US National Incident Management System approved Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge yesterday announced approval of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the US's first standardised management plan that creates a unified structure for Federal, state, and local lines of government for incident response. "NIMS gives all of our Nation's responders the same framework for incident management," Ridge said. According to the DHS, “NIMS aims to strengthen US response capabilities by identifying and integrating core elements and best practices for all responders and incident managers. Through a balance between flexibility and standardisation, and use of common doctrine, terminology, concepts, principles, and processes, execution during a real incident will be consistent and seamless. Responders will be able to focus more on response, instead of organising the response, and teamwork and assignments among all authorities will be clearly enhanced.” Key elements and features of NIMS include: * Incident Command System (ICS) NIMS outlines a standard incident management organisation called ICS that establishes five functional areas - command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration - for management of all major incidents. To ensure further coordination and during incidents involving multiple jurisdictions or agencies, the principle of unified command has been universally incorporated into NIMS. This unified command not only coordinates the efforts of many jurisdictions, but provides for and assures joint decisions on objectives, strategies, plans, priorities, and public communications. * Preparedness Responder readiness to manage and conduct incident actions is significantly enhanced if professionals have worked together before an incident. NIMS recognises this and defines advance preparedness measures such as planning, training, exercises, qualification and certification, equipment acquisition and certification, and publication management. Preparedness also incorporates mitigation activities such as public education, enforcement of building standards and codes, and preventive measures to deter or lessen the loss of life or property. * Communications and information management Standardised communications during an incident are essential and NIMS prescribes interoperable communications systems for both incident and information management. Responders and managers across all agencies and jurisdictions must have a common operating picture for a more efficient and effective incident response. * Joint Information System (JIS) The Joint Information System provides the public with timely and accurate incident information and unified public messages. This system employs Joint Information Centers and brings incident communicators together during an incident to develop, coordinate, and deliver a unified message. This will ensure that Federal, state, tribal, and local levels of government are releasing the same information during an incident. * NIMS Integration Center (NIC) To ensure that NIMS remains an accurate and effective management tool, the NIMS NIC will be established by the Secretary of Homeland Security to assess proposed changes to NIMS, capture and evaluate lessons learned, and employ best practices. The NIC will provide strategic direction and oversight of the NIMS, supporting both routine maintenance and continuous refinement of the system and its components over the long term. The NIC will develop and facilitate national standards for NIMS education and training, first responder communications and equipment, typing of resources, qualification and ‘credentialing’ of incident management and responder personnel, and standardisation of equipment maintenance and resources. The NIC will continue to use the collaborative process of Federal, state, tribal, local, multi-discipline and private authorities to assess prospective changes and assure continuity and accuracy. Sean A. Aaron (CIFN*1) Central Illinois Fire Network cifn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.geocities.com/central_illinois_firenet _____________________________________________________________ Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net