NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is the United States’ single, comprehensive system for managing domestic incidents and is suitable for all schools, institutions of higher education, and education agencies at the local, state, and regional levels. It is a part of the National Preparedness System, reinforces the National Response Framework, and provides a flexible approach for collaborating across disciplines and all levels of government. By adopting NIMS and integrating it into their emergency operations plans, education agencies can

• Ensure that planning teams, response teams, and the entire community are utilizing the same terminology;
• Seamlessly integrate facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure;
• Establish common processes for planning and managing resources;
• Coordinate their emergency management planning efforts with their community partners’ efforts; and
• Continually improve by means of incidents, exercises, and training.

Components of NIMS

NIMS comprises three components: resource management, command and coordination, and communication and information management. Together, they unify the vocabulary, systems, and processes of agencies across communities and the nation. These components are described below.

Resource Management

Personnel, teams, facilities, equipment, and supplies are all resources that can be utilized to address potential hazards and threats. Since one single entity does not own or maintain all resources necessary, it is important to coordinate, collaborate, and systematically leverage and share resources within a jurisdiction. Resource management includes resource management preparedness (e.g., qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel), resource management during an incident (e.g., mobilizing, tracking, reimbursing, restocking), and mutual aid (e.g., agreements and compacts).

Command and Coordination

Organizational structures, defined leadership roles, and clear processes are paramount for incident management to be coordinated. These can help an entire jurisdiction and even multiple jurisdictions manage an incident efficiently and effectively. Command and coordination includes, but is not limited to, the Incident Command System and Emergency Operations Centers.

Communications and Information Management

Obtaining accurate, timely, and relevant information is critical to maintaining situational awareness and managing an incident. Decision-makers must also have the means to disseminate information to incident personnel. Communications and information management includes communications management, incident, and communications standards and formats.

Implementation Resources

NIMS

Incident Command System

Emergency Operations Centers

Resource Management and Mutual Aid