on the following pages.

Resource Management Concepts

Resource management under NIMS is based on:

Providing a uniform method of identifying, acquiring,allocating, and tracking resources.

Classifying kinds and types of resources required tosupport incident management.

Using a credentialing system tied to uniform trainingand certification standards.

Incorporating resources contributed by private sectorand nongovernmental organizations.

Lesson Overview

Resource management includes coordination andoversight of:

Tools. Processes. Systems.

NIMS affects the way resources are managed.

What Is Resource Management?

Four tasks:

Establishing systems Activating the systems Dispatching resources Deactivating resources

Resource Management Concepts

Standardize identification, allocation, andtracking

Classify by kind and type Implement credentialing system Incorporate resources from private sector and

NGOs

Resource Management


Resource Management Principles

Tell the students that five key principles underlie effectiveresource management:

1. Advance planning: Preparedness organizationsworking together before an incident to develop plansfor managing and using resources

2. Resource identification and ordering: Usingstandard processes and methods to identify, order,mobilize, dispatch, and track resources

3. Resource categorization: Categorizing by size,capacity, capability, skill, or other characteristics tomake resource ordering and dispatch more efficient

4. Use of agreements: Developing preincidentagreements for providing or requesting resources

5. Effective management: Using validated practices toperform key resource management tasks

Planning Activity

Direct the students to the Planning Activity on page 6-3 ofthe Self-Study Guide. Ask the students to review the listof resource management activities below, and mark allitems that describe actions that their jurisdictions havealready taken to manage their incident resourceseffectively.

Then, facilitate a group discussion about the students’ resource management practices.

Point out that even if the students’ jurisdictions currently incorporate all of the practices, they should checkregularly for updated standards from the NIMS IntegrationCenter.

Developed a method of identifying, acquiring,allocating, and tracking incident resources.

Developed mutual aid agreements to support incidentmanagement.

Ensured that all response personnel have receivedappropriate training.

Included resources contributed by the private sectorand nongovernmental organizations.

Worked together before an incident to develop plansfor managing and employing resources.

Developed standard processes to identify, order,mobilize, dispatch, and track resources.

Categorized all response resources.

Resource Management Principles

1. Advance planning2. Resource identification and ordering3. Resource categorization4. Use of agreements5. Effective management

Resource Management


Managing Resources

Resource management involves the coordination andoversight of tools, processes, and systems that provideIncident Commanders with the resources that they needduring an incident.

To assist local managers, NIMS includes standardprocedures, methods, and functions in its resourcemanagement processes. By following the standardsestablished by NIMS, resource managers are able toidentify, order, mobilize, dispatch, and track resourcesmore efficiently.

Resource “typing” involves categorizing resources by capability based on measurable standards of capabilityand performance—for example, a 500-kilowatt generator.Resource typing defines more precisely the resourcecapabilities needed to meet specific requirements—and isdesigned to be as simple as possible to facilitate frequentuse and accuracy in obtaining resources.

Certification and credentialing help ensure that allpersonnel possess a minimum level of training,experience, physical and medical fitness, or capability forthe position they are tasked to fill. NIMS also ensuresthat training material is current.

Resource managers use various resource inventorysystems to assess the availability of assets provided bypublic, private, and volunteer organizations. And resourcemanagers identify, refine, and validate resourcerequirements throughout the incident using a process toidentify:

What and how much are needed. Where and when it is needed. Who will be receiving it.

Because resource requirements and availability willchange as the incident evolves, all entities mustcoordinate closely beginning at the earliest possible pointin the incident. Request for items that the IncidentCommander cannot obtain locally must be submittedthrough the EOC or Multiagency Coordination Entity usingstandardized resource-ordering procedures.

Resource Management


Managing Resources (Continued)

Resource managers use established procedures to trackresources continuously from mobilization throughdemobilization. Resource tracking and mobilization aredirectly linked. When resources arrive on-scene, theymust check in to start on-scene in-processing and validatethe order requirements. Managers should plan fordemobilization at the same time they begin themobilization process. Early planning for demobilizationfacilitates accountability and makes transportation ofresources as efficient as possible.

Recovery involves the final disposition of all resources.During recovery, resources are rehabilitated, replenished,disposed of, or retrograded.


For more information about managing resources, visit thefollowing website.

Resource Management (Attachment H to SLG 101)(FEMA). This document is available at:www.fema.gov/pdf/rrr/5-ch-h.pdf.

FEMA also offers a Resource Management Course (G 276)for State and local delivery. Contact your State TrainingOfficer for information about when this course may bedelivered in your area.


August 2004

Lesson 7:Communications,InformationManagement, andSupportingTechnology

Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology


LessonPurpose

This lesson will cover ways in which NIMS supports communications, informationmanagement, and supporting technology.

Lesson 7Objectives


Describe the advantages of common communication and informationmanagement standards.

Explain how NIMS will influence technology and technological systems requiredfor emergency response.



Lesson Overview Concepts and Principles Managing Communications and Integration For More Information




Lesson Overview

Effective communications, information management, andsupporting technology are critical aspects of domesticincident management. This lesson will cover the ways inwhich NIMS supports these areas. At the end of thislesson, the students should be able to:

Describe the advantages of common communicationand information management standards.

Explain how NIMS will influence technology andtechnological systems required for emergencyresponse.

Concepts and Principles

NIMS standards for communications, informationmanagement, and supporting technology are based onseveral concepts and principles. These concepts andprinciples are described on the following screens.

Communications and Information ManagementPrinciples

Explain that the concepts and principles on whichcommunications and information management are basedinclude the following:

A common operating picture that is accessibleacross jurisdictions and agencies is necessary. Acommon operating picture helps to ensure consistencyat all levels, among all who respond to or manageincident response.

Common communications and data standardsare fundamental. Effective communications, bothwithin and outside of the incident response structure,are enhanced by adherence to standards.

Lesson Overview

Advantages of common communication andinformation management standards

How NIMS will influencetechnology/technological systems

Communications and Information Management

Principles:

Common operating picture Accessible across jurisdictions and agencies Common communications and data standards



Principles of Supporting Technologies

NIMS will leverage science and technology to improvecapabilities at a lower cost. To accomplish this, NIMS willbase its supporting technology standards on five keyprinciples:

1. Interoperability and compatibility: Systems mustbe able to work together.

2. Technology support: All organizations using NIMSwill be able to enhance all aspects of incidentmanagement and emergency response.

3. Technology standards: National standards willfacilitate interoperability and compatibility of majorsystems.

4. Broad-based requirements: NIMS provides amechanism for aggregating and prioritizing newtechnologies, procedures, protocols, and standards.

5. Strategic planning and R&D: The NIMS IntegrationCenter will coordinate with DHS to create a nationalR&D agenda.

Managing Communications and Information

NIMS communications and information systems enablethe essential functions needed to provide a commonoperating picture and interoperability for:

Incident management communications. Information management. Interoperability standards.

The NIMS Integration Center will also develop a nationaldatabase for incident reports.


For more information about communications, informationmanagement, and supporting technology, visit thewebsites below.

The Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership(online newsletter) www.emforum.org.

National Communications System (Department ofHomeland Security www.ncs.org.


Principles:

1. Interoperability and compatibilities2. Technology support3. Technology standards4. Broad-based requirements5. Strategic planning and R & D

Communications and Information

Facilitate a common operating picture for:

Incident management Information management Interoperability standards


August 2004

Lesson 8:Course Summary

Course Summary


LessonPurpose

This lesson summarizes the key points from this course and prepares the studentsto take the posttest.

Lesson 8Objectives

After completing this lesson, students should be able to pass the course posttest.



Summary and Posttest Overview Introduction to NIMS Command and Management Under NIMS Public Information Preparedness Resource Management Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology Taking the Posttest

Materials Self-Study Guide Visuals 8.1 through 8.19 Computer with PowerPoint 2000 and projector

Method ofEvaluation

Evaluation is accomplished using a course posttest upon completion of the course.

Course Summary


Summary and Posttest Overview

This lesson provides a brief summary of the NIMS coursecontents. After reviewing the summary information, thestudents will then take the course posttest.

Introduction to NIMS

Past emergencies have taught us much about the need fora coordinated response—especially standardization andinteroperability. NIMS is a comprehensive nationalapproach to incident management that is applicable at alljurisdictions and across all functional disciplines.

The intent of NIMS is to:

Be applicable across a full spectrum of potentialincidents and hazard scenarios, regardless of size orcomplexity.

Improve coordination and cooperation between publicand private entities in a variety of domestic incidentmanagement activities.


NIMS provides a framework for interoperability andcompatibility by balancing flexibility and standardization.

NIMS provides a flexible framework that facilitatesgovernment and private entities at all levels workingtogether to manage domestic incidents. This flexibilityapplies to all phases of incident management,regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.

NIMS provides a set of standardized organizationalstructures as well as requirements for processes,procedures, and systems designed to improveinteroperability.

NIMS Intent

Broad applicability Improve coordination and cooperation among all

response organizations


Flexible framework that:•Facilitates working together . . .•At any type of incident . . .•Regardless of size, location, or complexity

Flexible structures Requirements for processes, procedures, and

systems

Course Summary


NIMS Components

NIMS is comprised of several components that worktogether as a system to provide a national framework forpreparing for, preventing, responding to, and recoveringfrom domestic incidents. These components include:

Command and management. Preparedness. Resource management. Communications and information management. Supporting technologies. Ongoing management and maintenance.

Although these systems are evolving, much is in placenow.

Command and Management Under NIMS

NIMS employs two levels of incident managementstructures, depending on the nature of the incident.



The Incident Command System

ICS is a proven, on-scene, all-hazard incidentmanagement concept. ICS has become the standard foron-scene management. ICS is interdisciplinary andorganizationally flexible to meet the needs of incidents ofany size or level of complexity. ICS has been used for awide range of incidents—from planned events tohazardous materials spills to acts of terrorism.

NIMS Components

Command and management Preparedness Resource management Communications and information management Supporting technologies Ongoing management and maintenance

Command and Management

Incident Command System (ICS) Multiagency Coordination Systems

Course Summary


ICS Features

ICS has several features that make it well suited tomanaging incidents. These features include:

Common terminology. Organizational resources. Manageable span of control. Organizational facilities. Use of position titles. Reliance on an Incident Action Plan. Integrated communications. Accountability.

ICS Features

Common Terminology

The ability to communicate within ICS is absolutelycritical. Using standard or common terminology isessential to ensuring efficient, clear communications. ICSrequires the use of common terminology, includingstandard titles for facilities and positions within theorganization.

Common terminology also includes the use of “clear text”—that is, communication without the use of agency-specific codes or jargon. In other words, use plainEnglish.


Resources, including all personnel, facilities, and majorequipment and supply items used to support incidentmanagement activities, are assigned commondesignations. Resources are “typed” with respect to capability to help avoid confusion and enhanceinteroperability.

Manageable Span of Control

Maintaining adequate span of control throughout the ICSorganization is critical. Effective span of control may varyfrom three to seven, and a ratio of one supervisor to fivereporting elements is recommended.

If the number of reporting elements falls outside of thisrange, expansion or consolidation of the organization maybe necessary. There may be exceptions, usually in lower-risk assignments or where resources work in closeproximity to each other.

ICS Features

Common terminology Organizational resources Manageable span of control Organizational facilities Use of position titles Reliance on an Incident Action Plan Integrated communications Accountability

Course Summary


ICS Features (Continued)

Organizational Facilities

Common terminology is also used to define incidentfacilities, help clarify the activities that take place at aspecific facility, and identify what members of theorganization can be found there. For example, you findthe Incident Commander at the Incident Command Post.Incident facilities include:

The Incident Command Post. One or more staging areas. A base. One or more camps (when needed). A helibase. One or more helispots.

Incident facilities will be established depending on thekind and complexity of the incident. Only those facilitiesneeded for any given incident may be activated. Someincidents may require facilities not included on thestandard list.

Use of Position Titles

ICS positions have distinct titles.

Only the Incident Commander is called Commander—and there is only one Incident Commander perincident.

Only the heads of Sections are called Chiefs.

Learning and using standard terminology helps reduceconfusion between the day-to-day position occupied by anindividual and his or her position at the incident.

Course Summary


ICS Features (Continued)

Reliance on an Incident Action Plan

Incident Action Plans (IAPs) provide a coherent means tocommunicate the overall incident objectives in the contextof both operational and support activities. IAPs aredeveloped for operational periods that are usually 12hours long.

IAPs depend on management by objectives to accomplishresponse tactics. These objectives are communicatedthroughout the organization and are used to:

Develop and issue assignments, plans, procedures,and protocols.

Direct efforts to attain the objectives in support ofdefined strategic objectives.

Results are always documented and fed back intoplanning for the next operational period.


Integrated communications include:

The “hardware” systems that transfer information. Planning for the use of all available communications

frequencies and resources. The procedures and processes for transferring

information internally and externally.

Accountability

Effective accountability at all jurisdictional levels andwithin individual functional areas during an incident isessential. To that end, ICS requires:

An orderly chain of command—the line of authoritywithin the ranks of the incident organization.

Check-in for all responders, regardless of agencyaffiliation.

Each individual involved in incident operations to beassigned only one supervisor.

Course Summary


Unified Command

In some situations, NIMS recommends variations inincident management. Unified Command is an applicationof ICS that is used when:

There is more than one responding agency within ajurisdiction.

Incidents cross political jurisdictions.

Under a Unified Command, agencies work togetherthrough the designated members of the command toanalyze intelligence information and establish a commonset of objectives and strategies for a single IncidentAction Plan.

Area Command

An Area Command is established to:

Oversee the management of multiple incidents thatare each being managed by an ICS organization.

Oversee the management of large incidents that crossjurisdictional boundaries.

Area Commands are particularly relevant to public healthemergencies and other incidents that are nonsite specific,not immediately identifiable, or are geographicallydispersed and evolve over time.

Area Command Responsibilities

Area Command has the responsibility for:

Setting overall strategy and priorities. Allocating critical resources according to priorities. Ensuring that incidents are properly managed. Ensuring that objectives are met and strategies are

followed.

An Area Command may become a Unified Area Commandwhen incidents are multijurisdictional or involve multipleagencies.

Unified Command

More than one responding agency within ajurisdiction

Incidents cross jurisdictions

Area Command

Multiple incidents within a jurisdiction Large incidents that cross jurisdictions

Course Summary



Multiagency Coordination Systems are a combination ofresources that are integrated into a common frameworkfor coordinating and supporting domestic incidentmanagement activities.

The primary functions of Multiagency CoordinationSystems are to:

Support incident management policies and priorities. Facilitate logistics support and resource tracking. Make resource allocation decisions based on incident

management priorities. Coordinate incident-related information. Coordinate interagency and intergovernmental issues

regarding incident management policies, priorities,and strategies.

Direct tactical and operational responsibility for theconduct of incident management activities rests with theIncident Command.


Multiagency Coordination Systems include EmergencyOperations Centers (EOCs) and, in certainmultijurisdictional or complex incidents, MultiagencyCoordination Entities.

Regardless of their form or structure, MultiagencyCoordination Entities:

Ensure that each involved agency is providingsituation and resource status information.

Establish priorities between incidents and/or AreaCommands.

Acquire and allocate resources required by incidentmanagement personnel.

Coordinate and identify future resource requirements. Coordinate and resolve policy issues. Provide strategic coordination.


Support incident management Facilitate logistic support and resource tracking Allocate resources Coordinate information Coordinate issue resolution


EOC Multiagency Coordination Entities

Course Summary


Public Information

During emergencies, the public may receive informationfrom a variety of sources. The mechanism established byNIMS for ensuring that information the public receives isaccurate, coordinated, timely, and easy to understand isthrough the use of a Public Information Officer (PIO).

The PIO coordinates public information by establishing aJoint Information Center (JIC). Using the JIC as a centrallocation, information can be coordinated and integratedacross jurisdictions and agencies and among allgovernment partners, the private sector, andnongovernmental agencies.

JIC Characteristics

JICs have several characteristics in common:

JICs include representatives of all players in managingthe response. This may include jurisdictions,agencies, private entities, or nongovernmentalorganizations.

JICs must have procedures and protocols forcommunicating and coordinating effectively with otherJICs, and with the appropriate components of the ICSorganization.

Preparedness

Preparedness involves the actions required to establishand sustain prescribed levels of capability for a range ofincident management operations. Preparedness isimplemented through a continual cycle of:

Planning. Training and equipping. Exercising. Evaluating and taking corrective or mitigating action.

NIMS focuses on guidelines, protocols, and standardsnecessary to facilitate preparedness.

Public Information

Provides information to:•Command•The Public

Ensures information provided is:•Accurate•Timely•Coordinated

Preparedness

Actions involved to establish/maintain prescribedcapability

NIMS focuses on guidelines, protocols, andstandards

Course Summary


Preparedness Organizations

Preparedness organizations represent a wide variety ofcommittees, planning groups, and other organizations.These organizations meet regularly to coordinate andfocus preparedness activities.

Preparedness organizations should:

Establish and coordinate emergency plans andprotocols.

Integrate and coordinate activities and jurisdictionswithin their purview.

Establish standards, guidelines, and protocols topromote interoperability among jurisdictions andagencies.

Adopt standards, guidelines, and protocols forresource management.

Establish priorities for resources and other responserequirements.

Establish and maintain mutiagency coordinationmechanisms.

Course Summary



Preparedness plans describe how personnel, equipment,and other resources will be used to support incidentmanagement requirements. These plans represent theoperational core of preparedness and provide mechanismsfor:

Setting priorities. Integrating multiple entities and functions. Establishing collaborative relationships. Ensuring that communications and other systems

support the complete spectrum of incidentmanagement activities.

Types of Plans

Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) describe howthe jurisdiction will respond to emergencies.

Procedures may include overviews, standardoperating procedures, field operations guides, jobaids, or other critical information needed for aresponse.

Preparedness Plans, which describe how trainingneeds will be identified and met, how resources will beobtained through mutual aid agreements, and theequipment required for the hazards faced by thejurisdiction.

Corrective Action and Mitigation Plans includeactivities required to implement procedures based onlessons learned from actual incidents or training andexercises.

Recovery Plans describe the actions to be taken tofacilitate long-term recovery.

Types of Plans

EOP Procedures Preparedness Plans Corrective Action and Mitigation Recovery

Course Summary



Organizations and personnel at all governmental levelsand the private sector must be trained to improve all-hazard incident management capability. Theseorganizations and personnel must also participate inrealistic exercises to improve integration andinteroperability.

Training and Exercising and the NIMS IntegrationCenter

To assist jurisdictions in meeting training and exercisinggoals, the NIMS Integration Center will:

Facilitate the development and dissemination ofnational standards, guidelines, and protocols forincident management training.

Facilitate the use of modeling and simulation intraining and exercise programs.

Define general training requirements and approvetraining courses for all NIMS users, including instructorqualifications and course completion documentation.

Review and approve, with the assistance of keystakeholders, discipline-specific training requirementsand courses.

Personnel Qualifications and Certification

Under NIMS, preparedness is based on national standardsfor qualification and certification of emergency responsepersonnel. Standards will help ensure that theparticipating agencies’ and organizations’ field personnel possess the minimum knowledge, skills, and experiencenecessary to perform activities safely and effectively.


Facilitate national standards, guidelines, andprotection

Facilitate use of modeling/simulation Define general training requirements Review/approve discipline specific

requirements/courses

Personnel Qualifications

Preparedness based on standards forqualification/certification

Includes minimum:•Knowledge•Skills•Experience

Course Summary



A critical component of operational preparedness is thatequipment performs to certain standards, including thecapability to be interoperable with equipment used byother jurisdictions.

To facilitate national equipment certification, NIMS will:

Facilitate the development and or publication ofnational equipment standards, guidelines, andprotocols.

Review and approve lists of emergency responderequipment that meet national requirements.

Mutual Aid Agreements and Emergency ManagementAssistance Compacts

Mutual aid agreements and Emergency ManagementAssistance Compacts (EMACs) provide the means for onejurisdiction to provide resources or other support toanother jurisdiction during an incident. To facilitate thetimely delivery of assistance during incidents,jurisdictions, including States, are encouraged to enterinto mutual aid agreements and EMACs.


NIMS will manage publications dealing with domesticincident management and response through itsIntegration Center. The NIMS Integration Center willmanage a wide range of publications—from qualificationinformation and training courses to computer programsand best practices.

Resource Management

Resource management involves four primary tasks:

Establishing systems for describing, inventorying,requesting, and tracking resources

Activating those systems prior to, during, and after anincident

Dispatching resources prior to, during, and after anincident

Deactivating and recalling resources during or after anincident


Ensure performance to standards andinteroperability

Facilitate development of national standards andprotocols

Review and approve equipment meetingstandards

Resource Management

Establish systems for:•Describing•Inventorying•Requesting•Tracking

Activating systems Dispatching resources Deactivating/recalling resources

Course Summary


Resource Management (Continued)

NIMS Resource Management Concepts andPrinciples

NIMS Resource Management Concepts. Resourcemanagement under NIMS is based on:

Providing a uniform method of identifying, acquiring,allocating, and tracking resources.

Classifying kinds and types of resources required tosupport incident management.

Using a credentialing system tied to uniform trainingand certification standards.

Incorporating resources contributed by private sectorand nongovernmental organizations.

NIMS Resource Management Principles. Five keyprinciples underlie effective resource management:

1. Advance planning: Preparedness organizationsworking together before an incident to develop plansfor managing and using resources

2. Resource identification and ordering: Usingstandard processes and methods to identify, order,mobilize, dispatch, and track resources

3. Resource categorization: Categorizing by size,capacity, capability, skill, or other characteristics tomake resource ordering and dispatch more efficient

4. Use of agreements: Developing preincidentagreements for providing or requesting resources

5. Effective management: Using validated practices toperform key resource management tasks

Managing Resources Under NIMS

NIMS includes standard procedures, methods, andfunctions that reflect functional considerations, geographicfactors, and validated practices, including:

Identifying and typing resources. Certifying and credentialing personnel. Inventorying resources. Identifying resource requirements. Ordering and acquiring resources. Tracking and reporting resources. Mobilizing resources. Recovering resources. Reimbursement.

Managing Resources

Identifying and typing resources Certifying and credentialing personnel Inventorying resources Identifying resource requirements Ordering and acquiring resources Tracking and reporting resources Mobilizing resources Recovering resources Reimbursement

Course Summary


Managing Resources Under NIMS (Continued)

Resource Management Standards, Procedures, andMethods

Identifying and “typing” resources: Resource“typing” involves categorizing resources by capability based on measurable standards of capability andperformance—for example, a 500-kilowatt generator.Resource typing defines more precisely the resourcecapabilities needed to meet specific requirements—andis designed to be as simple as possible to facilitatefrequent use and accuracy in obtaining resources.

Certification and credentialing: Certification andcredentialing of personnel help ensure that allpersonnel possess a minimum level of training,experience, physical and mental fitness, or capabilityfor the position they are tasked to fill. NIMS alsoensures that training material is current.

Inventorying resources: Resource managers usevarious resource inventory systems to assess theavailability of assets provided by public, private, andvolunteer organizations. And resource managersidentify, refine, and validate resource requirementsthroughout an incident using a process to identifywhat and how much is needed, where and when it isneeded, and who will be receiving it. Becauseresource requirements and availability change as anincident evolves, all entities must coordinate closelybeginning at the earliest possible point in the incident.

Resource ordering: Requests for items that theIncident Commander cannot obtain locally must besubmitted through the EOC or MultiagencyCoordination Entity using standardized resource-ordering procedures.

Course Summary


Managing Resources Under NIMS (Continued)

Resource tracking and mobilization: Resourcetracking and mobilization are directly linked. Whenresources arrive on the scene, they must check in tostart on-scene inprocessing and validate the orderrequirements. Managers should plan fordemobilization at the same time they begin themobilization process. Early planning fordemobilization facilitates accountability and makestransportation of resources as efficient as possible.

Resource recovery: Resource recovery involves thefinal disposition of all resources. During recovery,resources are rehabilitated, replenished, disposed of,or retrograded.

Reimbursement: Reimbursement provides amechanism for funding critical needs that arise fromincident-specific activities. Processes and proceduresmust be in place to ensure that resource providers arereimbursed in a timely manner.

The NIMS Integration Center will coordinate thedevelopment and dissemination of each of these resourcemanagement standards, processes, procedures, andfunctions.

Communications, Information Management, andSupporting Technology

NIMS standards for communications, informationmanagement, and supporting technology are based on:

The necessity for a common operating picture that isaccessible across jurisdictions and agencies.

The reality that common communications and datastandards are essential.

Course Summary


NIM’s Focus on Supporting Technology

NIMS will leverage science and technology to improvecapabilities at a lower cost. To accomplish this, NIMS willbase its supporting technology standards on:

1. Interoperability and compatibility.2. Technology support.3. Technology standards.4. Broad-based requirements.5. Strategic planning and R&D.


NIMS communications and information systems enablethe essential functions needed to provide a commonoperating picture and interoperability for:

Incident management communications. Information management. Interoperability standards.

The NIMS Integration Center will also develop a nationaldatabase for incident reports.

Taking the Posttest

The purpose of the test is to make sure that the studentshave learned the course content. To receive credit forthis course, the students must answer 75% of thequestions correctly.

If students are taking the test on-line follow the directionsfound in the Facilitator Notes.

If you are using the paper tests you received from EMI, becertain students follow the instructions on the forms.Allow the students as much time as is required tocomplete the test. When all have finished collect the testsand mail them to:

EMI Independent Study16825 South Seton Ave.Emmitsburg, MD 21727

NIMS Focus on Supporting Technology

1. Interoperability and compatibility2. Technology support3. Technology standards4. Broad-based requirements5. Strategic planning and R&D


Incident management communications Information management Interoperability standards

national incident management system (nims), an...

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