National Incident Management System
The Department of Homeland Security has
developed a comprehensive nationwide framework for incident management that will
enable responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage
incidents no mater what the cause, size or complexity. The National Incident
Management System (NIMS) incorporates best practices currently in use by
incident managers at all levels. It was developed through extensive outreach to
state, local and tribal officials, the emergency response community and the
private sector.
NIMS is managed and maintained by the NIMS Integration Center (NIC), which provides strategic direction for the oversight of the system. The NIC will facilitate the development of a national system of guidelines, protocols and standards for NIMS implementation; training requirements, national-level training standards and assessment criteria for the various components of NIMS; and compliance requirements and timelines for implementation.
Adoption of NIMS by state and local organizations is required in order to obtain federal preparedness assistance. Grant funding for FFY06 will be contingent upon adoption and implementation of NIMS by October of 2005.
Region 6 NIMS Implementation Summary
In Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 5, Management of Domestic Incidents, the President directed the development and administration of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The NIMS provides a consistent nationwide approach for Federal, State, territorial, tribal, and local governments to work effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity. This integrated system establishes a uniform set of processes, protocols, and procedures that all emergency responders, at every level of government, will use to conduct response actions.
From both Federal and State levels, all "first responder" agencies (including fire, law enforcement, HAZMAT, emergency medical, public works, public health, emergency communications, emergency management, and other agencies involved in disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery activities), have received direction to support the nation-wide implementation of NIMS.
NIMS Training and Classes:
Don't know which NIMS courses you need to take? See FEMA's guidelines (external) on NIMS compliance.
These courses are available online and free at either FEMA Independent Study Program (external link) or Washington State Homeland Security Institute (external link).
- FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction
- FEMA IS-800: National Response Plan
- ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent
- ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent
These courses are not available online, but for more information on how to register for these courses, click here (external link).
- ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent
- ICS-400: Advanced ICS or equivalent
NIMS Components:
- Command and management
- Preparedness
- Resource management
- Communications and information management
- Supporting technologies
- Ongoing management and maintenance
Fiscal Year 2005 NIMS Compliance Requirements for FFY06 Funding Eligibility:
- Incorporating NIMS into existing training programs and exercises.
- Ensuring that Federal preparedness funding support NIMS implementation.
- Incorporating NIMS into Emergency Operations Plans (EOP).
- Promoting intrastate mutual aid agreements.
- Coordinating and providing technical assistance to local entities regarding NIMS.
- Institutionalizing the use of the Incident Command System (ICS).
- Completing the NIMS Awareness Course "IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction."
- Formally recognizing the NIMS and adopting NIMS principals and policies.
- Establishing a NIMS baseline by determining which NIMS requirements you already meet using the NIMS Capability Assessment Support Tool (NIMCAST).
- Establishing a timeframe and developing a strategy for full NIMS implementation using the NIMS Implementation Template.
In order to receive FY 2006 preparedness funding, the minimum FY 2005 compliance requirements described above must be met. The NIMS Integration Center (NIC) web page will be updated regularly with information about the NIMS and guidance for implementation.
NIMS Compliance Letter to
Governors from
Tom Ridge (89 KB
PDF - 5 pages)
-
Region 6 NIMS Summary
(24 KB
PDF - 1 page)
-
Washington State Emergency Management
Division - Training Bulletin 05-003 (29
KB PDF - 1 page)
-
Washington State Governor's Proclamation Adopting NIMS (64
KB PDF - 1 page)
Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007 Requirements:
The following two documents summarize current NIMS requirements for local government, tribal nations, districts, agencies and entities to be performed during 2006 for FFY2007 grant funds eligibility. Additional NIMS information can be found at the NIMS Integration Center (NIC).
-
Summary of NIMS Implementation
Schedule, Requirements, and Certification Process (13 KB
PDF - 1 page)
-
NIMS Implementation Matrix for
Tribal and Local Jurisdictions (62 KB
PDF - 13 pages)
Resources and Links