The National Incident Management System
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5), Management of Domestic Incidents, directed the development of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Plan (NRP) (now the National Response Framework (NRF)). We will read and discuss HSPD-5 next week. NIMS was developed to provide a consistent nationwide approach for all levels of government to work together to prepare for and respond to domestic incidents. The NRF provides the structure and mechanisms for a comprehensive nationwide approach to domestic incident management. The plan is applicable to all federal departments and agencies that may be involved in responding to an actual or potential incident of national significance.
The NIMS established standard guidelines for all levels of government to work together to respond to incidents no matter the cause or complexity. Additionally, NIMS is not only about response, but it requires preparedness, prevention, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The NIMS represents core doctrine, concepts, principles, terminology, and processes. The NIMS, however, is not an operational or resource management plan; and it is not an incident-specific plan. We will read various portions of the NIMS document throughout the semester.
HSPD-5 stipulates that federal departments and agencies adopt NIMS and requires state and local entities to adopt the NIMS as a condition for federal preparedness assistance. Governor Ed Rendell signed a NIMS Proclamation for Pennsylvania on December 20, 2004. You will read this short proclamation in Lesson 3.
This briefing will provide you with a brief overview of the main components of NIMS, as well as implementation requirements for all levels of government. If you are familiar with NIMS, it will be a quick review; if you are not familiar with NIMS, it will be a very brief introduction. Click the image to download the presentation.
You will be reviewing the bulk of NIMS throughout the semester as part of your assigned readings. You will also review a different presentation later in the module. This gives some additional foundational material. Additionally, keep in mind that you are required to complete the FEMA Independent Study Course, IS-700.a, the National Incident Management System: An Introduction prior to the end of the semester. Please see the syllabus for more details. If you have not done so already, now would be a good time to complete this course.