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RESPONSE

ISC provides nationwide professional support services in carrying out the statutory authorities of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act under the National Response Framework (NRF). Through ISC’s partnership, these services assist FEMA and the agency’s state and local counterparts in response to nationally declared disasters.

As part of a nationwide team network, ISC provides a variety of services, such as: damage assessments, technical analysis, program management, operational and strategic planning support, training development and delivery, policy analysis, grant management, organizational assessment, and other special studies and assignments. These services are provided under the auspices of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), requiring the coordination and rapid mobilization of technical staff and assists in the integration of these personnel into the event’s Incident Command Structure.

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National Incident Management System (NIMS)

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a standardized approach to incident management adopted by government, non-government, and private-sector organizations to work together effectively and efficiently to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents of all types.

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) has 14 management characteristics that provide a comprehensive framework for handling emergencies, disasters, and other incidents.

14 NIMS Management Characteristics

The following are 14 proven NIMS management characteristics, each of which contributes to the strength and efficiency of the overall system:

  • Common Terminology
  • Modular Organization
  • Management by Objectives
  • Incident Action Planning
  • Manageable Span of Control
  • Incident Facilities and Locations
  • Comprehensive Resource Management
  • Integrated Communications
  • Establishment and Transfer of Command
  • Unified Command
  • Chain of Command and Unity of Command
  • Accountability
  • Dispatch/Deployment
  • Information and Intelligence Management

NIMS provides a common framework for:

  • Incident management
  • Organizational structures
  • Operational processes
  • Communication
  • Resource management

Key Components of NIMS

NIMS, or the National Incident Management System, has several key components designed to support a coordinated and efficient approach to incident management. These components are:

 

  • Command and Management: Includes structures for managing incident operations and resources, such as the Incident Command System (ICS), Multiagency Coordination Systems (MACS), and Public Information.
  • Preparedness: Involves actions taken to plan, organize, equip, train, and exercise to build and sustain the capabilities necessary to manage incidents. This includes preparedness organizations and programs.
  • Resource Management: Involves the coordination, oversight, and inventory of resources needed for incident response, including the systems for identifying, acquiring, and tracking resources.
  • Communications and Information Management: Ensures a standardized approach to collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information during an incident. This component emphasizes the importance of interoperability and the use of plain language.
  • Ongoing Management and Maintenance: Involves the continuous review, improvement, and maintenance of NIMS components to ensure they remain effective and relevant. This includes the National Integration Center (NIC), which oversees the implementation and maintenance of NIMS.

Benefits of Implementing NIMS

  • Improved coordination and communication among responding agencies
  • Efficient allocation of resources
  • Faster response times
  • Enhanced decision-making
  • Increased public confidence

NIMS and Emergency Management

NIMS is an essential component of emergency management. By providing a structured approach to incident management, NIMS helps ensure that all involved parties have a common understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

DISASTER RESOURCE CENTER

In the face of disaster, you don’t have to go it alone. Our Disaster Resource Center is here to help you prepare, recover and build resilience. We offer information and resources to get you through any tough situation.

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