National Incident Management

System (NIMS), An

Introduction

IS-700

Self-Study Guide

August 2004

FEMA
Table of Contents

Table of Contents Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1

Lesson 1: What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 1-2

What Is NIMS?........................................................................................................................................... 1-2

NIMS Compliance...................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Why Do We Need a National Incident Management System?.................................................................. 1-3

NIMS Concepts and Principles.................................................................................................................. 1-5

NIMS Components .................................................................................................................................... 1-6

Command Management ............................................................................................................................ 1-5

Preparedness ............................................................................................................................................ 1-5

Resource Management ............................................................................................................................. 1-6

Communications and Information Management........................................................................................ 1-6

Support Technologies................................................................................................................................ 1-6

Ongoing Management and Maintenance .................................................................................................. 1-6

For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 1-7

Lesson 2: Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2-2

Incident Command and Management ....................................................................................................... 2-2

ICS Features.............................................................................................................................................. 2-5

Common Terminology ............................................................................................................................... 2-5

Organizational Resources ......................................................................................................................... 2-5

Manageable Span of Control..................................................................................................................... 2-5

Organizational Facilities ............................................................................................................................ 2-6

Use of Position Titles ................................................................................................................................. 2-6

Reliance on an Incident Action Plan.......................................................................................................... 2-6

Integrated Communications....................................................................................................................... 2-7

Accountability............................................................................................................................................. 2-7

For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 2-9

Lesson 3: Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Unified and Area Command ...................................................................................................................... 3-2

What Is Unified Command?....................................................................................................................... 3-3

How Does Unified Command Work?......................................................................................................... 3-3

What Is an Area Command ....................................................................................................................... 3-4

What Does an Area Command Do?.......................................................................................................... 3-4

How Is an Area Command Organized?..................................................................................................... 3-4

Multiagency Coordination Systems ........................................................................................................... 3-7

What Are Multiagency Coordination Systems?......................................................................................... 3-7

What Do Multiagency Coordination Systems Do? .................................................................................... 3-7

Multiagency Coordination Systems Elements ........................................................................................... 3-8

Emergency Operations Centers ................................................................................................................ 3-8

Multiagency Coordination Entity Incident Responsibilities ........................................................................ 3-9

Multiagency Coordination Entity Postincident Responsibilities ................................................................. 3-9

For More Information ............................................................................................................................... 3-11
Table of Contents

Table of Contents Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2

Lesson 4: Public Information

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 4-2

Public Information During Domestic Incidents........................................................................................... 4-2

Coordination of Public Information ............................................................................................................ 4-5

The JIC ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Organizations Retain Their Independence................................................................................................ 4-5

Levels of JICs ............................................................................................................................................ 4-6

JIC Characteristics..................................................................................................................................... 4-6

JIC Organization........................................................................................................................................ 4-7

For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 4-8

Lesson 5: Preparedness

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 5-2

What Is Preparedness? ............................................................................................................................. 5-2

Preparedness Organizations ..................................................................................................................... 5-5

Responsibilities of Preparedness Organizations....................................................................................... 5-5

Preparedness Planning ............................................................................................................................. 5-5

Types of Plans ........................................................................................................................................... 5-6

Training and Exercises .............................................................................................................................. 5-7

Training and Exercises and the NIMS Integration Center......................................................................... 5-7

Personnel Qualification and Certification................................................................................................... 5-8

Equipment Certification ............................................................................................................................. 5-8

Mutual Aid Agreement and Emergency Management Assistance Compacts........................................... 5-9

Publication Management ........................................................................................................................... 5-9

For More Information ............................................................................................................................... 5-11

Lesson 6: Resource Management

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 6-2

What Is Resource Management?.............................................................................................................. 6-2

Resource Management Concepts ............................................................................................................. 6-2

Resource Management Principles............................................................................................................. 6-3

Managing Resources................................................................................................................................. 6-4

For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 6-6

Lesson 7: Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology

Lesson Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 7-2

Concepts and Principles............................................................................................................................ 7-2

Communications and Information Management Principles ....................................................................... 7-2

Principles of Supporting Technologies ...................................................................................................... 7-3

Managing Communications and Information............................................................................................. 7-3

For More Information ................................................................................................................................. 7-4
Table of Contents

Table of Contents Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3

Lesson 8: Course Summary

Summary and Posttest Overview .............................................................................................................. 8-2

Introduction to NIMS.................................................................................................................................. 8-2

NIMS Components .................................................................................................................................... 8-2

Command and Management Under NIMS................................................................................................ 8-3

The Incident Command System ................................................................................................................ 8-3

ICS Features.............................................................................................................................................. 8-3

Unified Command...................................................................................................................................... 8-6

Area Command.......................................................................................................................................... 8-6

Area Command Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 8-6

Multiagency Coordination System Elements............................................................................................. 8-7

Public Information...................................................................................................................................... 8-7

JIC Characteristics..................................................................................................................................... 8-8

Preparedness ............................................................................................................................................ 8-8

Preparedness Organizations ..................................................................................................................... 8-8

Preparedness Planning ............................................................................................................................. 8-9

Training and Exercise................................................................................................................................ 8-9

Personnel Qualification and Certification................................................................................................. 8-10

Equipment Certification ........................................................................................................................... 8-10

Mutual Aid Agreements and Emergency Management Assistance Compacts....................................... 8-10

Publication Management ......................................................................................................................... 8-10

Resource Management ........................................................................................................................... 8-10

Managing Resources Under NIMS.......................................................................................................... 8-11

Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology ............................................. 8-13

NIMS’sFocusonSupportingTechnology............................................................................................... 8-13

Managing Communications and Information........................................................................................... 8-13

Taking the Posttest.................................................................................................................................. 8-13
NIMS

Lesson 1:

What Is the

National Incident

Management

System (NIMS)?

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-1

Lesson

Purpose

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

Lesson 1

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

 Describe how NIMS will help to coordinate and integrate the response to

domestic incidents.

 Describe NIMS concepts and principles.

 Identify NIMS components.

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
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-2

Lesson Overview On February 28, 2003, President Bush issued Homeland Security

Presidential Directive–5. HSPD–5 directed the Secretary of Homeland

Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management

System. NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all

government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work

together during domestic incidents.

This lesson will describe the key concepts and principles of NIMS, and

the benefits of using the system for domestic incident response. At the

end of this lesson, you should be able to describe these key concepts,

principles, and benefits.

What Is NIMS? NIMS is a comprehensive, national approach to incident management

that is applicable at all jurisdictional levels and across functional

disciplines. The intent of NIMS is to:

 Be applicable across a full spectrum of potential incidents and

hazard scenarios, regardless of size or complexity.

 Improve coordination and cooperation between public and private

entities in a variety of domestic incident management activities.

NIMS Compliance HSPD-5 requires Federal departments and agencies to make the

adoption of NIMS by State and local organizations a condition for

Federal preparedness assistance (grants, contracts, and other activities)

by FY 2005.

Jurisdictions can comply in the short term by adopting the Incident

Command System. Other aspects of NIMS require additional

development and refinement to enable compliance at a future date.
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-3

Why Do We Need a

National Incident

Management System?

Lessons learned from previous large-scale disasters point to a need for

a National Incident Management System.

Emergencies occur every day somewhere in the United Sates. These

emergencies are large and small and range from fires to hazardous

materials incidents to natural and technological disasters. Each incident

requires a response.

Whether from different departments within the same jurisdiction, from

mutual aid partners, or from State and Federal agencies, responders

need to be able to work together, communicate with each other and

depend on each other.

Until now, there have been no standards for domestic incident response

that reach across all levels of government and all response agencies.

The events of September 11 have underscored the need for and

importance of national standards for incident operations, incident

communications, personnel qualifications, resource management, and

information management and supporting technology.

To provide standards for domestic incident response, President Bush

signed HSPD-5. HSPD-5 authorized the Secretary of Homeland

Security to develop the National Incident Management System, or NIMS.

NIMS provides for interoperability and compatibility among all

responders.
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-4

Planning Activity Review the list below and mark the items that your jurisdiction

already does or is able to do.

Yes No

  Involve all responding agencies, private organizations,

and nongovernmental organizations in planning, training,

and exercise activities.

  Integrate the Incident Command System (ICS) into your

jurisdiction’sEmergencyOperations 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 other

Multiagency Coordination Entity.

  Operate as a team, regardless of the agencies or mutual

aid partners involved in a response.

  Communicate among all responding agencies, including

mutual aid partners.

  Maintain interoperability of all resources, including

resources owned by mutual aid partners.

  Train all personnel who could be involved in a response

to minimum proficiency standards.

  Categorize all response resources according to

performance capability.

  Identify, mobilize, dispatch, track, and recover incident

resources.

  Establish a Joint Information System (JIS) to coordinate

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.

Ifyoudidnotmarkall“Yes”boxes,yourjurisdictioncanbenefitfromNIMS.
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-5

NIMS Concepts and

Principles

NIMS provides a framework for interoperability and compatibility by

balancing flexibility and standardization.

 NIMS provides a flexible framework that facilitates government and

private entities at all levels working together to manage domestic

incidents. This flexibility applies to all phases of incident

management, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.

 NIMS provides a set of standardized organizational structures, as

well as requirements for processes, procedures, and systems

designed to improve interoperability.

NIMS Components NIMS is comprised of several components that work together as a

system to provide a national framework for preparing for, preventing,

responding to, and recovering from 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 place now. Each of

these components will be described on the pages that follow.

Command and

Management

NIMS standard incident management structures are based on three key

organizational systems:

 The Incident Command System (ICS) defines the operating

characteristics, management components, and structure of incident

management organizations throughout the life cycle of an incident

 The Multiagency Coordination System, which defines the

operating characteristics, management components, and

organizational structure of supporting entities

 The Public Information System, which includes the processes,

procedures, and systems for communicating timely and accurate

information to the public during emergency situations

Preparedness Effective incident management begins with a host of preparedness

activities.Theseactivitiesareconductedona“steady-state”basis,well

in advance of any potential incident. Preparedness involves a

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).
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-6

Resource Management When fully implemented, NIMS will define standardized mechanisms

and establish requirements for describing, inventorying, mobilizing,

dispatching, tracking, and recovering resources over the life cycle of an

incident.

Communications and

Information Management

NIMS identifies the requirements for a standardized framework for

communications, information management, and information-sharing

support at all levels of incident management.

 Incident management organizations must ensure that effective,

interoperable communications processes, procedures, and systems

exist across all agencies and jurisdictions.

 Information management systems help ensure that information

flows efficiently through a commonly accepted architecture.

Effective information management enhances incident management

and response by helping to ensure that decisionmaking is better

informed.

Supporting Technologies Technology and technological systems provide supporting capabilities

essential to implementing and refining NIMS. Examples include:

 Voice and data communication systems.

 Information management systems, such as recordkeeping and

resource tracking.

 Data display systems.

Supporting technologies also include specialized technologies that

facilitate ongoing operations and incident management activities in

situations that call for unique technology-based capabilities.

Ongoing Management

and Maintenance

DHS established the NIMS Integration Center to provide strategic

direction and oversight in support of routine review and continual

refinement of both the system and its components over the long term.

Planning Activity Using the space below, write the three greatest benefits that your

jurisdiction can gain from NIMS.
What Is the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

Lesson 1 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 1-7

Planning Activity

Feedback

Compare your list of benefits to the list provided below.

NIMS Benefits:

 Flexible framework that facilitates public and private entities at all

levels working together to manage domestic incidents

 Standardized organizational structures, processes, procedures, and

systems designed to improve interoperability

 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, data display systems, and

specialized technologies

For More Information More information about NIMS principles, concepts, and components is

included in the National Incident Management System document,

available at: www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/NIMS-90-web.pdf.
NIMS

Lesson 2:

Command and

Management Under

NIMS—Part 1

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson introduces you to the organizational structure of ICS.

Lesson 2

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

 Identify five major management functions.

 Determine whether the principle of span of control has been applied properly in

a scenario.

 Describe the purpose of unique position titles in ICS.

 Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Incident Commander and Command

Staff.

Estimated Time 20 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 Lesson Overview

 Incident Command and Management

 ICS Features

 For More Information
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-2

Lesson Overview Analysis of past responses indicates that the most common cause of

responsefailureispoormanagement.Confusionaboutwho’sincharge

of what and when, together with unclear lines of authority, have been

the greatest contributors to poor response.

This lesson will describe how NIMS addresses command and

management. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Identify the benefits of using ICS as the model incident 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 management structures, depending

on the nature of the incident.

 The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standard, on-scene, allhazard incident management system. ICS allows users to adopt an

integrated organizational structure to match the needs of single or

multiple incidents.

 Multiagency Coordination Systems are a combination of facilities,

equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications integrated

into a common framework for coordinating and supporting incident

management.

ICS will be described in this lesson. Unified Command, Area Command,

and Multiagency Coordination Systems will be addressed in Lesson 3.

NIMS requires that responses to all domestic incidents utilize a common

management structure. The Incident Command System—or ICS—is a

standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. ICS is a

proven system that is used widely for incident management by

firefighters, rescuers, emergency medical teams, and hazardous

materialsteams.ICSrepresentsorganizational“bestpractices”andhas

become the standard for incident response across the country.

ICS is interdisciplinary and organizationally flexible to meet the needs of

incidents of any kind, size, or level of complexity. Using ICS, personnel

from a variety of agencies can meld rapidly into a common management

structure.

ICS has been tested for more than 30 years and used for planned

events, fires, hazardous materials spills, and multicasualty incidents;

multijurisdictional and multiagency disasters, such as earthquakes,

hurricanes, and winter storms; search and rescue missions; biological

outbreaks and disease containment; and acts of terrorism.

ICS helps all responders communicate and get what they need when

they need it. ICS also provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective

response and recovery strategy.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-3

Knowledge Review Read each question and determine whether it is myth or fact.

Circle the correct answer. Check your answers against the correct

answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

ICS has become the standard for incident management across the

country.

 Myth

 Fact

Question 2 of 3

AlthoughICShasprovenitselfinthewildfirearena,itisn’teffectivefor

other types of events.

 Myth

 Fact

Question 3 of 3

Using ICS helps personnel from a variety of agencies meld rapidly into a

common management structure.

 Myth

 Fact
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-4

Knowledge Review

Answers

Check your answers against the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

ICS has become the standard for incident management across the

country.

 Myth

 Fact

Question 2 of 3

AlthoughICShasprovenitselfinthewildfirearena,itisn’teffectivefor

other types of events.

 Myth

 Fact

Question 3 of 3

Using ICS helps personnel from a variety of agencies meld rapidly into a

common management structure.

 Myth

 Fact
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-5

ICS Features ICS has several features that make it well suited to managing 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.

Each of these features will be described next.

Common Terminology The ability to communicate within ICS is absolutely critical. Using

standard or common terminology is essential to ensuring efficient, clear

communications. ICS requires the use of common terminology,

including standard titles for facilities and positions within the

organization.

Commonterminologyalsoincludestheuseof“cleartext”—that is,

communication without the use of agency-specific codes or jargon. In

other words, use plain English.

Organizational Resources Resources, including all personnel, facilities, and major equipment and

supply items used to support incident management activities are

assigned common designations.Resourcesare“typed”withrespectto

capability to help avoid confusion and enhance interoperability.

Manageable Span of

Control

Maintaining adequate span of control throughout the ICS organization is

critical. Effective span of control may vary from three to seven, and a

ratio of one supervisor to five reporting elements is recommended.

If the number of reporting elements falls outside of this range, expansion

or consolidation of the organization may be necessary. There may be

exceptions, usually in lower-risk assignments or where resources work

in close proximity to each other.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-6

Organizational Facilities Common terminology is also used to define incident facilities, help clarify

the activities that take place at a specific facility, and identify what

members of the organization can be found there. For example, you find

the 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 the kind and

complexity of the incident. Only those facilities needed for any given

incident may be activated. Some incidents may require facilities not

included on the standard list.

Use of Position Titles ICS positions have distinct titles.

 Only the Incident Commander is called Commander—and there is

only one Incident Commander per incident.

 Only the heads of Sections are called Chiefs.

Learning and using standard terminology helps reduce confusion

between the day-to-day position occupied by an individual and his or her

position at the incident.

Reliance on an Incident

Action Plan

Incident Action Plans (IAPs) provide a coherent means to communicate

the overall incident objectives in the context of both operational and

support activities. IAPs are developed for operational periods that are

usually 12 hours long.

IAPs depend on management by objectives to accomplish response

tactics. These objectives are communicated throughout the

organization and are used to:

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

 Direct efforts to attain the objectives in support of defined strategic

objectives.

Results are always documented and fed back into planning for the next

operational period.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-7

Integrated

Communications

Integrated communications include:

 The“hardware”systemsthattransferinformation.

 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 exceed available radio

frequencies. Some incidents may be conducted entirely without radio

support. In such situations, other communications resources (e.g., cell

phones or secure phone lines) may be the only communications

methods used to coordinate communications and to transfer large

amounts of data effectively

Accountability Effective accountability at all jurisdictional levels and within individual

functional areas during an incident is essential. To that end, ICS

requires:

 An orderly chain of command—the line of authority within the ranks

of the incident organization.

 Check-in for all responders, regardless of agency affiliation.

 Each individual involved in incident operations to be assigned only

onesupervisor(alsocalled“unityofcommand”).
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-8

Knowledge Review Read each scenario. Circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers with the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

As more and more resources report to the incident scene, the Incident

Commander determines that there is a need to appoint an Operations

Section Chief. The Incident Commander is making the appointment to

maintain:

 An orderly chain of command.

 A manageable span of control.

 Integrated communications.

 Accountability.

Question 2 of 3

___________________ depend on management by objectives to

accomplish response tactics.

 Incident Action Plans

 Integrated communications

 Organizational resources

Question 3 of 3

ICS requires that each individual involved in incident operations be

assigned only one supervisor. This is an example of:

 Manageable span of control.

 Integrated communications.

 Accountability.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 1

Lesson 2 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 2-9

Knowledge Review Compare your answers with the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

As more and more resources report to the incident scene, the Incident

Commander determines that there is a need to appoint an Operations

Section Chief. The Incident Commander is making the appointment to

maintain:

 An orderly chain of command.

 A manageable span of control.

 Integrated communications.

 Accountability.

Question 2 of 3

___________________ depend on management by objectives to

accomplish response tactics.

 Incident Action Plans

 Integrated communications

 Organizational resources

Question 3 of 3

ICS requires that each individual involved in incident operations be

assigned only one supervisor. This is an example of:

 Manageable span of control.

 Integrated communications.

 Accountability.

For More Information For more information about the Incident Command System, visit the

following web sites:

 Introduction to ICS for Federal Disaster Workers (IS 100) (FEMA).

ThiscourseisavailablethroughFEMA’sVirtualCampusat:

www.training.fema.gov.
NIMS

Lesson 3:

Command and

Management Under

NIMS—Part 2

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson describes when and how Unified Command, Area Command, and

Multiagency Coordination Systems are used in domestic incidents.

Lesson 3

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

 Determine when it is appropriate to institute a Unified or Area Command.

 Describe the functions and purpose of Multiagency Coordination Systems.

Estimated Time 15 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 Lesson Overview

 Unified and Area Command

 Multiagency Coordination System Elements

 Multiagency Coordination Entity Incident Responsibilities

 For More Information
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-2

Lesson Overview While ICS has proven itself to be effective for all types of incidents, other

levels of coordination may be required to facilitate 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 command and

management of these types of incidents:

 At the end of this lesson, you should be able to determine when it is

appropriate to institute a Unified or Area Command.

 Describe the functions and purpose of Multiagency Coordination

Systems.

Unified and Area

Command

In some situations, NIMS recommends variations in incident

management. The two most common variations involve the use of

Unified Command and Area Command.

Unified Command and Area Command are described on the following

pages.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-3

What Is Unified

Command?

Unified Command is an application of ICS used when:

 There is more than one responding agency with incident jurisdiction.

 Incidents cross political jurisdictions.

For example, a Unified Command may be used for:

 A hazardous materials spill that contaminates a nearby reservoir. In

this incident, the fire department, the water authority, and the local

environmental authority may each participate in a Unified

Command.

 A flood that devastates multiple communities. In this incident,

incident management personnel from key response agencies from

each community may participate in a Unified Command.

Unified Command

(Representatives From Local Jurisdictions)

Finance/

Administration

Operations Planning Logistics

How Does Unified

Command Work?

Under a Unified Command, agencies work together through the

designated members of the Unified Command 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 other features of ICS. It

merely allows all agencies with responsibility for the incident to

participate in the decisionmaking process.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-4

What Is an Area

Command?

An Area Command is an organization established to:

 Oversee the management of multiple incidents that are each being

managed by an ICS organization.

 Oversee the management of large incidents that cross jurisdictional

boundaries.

Area Commands are particularly relevant to public health emergencies

because these incidents are typically:

 Nonsite specific.

 Not immediately identifiable.

 Geographically dispersed and evolve over time.

These types of incidents call for a coordinated response, with largescale coordination typically found at a higher jurisdictional level.

Area Command

ICP 1 ICP 2 ICP 3

What Does an Area

Command Do?

The Area Command has the responsibility for:

 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 Command when

incidents are multijurisdictional or involve multiple agencies.

How Is an Area Command

Organized?

An Area Command is organized similarly to an ICS structure but,

because operations are conducted on-scene, there is no Operations

Section in an Area Command. Other Sections and functions are

represented in an Area Command structure.

Area Command

Planning Logistics Aviation Coordinator
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-5

Knowledge Review Review the scenario below. Determine whether the incident calls

for Single Command, Unified Command, or Area Command. Circle

the correct answer. When you are finished, compare your answers

to the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

A fire has broken out at a local shopping center. Mutual aid agreements

have been activated. The incident is limited to fire, police, and

emergency medical service personnel. This incident should be

managed through:

 A Single Command.

 A Unified Command.

 An Area Command.

Question 2 of 3

An explosion has occurred at the local convention center. Multiple

deaths and injuries have been reported. The fire department has

controlled the fire, but the incident is also under investigation as a

possible crime scene. This incident should be managed through:

 A Single Command.

 A Unified Command.

 An Area Command.

Question 3 of 3

An outbreak of a suspicious flu-like virus has broken out throughout the

State. So far, victims seem to have contracted the virus through

personal contact, but public health officials cannot trace the source of

the virus to a naturally occurring outbreak. Because the contamination

area is spreading, the entire region has been placed on alert. This

incident should be managed by:

 A Single Command.

 A Unified Command.

 An Area Command.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-6

Knowledge Review

Answers

Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

A fire has broken out at a local shopping center. Mutual aid agreements

have been activated. The incident is limited to fire, police, and

emergency medical service personnel. This incident should be

managed through:

 A Single Command.

 A Unified Command.

 An Area Command.

Question 2 of 3

An explosion has occurred at the local convention center. Multiple

deaths and injuries have been reported. The fire department has

controlled the fire, but the incident is also under investigation as a

possible crime scene. This incident should be managed through:

 A Single Command.

 A Unified Command.

 An Area Command.

Question 3 of 3

An outbreak of a suspicious flu-like virus has broken out throughout the

State. So far, victims seem to have contracted the virus through

personal contact, but public health officials cannot trace the source of

the virus to a naturally occurring outbreak. Because the contamination

area is spreading, the entire region has been placed on alert. This

incident should be managed by:

 A Single Command.

 A Unified Command.

 An Area Command.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-7

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 the screens that

follow.

What Are Multiagency

Coordiantion Systems?

Multiagency Coordination Systems are a combination of resources that

are integrated into a common framework for coordinating and supporting

domestic incident management activities. These resources may

include:

 Facilities.

 Equipment.

 Personnel.

 Procedures.

 Communications.

What Do Multiagency

Coordination Systems

Do?

The primary functions of Multiagency Coordination 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 the conduct of incident

management activities rests with the Incident Command.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-8

Multiagency Coordination

System Elements

Multiagency Coordination Systems include Emergency Operations

Centers (EOCs) and, in certain multijurisdictional or complex incidents,

Multiagency Coordination Entities.

 EOCs are the locations from which the coordination of information

and resources to support incident activities takes place. EOCs are

typically established by the emergency management agency at the

local and State levels.

 Multiagency Coordination Entities typically consist of principals from

organizations with direct incident management responsibilities or

with significant incident management support or resource

responsibilities. These entities may be used to facilitate incident

management and policy coordination.

Emergency Operations

Centers

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 joint information

activities.

EOCs may be staffed by personnel representing multiple jurisdictions

and functional disciplines. The size, staffing, and equipment at an EOC

will depend on the size of the jurisdiction, the resources available, and

the anticipated incident needs.

EOC Manager

Coordination Communications Resource

Management

Information

Management
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-9

Multiagency Coordination

Entity Incident

Responsibilities

Regardless of their form or structure, Multiagency Coordination Entities

are responsible for:

 Ensuring that each involved agency is providing situation and

resource status information.

 Establishing priorities between incidents and/or Area Commands in

concert with the Incident Command or Unified Command.

 Acquiring and allocating resources required by incident

management personnel.

 Coordinating and identifying future resource requirements.

 Coordinating and resolving policy issues.

 Providing strategic coordination.

Multiagency Coordination

Entity Postincident

Responsibilities

Following incidents, Multiagency Coordination Entities are typically

responsible for ensuring that 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 the incident. They

should be coordinated with the emergency planning team in the

jurisdiction and with mutual aid partners.

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Situation status 

Resource needs 

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Situation status 

Resource needs 

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities

Coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Resources

Priorities

Strategic coordination

Multiagency

Coordination Entity

Incident Command/

Unified Command 1

Incident Command/

Unified Command 2

Other Multiagency

Coordination Entities
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-10

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers to the correct answers shown on the next page.

Question 1 of 2

Several similar incidents are being managed at the same time using

ICS. Incident Commanders from all incidents are requesting similar

resources, and the jurisdiction has just activated several of its mutual aid

agreements. Now, the EOC needs to determine how to allocate the

resources according to the priorities of each incident.

Which EOC core function is responsible for this task?

 Coordination

 Communication

 Information dissemination

Question 2 of 2

A series of tornadoes has struck the Midwest, causing a path of

destruction across several jurisdictions in one State. Most mutual aid

agreements cannot be activated because all available resources are

being used for the response. Attaining and allocating outside resources

to support the incidents would be coordinated best using:

 Local EOCs.

 An Area Command.

 A Multiagency Coordination Entity.
Command and Management Under NIMS—Part 2

Lesson 3 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 3-11

Knowledge Review Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 2

Several similar incidents are being managed at the same time using

ICS. Incident Commanders from all incidents are requesting similar

resources, and the jurisdiction has just activated several of its mutual aid

agreements. Now, the EOC needs to determine how to allocate the

resources according to the priorities of each incident.

Which EOC core function is responsible for this task?

 Coordination

 Communication

 Information dissemination

Question 2 of 2

A series of tornadoes has struck the Midwest, causing a path of

destruction across several jurisdictions in one State. Most mutual aid

agreements cannot be activated because all available resources are

being used for the response. Attaining and allocating outside resources

to support the incidents would be coordinated best using:

 Local EOCs.

 An Area Command.

 A Multiagency Coordination Entity.

For More Information For more information about Unified Command, Area Command, and

Multiagency Coordination Systems, visit the following websites.

 Incident Command System/Unified Command (ICS/UC)Technical

Assistance Document (National Response Team) This document is

available at: http://nrt.org/production/nrt/home.nsf/resources.

Select Publications 1 to access the document.

 Incident Command System National Training Curriculum: Unit 13:

Unified Command (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) This

module is available at:

www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms/ICS_cours/i400/mod13.pdf.

 Incident Command System National Training Curriculum: Unit 16:

Multiagency Coordination (National Wildfire Coordinating Group)

This document is available at:

www.nwcg.gov/pms/forms/ICS_cours/i401/i401.pdf.
NIMS

Lesson 4:

Public Information

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 4-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson provides an overview of the Public Information Systems required by

NIMS.

Lesson 4

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to describe the Public Information

Systems required by NIMS.

Estimated Time 15 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 Lesson Overview

 Public Information During Domestic Incidents

 Coordination of Public Information

 For More Information
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-2

Lesson Overview Because public information is critical to domestic incident management,

it is imperative to establish Public Information Systems and protocols for

communicating timely and accurate information to the public during

emergency situations. This lesson describes the principles needed to

support effective emergency Public Information Systems.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to describe the Public

Information Systems required by NIMS.

Public Information During

Domestic Incidents

Under ICS, the PIO is a member of the command staff. The PIO

advises the Incident Command on all public information matters,

including media and public inquiries, emergency public information and

warnings, rumor monitoring and control, media monitoring, and other

functions required to coordinate, clear with proper authorities, and

disseminate accurate and timely information related to the incident.

The PIO establishes and operates within the parameters established for

the Joint Information System—or JIS. The JIS provides an organized,

integrated, and coordinated mechanism for providing information to the

public during an emergency. The JIS includes plans, protocols, and

structures used to provide information to the public. It encompasses all

public information related to the incident.

Key elements of a JIS include interagency coordination and integration,

developing and delivering coordinated messages, and support for

decisionmakers.

The PIO, using the JIS, ensures that decisionmakers—and the public—

are fully informed throughout a domestic incident response.
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-3

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers to the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

The PIO advises the Incident Command on all public information

matters related to the management of the incident, including: (Circle

ALL that apply)

 Rumors that are circulating in the area.

 What the local media are reporting.

 Operational security matters.

 Warnings and emergency public information needs.

Question 2 of 3

The PIO establishes and uses a(n):

 Incident Command Post.

 Emergency Operations Center.

 Joint Information System.

 Media Information Center.

Question 3 of 3

The JIS coordinates public information at all levels in support of an

incident.

 True

 False
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-4

Knowledge Review

Answers

Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

The PIO advises the Incident Command on all public information

matters related to the management of the incident, including: (Circle

ALL that apply)

 Rumors that are circulating in the area.

 What the local media are reporting.

 Operational security matters.

 Warnings and emergency public information needs.

Question 2 of 3

The PIO establishes and operates a(n):

 Incident Command Post.

 Emergency Operations Center.

 Joint Information System.

 Media Information Center.

Question 3 of 3

The JIS coordinates public information at all levels in support of an

incident.

 True

 False
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-5

Coordination of Public

Information

During emergencies, the public may receive information from a variety

ofsources.PartofthePIO’sjobisensuringthattheinformationthatthe

public receives is accurate, coordinated, timely, and easy to understand.

One way to ensure the coordination of public information is by

establishing a Joint Information Center (JIC). Using the JIC as a central

location, information can be coordinated and integrated across

jurisdictions and agencies, and among all government partners, the

private sector, and nongovernmental agencies.

The JIC A JIC is the physical location where public information staff involved in

incident management activities can collocate to perform critical

emergency information, crisis communications, and public affairs

functions.

JICs provide the organizational structure for coordinating and

disseminating critical information.

Organizations Retain

Their Independence

Incident Commanders and Multiagency Coordination Entities are

responsible for establishing and overseeing JICs, including processes

for coordinating and clearing public communications. In the case of a

Unified Command, those contributing to joint public information

management do not lose their individual identities or responsibilities.

Rather, each entity contributes to the overall unified message.
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-6

Levels of JICs JICs may be established at various levels of government. All JICs must

communicate and coordinate with each other on an ongoing basis using

established JIS protocols. When multiple JICs are established,

information must be coordinated among them to ensure that a

consistent message is disseminated to the public.

State JIC

Local JIC 1 Local JIC 2

Agency 1

PIO

Agency 2

PIO

IC/UC/Area Command

PIO

(at incident JIC)

JIC Characteristics JICs have several characteristics in common:

 The JIC includes representatives of all players in managing the

response. This may include jurisdictions, agencies, private entities,

and nongovernmental organizations.

 Each JIC must have procedures and protocols for communicating

and coordinating effectively with other JICs, and with the

appropriate components of the ICS organization.

A single JIC location is preferable, but the JIS should be flexible enough

to accommodate multiple JICs when the circumstances of the incident

require.
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-7

JIC Organization A typical JIC organization is shown below.

Joint Information

Center

Research Team Media Team Logistics Team

Press Secretary

(jurisdictional)

Liaison

(as required)

Additional functions may be added as necessary to meet the public

information needs of the incident.

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers to the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

JICs provide the organizational structure for coordinating and

disseminating official information.

 True

 False

Question 2 of 3

JICs should include representatives from only those jurisdictions,

agencies, or entities represented in the Unified Command.

 True

 False

Question 3 of 3

When multiple JICs are established, they operate independently and

disseminate only the information related to their areas of responsibility.

 True

 False
Public Information

Lesson 4 Self-Study Guide June 2004 Page 4-8

Knowledge Review

Answers

Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

JICs provide the organizational structure for coordinating and

disseminating official information.

 True

 False

Question 2 of 3

JICs should include representatives from only those jurisdictions,

agencies, or entities represented in the Unified Command.

 True

 False

Question 3 of 3

When multiple JICs are established, they operate independently and

disseminate only the information related to their areas of responsibility.

 True

 False

For More Information FEMA offers a course for field delivery at the State or local level.

Contact your State Training Officer for more information about when this

course may be offered in your area.

 Basic Public Information Officers Course (G 290)
NIMS

Lesson 5:

Preparedness

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson covers preparedness measures that are required by NIMS.

Lesson 5

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to identify ways in which NIMS

affects how your jurisdiction prepares for incidents and events.

Estimated Time 20 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 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 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-2

Lesson Overview Preparedness is a key phase of the emergency management cycle.

Through preparedness, jurisdictions take actions to prevent, mitigate,

respond to, and recover from emergencies.

This lesson covers preparedness measures that are required under

NIMS. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify the ways

in which NIMS affects how your jurisdiction prepares for incidents and

events.

What Is Preparedness? Preparedness is critical to emergency management. Preparedness

involves all of the actions required to establish and sustain the level of

capability necessary to execute a wide range of incident management

operations.

Preparedness is implemented through a continual cycle of planning,

training and equipping, exercising and evaluating, and taking action to

correct and mitigate.

A major objective of preparedness is to ensure mission integration and

interoperability in response to emergent crises across functional and

jurisdictional lines. Preparedness also includes efforts to coordinate

between public and private organizations.

Preparedness is the responsibility of individual jurisdictions, which

coordinate their activities among all preparedness stakeholders. Each

level of government is responsible for its preparedness activities.

NIMS provides tools to help ensure and enhance preparedness. These

tools include:

 Preparedness organizations and programs that provide or establish

processes for planning, training, and exercising.

 Personnel qualification and certification.

 Equipment certification.

 Mutual aid.

 Publication management.

National-level preparedness standards related to NIMS will be

maintained and managed through a multijurisdictional, multidiscipline

center, using a collaborative process at the NIMS Integration Center.

Using NIMS as a basis, all preparedness stakeholders will be able to

attain and sustain the level of readiness necessary to respond to the

range of domestic incidents facing America today.
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-3

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers to the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

Preparedness is the responsibility of ___________________, which are

responsible for coordinating their activities among all preparedness

stakeholders.

 Federal agencies

 State governments

 Individual jurisdictions

Question 2 of 3

NIMS (through the NIC) facilitates preparedness among all stakeholders

by:

 Assuming responsibility for preparedness efforts.

 Providing preparedness guidelines, protocols, and standards.

 Penalizing jurisdictions that are not prepared.

 Directing specific preparedness measures from the Federal level.

Question 3 of 3

National-level preparedness standards related to NIMS will be

maintained and managed through a _________________,

multidiscipline center, using a collaborative process at the NIMS

Integration Center.

 Multijurisdictional

 Unilateral

 Multiagency
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-4

Knowledge Review

Answers

Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

Preparedness is the responsibility of ___________________, which are

responsible for coordinating their activities among all preparedness

stakeholders.

 Federal agencies

 State governments

 Individual jurisdictions

Question 2 of 3

NIMS (through the NIC) facilitates preparedness among all stakeholders

by:

 Assuming responsibility for preparedness efforts.

 Providing preparedness guidelines, protocols, and standards.

 Penalizing jurisdictions that are not prepared.

 Directing specific preparedness measures from the Federal level.

Question 3 of 3

National-level preparedness standards related to NIMS will be

maintained and managed through a _________________,

multidiscipline center, using a collaborative process at the NIMS

Integration Center.

 Multijurisdictional

 Unilateral

 Multiagency
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-5

Preparedness

Organizations

Preparedness organizations represent a wide variety of committees,

planning groups, and other organizations. These organizations meet

regularly to coordinate and focus preparedness activities. The needs of

the jurisdiction will dictate how frequently the organizations must meet

and how they are structured.

Responsibilities of

Preparedness

Organizations

Preparedness organizations at all levels should follow NIMS standards

and undertake the following tasks:

 Establishing and coordinating emergency plans and protocols

 Integrating and coordinating the activities and jurisdictions within

their purview

 Establishing guidelines and protocols to promote interoperability

among jurisdictions and agencies

 Adopting guidelines and protocols for resource management

 Establishing priorities for resources and other response

requirements

 Establishing and maintaining of multiagency coordination

mechanisms

Preparedness Planning Preparedness plans describe how personnel, equipment, and other

governmental and nongovernmental resources will be used to support

incident management requirements. These plans represent the

operational core of 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 incident management activities.
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-6

Types of Plans Jurisdictions must develop several types of plans, including:

 Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), which describe how the

jurisdiction will respond to emergencies.

 Procedures, which may include overviews, standard operating

procedures, field operations guides, job aids, or other critical

information needed for a response.

 Preparedness Plans, which describe how training needs will be

identified and met, how resources will be obtained through mutual

aid agreements, and the equipment required for the hazards faced

by the jurisdiction.

 Corrective Action and Mitigation Plans, which include activities

required to implement procedures based on lessons learned from

actual incidents or training and exercises.

 Recovery Plans, which describe the actions to be taken to facilitate

long-term recovery.

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers to the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 2

Plans represent the operational core of preparedness and provide

mechanisms for: (Circle ALL that apply)

 Setting priorities.

 Integrating multiple entities and functions.

 Conducting public awareness activities.

 Establishing response standards.

Question 2 of 2

Checklists and other worksheets that provide critical information

necessary to perform a response task are considered:

 EOPs.

 Procedures.

 Response plans.

 Mitigation plans.
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-7

Knowledge Review

Answers

Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 2

Plans represent the operational core of preparedness and provide

mechanisms for: (Circle ALL that apply)

 Setting priorities.

 Integrating multiple entities and functions.

 Conducting public awareness activities.

 Establishing response standards.

Question 2 of 2

Checklists and other worksheets that provide critical information

necessary to perform a response task are considered:

 EOPs.

 Procedures.

 Response plans.

 Mitigation plans.

Training and Exercise Organizations and personnel at all governmental levels and in the

private sector must be trained to improve all-hazard incident

management capability. These organizations and personnel must also

participate in realistic exercises to improve integration and

interoperability.

Training and Exercises

and the NIMS Integration

Center

To assist jurisdictions in meeting these training and exercise needs, the

NIMS Integration Center will:

 Facilitate the development of and dissemination of national

standards, guidelines, and protocols for incident management

training.

 Facilitate the use of modeling and simulation in training and

exercise programs.

 Define general training requirements and approved training courses

for all NIMS users, including instructor qualifications and course

completion documentation.

 Review and approve, with the assistance of key stakeholders,

discipline-specific training requirements and courses.
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-8

Personnel Qualifications

and Certification

Under NIMS, preparedness is based on national standards for

qualification and certification of emergency response personnel.

Managed by the NIMS Integration Center, standards will help ensure

thattheparticipatingagencies’andorganizations’fieldpersonnel

possess the minimum knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to

perform activities safely and effectively.

Standards will include training, experience, credentialing, currency, and

physical and medical fitness. Personnel who are certified to support

interstate incidents will be required to meet national qualification and

certification standards.

Equipment Certification Incident managers and emergency responders rely on various types of

equipment to perform mission-essential tasks. A critical component of

operational preparedness is that equipment performs to certain

standards, including the capability to be interoperable with equipment

used by other jurisdictions.

To facilitate national equipment certification, the NIMS Integration

Center will:

 Facilitate the development and or publication of national equipment

standards, guidelines, and protocols.

 Review and approve lists of emergency responder equipment that

meet national requirements.
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-9

Mutual Aid Agreements

and Emergency

Management Assistance

Compacts

Mutual aid agreements and Emergency Management Assistance

Compacts (EMACs) provide the means for one jurisdiction to provide

resources or other support to another jurisdiction during an incident. To

facilitate the timely delivery of assistance during incidents, jurisdictions

(including States) are encouraged to enter into agreements with:

 Other jurisdictions.

 Private-sector and nongovernmental organizations.

 Private organizations, such as the American Red Cross.

Publication Management The NIMS Integration Center will manage publications dealing with

domestic incident management and response. Publication management

will include:

 The development of naming and numbering conventions.

 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 of publications—

from qualification information and training courses to computer

programs and best practices.

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers with the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 2

To improve all-hazard incident management capability, the NIMS

Integration Center will:

 Deliver all incident management training at the Federal level.

 Facilitate the development of national training standards and

approved courses.

 Require that all training be combined with a progressive exercise

program.

 Distribute training materials from State and local sources.

Question 2 of 2

A critical component of operational preparedness is the acquisition of

equipment that will perform to certain standards, including the capability

to be ____________________ equipment used by other jurisdictions.

 Unique from

 Interchangeable with

 Interoperable with
Preparedness

Lesson 5 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 5-10

Knowledge Review

Answers

Compare your answers with the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 2

To improve all-hazard incident management capability, the NIMS

Integration Center will:

 Deliver all incident management training at the Federal level.

 Facilitate the development of national training standards and

approved courses.

 Require that all training be combined with a progressive exercise

program.

 Distribute training materials from State and local sources.

Question 2 of 2

A critical component of operational preparedness is the acquisition of

equipment that will perform to certain standards, including the capability

to be ____________________ equipment used by other jurisdictions.

 Unique from

 Interchangeable with

 Interoperable with

For More Information For more information about preparedness, visit the websites 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 can be found at:

http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is235.asp.

 Exercise Design (IS 139) (FEMA) This course can be found at:

http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is139.asp.

FEMA also offers several courses for State and local delivery. Contact

your State Training Officer for information about when these courses

might be offered in your area.

 Exercise Design (G 120)

 Exercise Evaluation (G 130)

 Exercise Program Manager/Management (G 137)
NIMS

Lesson 6:

Resource

Management

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Resource Management

Lesson 6 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 6-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson provides a summary of the resource requirements under NIMS.

Lesson 6

Objective

After completing this lesson, you should be able to describe how NIMS affects the

way resources are managed before, during, and after an incident.

Estimated Time 20 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 Lesson Overview

 What Is Resource Management?

 Resource Management Concepts

 Resource Management Principles

 Managing Resources

 For More Information
Resource Management

Lesson 6 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 6-2

Lesson Overview Resource management involves the coordination and oversight of tools,

processes, and systems that provide incident managers with timely and

appropriate resources during an incident. Historically, resource

management has been an issue at incidents, both large and small.

Resource management is an area of special attention under NIMS.

This lesson will cover requirements for resource management under

NIMS. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to describe how

NIMS affects the way resources are managed before, during, and after

an incident.

What Is 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 an incident

 Dispatching resources prior to, during, and after an incident

 Deactivating or recalling resources during or after an incident

The basic concepts and principles that guide resource management and

allow these tasks to be conducted effectively are addressed by NIMS.

These concepts and principles 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 to support incident

management.

 Using a credentialing system tied to uniform training and certification

standards.

 Incorporating resources contributed by private sector and

nongovernmental organizations.
Resource Management

Lesson 6 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 6-3

Resource Management

Principles

Five key principles underlie effective resource management:

1. Advance planning: Preparedness organizations working together

before an incident to develop plans for managing and using

resources

2. Resource identification and ordering: Using standard processes

and methods to identify, order, mobilize, dispatch, and track

resources

3. Resource categorization: Categorizing by size, capacity,

capability, skill, or other characteristics to make resource ordering

and dispatch more efficient

4. Use of agreements: Developing preincident agreements for

providing or requesting resources

5. Effective management: Using validated practices to perform key

resource management tasks

Planning Activity Review the list of resource management activities below. Mark all

items that describe actions your jurisdiction has already taken to

manage its incident resources effectively.

My jurisdiction has:

 Developed a method of identifying, acquiring, allocating, and

tracking incident resources.

 Developed mutual aid agreements to support incident

management.

 Ensured that all response personnel have received appropriate

training.

 Included resources contributed by the private sector and

nongovernmental organizations.

 Worked together before an incident to develop plans for managing

and employing resources.

 Developed standard processes to identify, order, mobilize, dispatch,

and track resources.

 Categorized all response resources.

If you checked all items, congratulations! Your jurisdiction has

made great progress toward effective resource management. Keep

abreast of standards and other resource management

disseminated by the NIMS Integration Center to ensure that your

jurisdiction remains up to date in the resource management area.
Resource Management

Lesson 6 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 6-4

Managing Resources Resource management involves the coordination and oversight of tools,

processes, and systems that provide Incident Commanders with the

resources that they need during an incident.

To assist local managers, NIMS includes standard procedures,

methods, and functions in its resource management processes. By

following the standards established by NIMS, resource managers are

able to identify, order, mobilize, dispatch, and track resources more

efficiently.

Resource“typing”involvescategorizingresourcesbycapabilitybased

on measurable standards of capability and performance—for example, a

500-kilowatt generator. Resource typing defines more precisely the

resource capabilities needed to meet specific requirements—and is

designed to be as simple as possible to facilitate frequent use and

accuracy in obtaining resources.

Certification and credentialing help ensure that all personnel possess a

minimum level of training, experience, physical and medical fitness, or

capability for the position they are tasked to fill. NIMS also ensures that

training material is current.

Resource managers use various resource inventory systems to assess

the availability of assets provided by public, private, and volunteer

organizations. And resource managers identify, refine, and validate

resource requirements throughout the incident using a process to

identify:

 What and how much are needed.

 Where and when it is needed.

 Who will be receiving it.

Because resource requirements and availability will change as the

incident evolves, all entities must coordinate closely beginning at the

earliest possible point in the incident. Request for items that the

Incident Commander cannot obtain locally must be submitted through

the EOC or Multiagency Coordination Entity using standardized

resource-ordering procedures.

Resource managers use established procedures to track resources

continuously from mobilization through demobilization. Resource

tracking and mobilization are directly linked. When resources arrive onscene, they must check in to start on-scene in-processing and validate

the order requirements. Managers should plan for demobilization at the

same time they begin the mobilization process. Early planning for

demobilization facilitates accountability and makes transportation of

resources as efficient as possible.

Recovery involves the final disposition of all resources. During

recovery, resources are rehabilitated, replenished, disposed of, or

retrograded.
Resource Management

Lesson 6 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 6-5

Managing Resources

(Continued)

Reimbursement provides a mechanism for funding critical needs that

arise from incident-specific activities. Processes and procedures must

be in place to ensure that resource providers are reimbursed in a timely

manner.

Together, each of these resource management processes create an

integrated, efficient resource management system.

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers to the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 3

Resource ________________ involves categorizing resources

according to measurable standards of capability and performance.

 Warehousing

 Sorting

 Inventorying

 Typing

Question 2 of 3

Requests for items that the Incident Commander cannot obtain locally

must be:

 Purchased by the Incident Commander.

 Submitted through the EOC or Multiagency Coordination Entity.

 Obtained from the State.

 Requested from the Federal Government.

Question 3 of 3

Managers should plan for _________________ at the same time that

they begin the mobilization process.

 Ordering

 Tracking

 Demobilization

 Reimbursement
Resource Management

Lesson 6 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 6-6

Knowledge Review Compare your answers to the correct answers below. If you

answered any questions incorrectly, review the previous section.

Question 1 of 3

Resource ________________ involves categorizing resources

according to measurable standards of capability and performance.

 Warehousing

 Sorting

 Inventorying

 Typing

Question 2 of 3

Requests for items that the Incident Commander cannot obtain locally

must be:

 Purchased by the Incident Commander.

 Submitted through the EOC or Multiagency Coordination

Entity.

 Obtained from the State.

 Requested from the Federal Government.

Question 3 of 3

Managers should plan for _________________ at the same time that

they begin the mobilization process.

 Ordering

 Tracking

 Demobilization

 Reimbursement

For More Information For more information about managing resources, visit the website

below.

 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 Training Officer for information

about when this course may be delivered in your area.
NIMS

Lesson 7:

Communications,

Information

Management, and

Supporting

Technology

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology

Lesson 7 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 7-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson will cover ways in which NIMS supports communications, information

management, and supporting technology.

Lesson 7

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

 Describe the advantages of common communication and information

management standards.

 Explain how NIMS will influence technology and technological systems required

for emergency response.

Estimated Time 15 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 Lesson Overview

 Concepts and Principles

 Managing Communications and Integration

 For More Information
Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology

Lesson 7 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 7-2

Lesson Overview Effective communications, information management, and supporting

technology are critical aspects of domestic incident management. This

lesson will cover the ways in which NIMS supports these areas. At the

end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Describe the advantages of common communication and

information management standards.

 Explain how NIMS will influence technology and technological

systems required for emergency response.

Concepts and Principles NIMS standards for communications, information management, and

supporting technology are based on several concepts and principles.

These concepts and principles are described on the following screens.

Communications and

Information Management

Principles

The concepts and principles on which communications and information

management are based include:

 A common operating picture that is accessible across

jurisdictions and agencies is necessary. A common operating

picture helps to ensure consistency at all levels, among all who

respond to or manage incident response.

 Common communications and data standards are

fundamental. Effective communications, both within and outside of

the incident response structure, are enhanced by adherence to

standards.
Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology

Lesson 7 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 7-3

Principles of Supporting

Technologies

NIMS will leverage science and technology to improve capabilities at a

lower cost. To accomplish this, NIMS will base its supporting

technology standards on five key principles:

1. Interoperability and compatibility: Systems must be able to work

together.

2. Technology support: All organizations using NIMS will be able to

enhance all aspects of incident management and emergency

response.

3. Technology standards: National standards will facilitate

interoperability and compatibility of major systems.

4. Broad-based requirements: NIMS provides a mechanism for

aggregating and prioritizing new technologies, procedures,

protocols, and standards.

5. Strategic planning and R&D: The NIMS Integration Center will

coordinate with DHS to create a national R&D agenda.

Managing

Communications and

Information

NIMS communications and information systems enable the essential

functions needed to provide a common operating picture and

interoperability for:

 Incident management communications.

 Information management.

 Interoperability standards.

The NIMS Integration Center will also develop a national database for

incident reports.

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers with the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 2

The NIMS Integration Center will develop a national database on

incident reports.

 True

 False

Question 2 of 2

_________________________ are key to facilitating interoperability and

compatibility of major systems.

 Technology supports

 Technology standards

 Broad-based requirements

 National R&D systems
Communications, Information Management, and Supporting Technology

Lesson 7 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 7-4

Knowledge Review Read each question, and circle the correct answer. Compare your

answers with the correct answers on the next page.

Question 1 of 2

The NIMS Integration Center will develop a national database of incident

reports.

 True

 False

Question 2 of 2

_________________________ are key to facilitating interoperability and

compatibility of major systems.

 Technology supports

 Technology standards

 Broad-based requirements

 National R&D systems

For More Information Click on the links below for more information about communications,

information management, and supporting technology.

 The Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership (online

newsletter) This newsletter can be found at: www.emforum.org.

 National Communications System (Department of Homeland

Security) This document can be found at: www.ncs.org.
NIMS

Lesson 8:

Course Summary

Self-Study Guide

August 2004
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-1

Lesson

Purpose

This lesson summarizes the key points from this course and prepares you to take

the posttest.

Lesson 8

Objectives

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

Estimated Time 25 minutes

Contents This lesson includes the following sections:

 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 Course Posttest
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-2

Summary and Posttest

Overview

This lesson provides a brief summary of the NIMS course contents.

After reviewing the summary information, you will then take the course

posttest.

Introduction to NIMS Past emergencies have taught us much about the need for a

coordinated response—especially standardization and interoperability.

NIMS is a comprehensive national approach to incident management

that is applicable at all jurisdictions and across all functional disciplines.

The intent of NIMS is to:

 Be applicable across a full spectrum of potential incidents and

hazard scenarios, regardless of size or complexity.

 Improve coordination and cooperation between public and private

entities in a variety of domestic incident management activities.

NIMS Concepts and Principles

NIMS provides a framework for interoperability and compatibility by

balancing flexibility and standardization.

 NIMS provides a flexible framework that facilitates government and

private entities at all levels working together to manage domestic

incidents. This flexibility applies to all phases of incident

management, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.

 NIMS provides a set of standardized organizational structures as

well as requirements for processes, procedures, and systems

designed to improve interoperability.

NIMS Components NIMS is comprised of several components that work together as a

system to provide a national framework for preparing for, preventing,

responding to, and recovering from 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 place now.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-3

Command and

Management Under NIMS

NIMS employs two levels of incident management structures, depending

on the nature of the incident.

 The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standard, on-scene, allhazard incident management system. ICS allows users to adopt an

integrated organizational structure to match the needs of single or

multiple incidents.

 Multiagency Coordination Systems are a combination of facilities,

equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications integrated

into a common framework for coordinating and supporting incident

management.

The Incident Command

System

ICS is a proven, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept.

ICS has become the standard for on-scene management. ICS is

interdisciplinary and organizationally flexible to meet the needs of

incidents of any size or level of complexity. ICS has been used for a

wide range of incidents—from planned events to hazardous materials

spills to acts of terrorism.

ICS Features ICS has several features that make it well suited to managing 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 absolutely critical. Using

standard or common terminology is essential to ensuring efficient, clear

communications. ICS requires the use of common terminology,

including standard titles for facilities and positions within the

organization.

Commonterminologyalsoincludestheuseof“cleartext”—that is,

communication without the use of agency-specific codes or jargon. In

other words, use plain English.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-4

ICS Features (Continued) Organizational Resources

Resources, including all personnel, facilities, and major equipment and

supply items used to support incident management activities, are

assignedcommondesignations.Resourcesare“typed”withrespectto

capability to help avoid confusion and enhance interoperability.

Manageable Span of Control

Maintaining adequate span of control throughout the ICS organization is

critical. Effective span of control may vary from three to seven, and a

ratio of one supervisor to five reporting elements is recommended.

If the number of reporting elements falls outside of this range, expansion

or consolidation of the organization may be necessary. There may be

exceptions, usually in lower-risk assignments or where resources work

in close proximity to each other.

Organizational Facilities

Common terminology is also used to define incident facilities, help clarify

the activities that take place at a specific facility, and identify what

members of the organization can be found there. For example, you find

the 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 the kind and

complexity of the incident. Only those facilities needed for any given

incident may be activated. Some incidents may require facilities not

included on the standard list.

Use of Position Titles

ICS positions have distinct titles.

 Only the Incident Commander is called Commander—and there is

only one Incident Commander per incident.

 Only the heads of Sections are called Chiefs.

Learning and using standard terminology helps reduce confusion

between the day-to-day position occupied by an individual and his or her

position at the incident.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-5

ICS Features (Continued) Reliance on an Incident Action Plan

Incident Action Plans (IAPs) provide a coherent means to communicate

the overall incident objectives in the context of both operational and

support activities. IAPs are developed for operational periods that are

usually 12 hours long.

IAPs depend on management by objectives to accomplish response

tactics. These objectives are communicated throughout the

organization and are used to:

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

 Direct efforts to attain the objectives in support of defined strategic

objectives.

Results are always documented and fed back into planning for the next

operational period.

Integrated Communications

Integrated communications include:

 The“hardware”systemsthattransferinformation.

 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 and within individual

functional areas during an incident is essential. To that end, ICS

requires:

 An orderly chain of command—the line of authority within the ranks

of the incident organization.

 Check-in for all responders, regardless of agency affiliation.

 Each individual involved in incident operations to be assigned only

one supervisor.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-6

Unified Command In some situations, NIMS recommends variations in incident

management. Unified Command is an application of ICS that is used

when:

 There is more than one responding agency within a jurisdiction.

 Incidents cross political jurisdictions.

Under a Unified Command, agencies work together through the

designated members of the command to analyze intelligence

information and establish a common set of objectives and strategies for

a single Incident Action Plan.

Area Command An Area Command is established to:

 Oversee the management of multiple incidents that are each being

managed by an ICS organization.

 Oversee the management of large incidents that cross jurisdictional

boundaries.

Area Commands are particularly relevant to public health emergencies

and other incidents that are nonsite specific, not immediately

identifiable, or are geographically dispersed 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 Command when

incidents are multijurisdictional or involve multiple agencies.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-7

Multiagency Coordination

Systems

Multiagency Coordination Systems are a combination of resources that

are integrated into a common framework for coordinating and supporting

domestic incident management activities.

The primary functions of Multiagency Coordination 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 the conduct of incident

management activities rests with the Incident Command.

Multiagency Coordination

System Elements

Multiagency Coordination Systems include Emergency Operations

Centers (EOCs) and, in certain multijurisdictional or complex incidents,

Multiagency Coordination Entities.

Regardless of their form or structure, Multiagency Coordination Entities:

 Ensure that each involved agency is providing situation and

resource status information.

 Establish priorities between incidents and/or Area Commands.

 Acquire and allocate resources required by incident management

personnel.

 Coordinate and identify future resource requirements.

 Coordinate and resolve policy issues.

 Provide strategic coordination.

Public Information During emergencies, the public may receive information from a variety

of sources. The mechanism established by NIMS for ensuring that

information the public receives is accurate, coordinated, timely, and

easy to understand is through the use of a Public Information Officer

(PIO).

The PIO coordinates public information by establishing a Joint

Information Center (JIC). Using the JIC as a central location,

information can be coordinated and integrated across jurisdictions and

agencies and among all government partners, the private sector, and

nongovernmental agencies.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-8

JIC Characteristics JICs have several characteristics in common:

 JICs include representatives of all players in managing the

response. This may include jurisdictions, agencies, private entities,

or nongovernmental organizations.

 JICs must have procedures and protocols for communicating and

coordinating effectively with other JICs, and with the appropriate

components of the ICS organization.

Preparedness Preparedness involves the actions required to establish and sustain

prescribed levels of capability for a range of incident management

operations. Preparedness is implemented through a continual cycle of:

 Planning.

 Training and equipping.

 Exercising.

 Evaluating and taking corrective or mitigating action.

NIMS focuses on guidelines, protocols, and standards necessary to

facilitate preparedness.

Preparedness

Organizations

Preparedness organizations represent a wide variety of committees,

planning groups, and other organizations. These organizations meet

regularly to coordinate and focus preparedness activities.

Preparedness organizations should:

 Establish and coordinate emergency plans and protocols.

 Integrate and coordinate activities and jurisdictions within their

purview.

 Establish standards, guidelines, and protocols to promote

interoperability among jurisdictions and agencies.

 Adopt standards, guidelines, and protocols for resource

management.

 Establish priorities for resources and other response requirements.

 Establish and maintain mutiagency coordination mechanisms.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-9

Preparedness Planning Preparedness plans describe how personnel, equipment, and other

resources will be used to support incident management requirements.

These plans represent the operational core of 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 incident management activities.

Types of Plans

 Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) describe how the

jurisdiction will respond to emergencies.

 Procedures may include overviews, standard operating

procedures, field operations guides, job aids, or other critical

information needed for a response.

 Preparedness Plans, which describe how training needs will be

identified and met, how resources will be obtained through mutual

aid agreements, and the equipment required for the hazards faced

by the jurisdiction.

 Corrective Action and Mitigation Plans include activities required

to implement procedures based on lessons learned from actual

incidents or training and exercises.

 Recovery Plans describe the actions to be taken to facilitate longterm recovery.

Training and Exercise Organizations and personnel at all governmental levels and the private

sector must be trained to improve all-hazard incident management

capability. These organizations and personnel must also participate in

realistic exercises to improve integration and interoperability.

Training and Exercising and the NIMS Integration Center

To assist jurisdictions in meeting training and exercising goals, the NIMS

Integration Center will:

 Facilitate the development and dissemination of national standards,

guidelines, and protocols for incident management training.

 Facilitate the use of modeling and simulation in training and

exercise programs.

 Define general training requirements and approve training courses

for all NIMS users, including instructor qualifications and course

completion documentation.

 Review and approve, with the assistance of key stakeholders,

discipline-specific training requirements and courses.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-10

Personnel Qualification

and Certification

Under NIMS, preparedness is based on national standards for

qualification and certification of emergency response personnel.

Standardswillhelpensurethattheparticipatingagencies’and

organizations’fieldpersonnelpossesstheminimumknowledge,skills,

and experience necessary to perform activities safely and effectively.

Equipment Certification A critical component of operational preparedness is that equipment

performs to certain standards, including the capability to be

interoperable with equipment used by other jurisdictions.

To facilitate national equipment certification, NIMS will:

 Facilitate the development and or publication of national equipment

standards, guidelines, and protocols.

 Review and approve lists of emergency responder equipment that

meet national requirements.

Mutual Aid Agreements

and Emergency

Management Assistance

Compacts

Mutual aid agreements and Emergency Management Assistance

Compacts (EMACs) provide the means for one jurisdiction to provide

resources or other support to another jurisdiction during an incident. To

facilitate the timely delivery of assistance during incidents, jurisdictions,

including States, are encouraged to enter into mutual aid agreements

and EMACs.

Publication Management NIMS will manage publications dealing with domestic incident

management and response through its Integration Center. The NIMS

Integration Center will manage a wide range of publications—from

qualification information and training courses to computer programs and

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 an incident

 Dispatching resources prior to, during, and after an incident

 Deactivating and recalling resources during or after an incident
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-11

Resource Management

(Continued)

NIMS Resource Management Concepts and Principles

NIMS 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 to support incident

management.

 Using a credentialing system tied to uniform training and certification

standards.

 Incorporating resources contributed by private sector and

nongovernmental organizations.

NIMS Resource Management Principles. Five key principles underlie

effective resource management:

1. Advance planning: Preparedness organizations working together

before an incident to develop plans for managing and using

resources

2. Resource identification and ordering: Using standard processes

and methods to identify, order, mobilize, dispatch, and track

resources

3. Resource categorization: Categorizing by size, capacity,

capability, skill, or other characteristics to make resource ordering

and dispatch more efficient

4. Use of agreements: Developing preincident agreements for

providing or requesting resources

5. Effective management: Using validated practices to perform key

resource management task

Managing Resources

Under NIMS

NIMS includes standard procedures, methods, and functions that reflect

functional considerations, geographic factors, 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.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-12

Managing Resources

Under NIMS (Continued)

Resource Management Standards, Procedures, and Methods

 Identifyingand“typing”resources:Resource“typing”involves

categorizing resources by capability based on measurable

standards of capability and performance—for example, a 500-

kilowatt generator. Resource typing defines more precisely the

resource capabilities needed to meet specific requirements—and is

designed to be as simple as possible to facilitate frequent use and

accuracy in obtaining resources.

 Certification and credentialing: Certification and credentialing of

personnel help ensure that all personnel possess a minimum level

of training, experience, physical and mental fitness, or capability for

the position they are tasked to fill. NIMS also ensures that training

material is current.

 Inventorying resources: Resource managers use various

resource inventory systems to assess the availability of assets

provided by public, private, and volunteer organizations. And

resource managers identify, refine, and validate resource

requirements throughout an incident using a process to identify what

and how much is needed, where and when it is needed, and who

will be receiving it. Because resource requirements and availability

change as an incident evolves, all entities must coordinate closely

beginning at the earliest possible point in the incident.

 Resource ordering: Requests for items that the Incident

Commander cannot obtain locally must be submitted through the

EOC or Multiagency Coordination Entity using standardized

resource-ordering procedures.

 Resource tracking and mobilization: Resource tracking and

mobilization are directly linked. When resources arrive on the

scene, they must check in to start on-scene in-processing and

validate the order requirements. Managers should plan for

demobilization at the same time they begin the mobilization process.

Early planning for demobilization facilitates accountability and

makes transportation of resources as efficient as possible.

 Resource recovery: Resource recovery involves the final

disposition of all resources. During recovery, resources are

rehabilitated, replenished, disposed of, or retrograded.

 Reimbursement: Reimbursement provides a mechanism for

funding critical needs that arise from incident-specific activities.

Processes and procedures must be in place to ensure that resource

providers are reimbursed in a timely manner.

The NIMS Integration Center will coordinate the development and

dissemination of each of these resource management standards,

processes, procedures, and functions.
Course Summary

Lesson 8 Self-Study Guide August 2004 Page 8-13

Communications,

Information Management,

and Supporting

Technology

NIMS standards for communications, information management, and

supporting technology are based on:

 The necessity for a common operating picture that is accessible

across jurisdictions and agencies.

 The reality that common communications and data standards are

essential.

NIMS’sFocuson

Supporting Technology

NIMS will leverage science and technology to improve capabilities at a

lower cost. To accomplish this, NIMS will base 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.

Managing

Communications and

Information

NIMS communications and information systems enable the essential

functions needed to provide a common operating picture and

interoperability for:

 Incident management communications.

 Information management.

 Interoperability standards.

The NIMS Integration Center will also develop a national database for

incident reports.

Taking the Posttest You should now be ready to take the NIMS posttest. The purpose of the

test is to make sure that you have learned the course content. The

posttest includes 25 multiple-choice items. To receive a certificate of

completion credit for this course, you must answer 75% of the

questions correctly.

Follow these steps to take the exam:

1. Go to: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700

2. Click on "Download Final Exam Questions" (found at the bottom

of the page). You may want to print the test.

3. Click on "Take Final Exam" (found at the bottom of the page).