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Contents hide
1 Course Objectives
2 Key Concepts and Principles of NIMS
3 Lesson 1: Fundamentals and Concepts of NIMS
3.1 Key Elements of NIMS
3.2 NIMS Components
3.3 NIMS Applicability and Scope
4 Lesson 2: NIMS Resource Management
4.1 Activities and Methods for Managing Resources
4.2 Resource Typing
4.3 Resource Tracking
5 Lesson 3: NIMS Management Characteristics
5.1 Management Principles
5.2 Scalability, Modularity, and Flexibility
6 Lesson 4: Incident Command System (ICS)
6.1 ICS Organizational Structures
7 Lesson 5: Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)
7.1 Common Models for Staff Organization
7.2 Activation Levels
8 Lesson 6: Other NIMS Structures and Interconnectivity
8.1 Joint Information System (JIS)
8.2 Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups)
9 Lesson 7: Communications and Information Management
9.1 Effective Communication
9.2 Incident Information
9.3 Communication Standards and Formats
10 Lesson 8: Course Summary
10.1 Real-life Applications and Examples
11 NIMS 700.B Test Answers Example
11.1 Multiple Choice Questions
11.2 True/False Questions
11.3 Scenario-based Questions
12 Additional Resources
12.1 Links to Further Reading and Additional Material
12.2 Glossary
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a comprehensive approach that guides the whole community, including all levels of government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, to work together seamlessly to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents.
NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework and approach to enable government at all levels, the private sector, and NGOs to work together to prepare for, prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents regardless of the incident’s cause, size, location, or complexity.
The FEMA IS-700.B course is intended for a wide audience of personnel which includes government executives, private-sector and non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders, and emergency management practitioners.
This also includes senior elected and appointed leaders, such as Federal department or agency heads, State Governors, mayors, tribal leaders, and city or county officials. Essentially, it is designed for individuals with emergency management responsibilities including prevention, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Describe and identify the key concepts, principles, scope, and applicability underlying NIMS.
Describe activities and methods for managing resources.
Describe the NIMS Management Characteristics.
Identify and describe Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structures.
Explain Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions, common models for staff organization, and activation levels.
Explain the interconnectivity within the NIMS Management and Coordination structures: ICS, EOC, Joint Information System (JIS), and Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups).
Identify and describe the characteristics of communications and information systems, effective communication, incident information, and communication standards and formats.
Course Length and CEUs
The FEMA IS-700.B course takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete. On completion of the course, students are awarded 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Key Concepts and Principles of NIMS
NIMS is based on several key concepts and principles that contribute to its effectiveness:
Flexibility: NIMS is adaptable and can be applied to all types of incidents, from the small-scale to catastrophic.
Standardization: Through the use of standardized procedures and terminologies, NIMS ensures that diverse entities can work together.
Unified Approach: NIMS stresses a unified approach in which various agencies and organizations must collaborate effectively.
Scalability: It can be scaled up or down, depending on the size and complexity of the incident.
Preparedness: This involves ongoing activities and actions to ensure that communities are ready to manage any emergency.
Resource Management: Effective allocation and coordination of resources (personnel, equipment, supplies).
Communication and Information Management: Ensuring efficient flow of information during an incident.
Ongoing Management and Maintenance: Continuous improvement of the NIMS system through training, exercises, and lessons learned from actual incidents.
Understanding these key concepts and principles is essential for effectively implementing NIMS in emergency management situations.
Lesson 1: Fundamentals and Concepts of NIMS
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a standardized approach to incident management developed by FEMA. It establishes a uniform set of processes and procedures that emergency responders at all levels of government and the private sector can use to conduct response operations.
The primary aim of NIMS is to ensure a coordinated and effective response to a wide range of incidents, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies, by enhancing cooperation and coordination among various organizations and agencies.
Key Elements of NIMS
Standardized Approach: NIMS provides a set of standardized procedures and terminologies for incident management.
Integration of Best Practices: It integrates best practices into a comprehensive, standardized framework.
Mutual Aid: Encourages the use of mutual aid agreements, which is essential for resource sharing.
Adaptable and Scalable: It is designed to be adaptable to incidents of all types, sizes, and complexities.
NIMS Components
NIMS is comprised of several components that work together as a system to provide the national framework for preparing for, preventing, responding to, and recovering from incidents regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.
The Components of NIMS are:
Command and Management: Including the Incident Command System (ICS), Multiagency Coordination Systems (MACS), and Public Information.
Preparedness: Focused on establishing guidelines, assessment tools, training, planning, and exercise support.
Resource Management: Concentrates on systems for identifying, acquiring, allocating, and tracking resources.
Communications and Information Management: Ensures that information flows efficiently among all response teams involved.
Supporting Technologies: Including voice and data communication systems, information management systems (like GIS), and specialized technologies.
Ongoing Management and Maintenance: Continuous refinement and updating of the standards, credentials, and data necessary for NIMS.
NIMS Applicability and Scope
NIMS is applicable to all incidents, ranging from daily occurrences to incidents requiring a coordinated federal response.
The scope of NIMS includes:
All Hazards: Including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, public health emergencies, and other human-caused incidents.
All Levels of Government: Federal, state, tribal, and local.
Non-Governmental Organizations: Including non-profits and private sector entities.
Whole Community: Engaging the full capacity of the whole community including individuals, families, and communities in the process.
Understanding the fundamentals and concepts of NIMS is critical for emergency management professionals to effectively coordinate and manage response operations during incidents and disasters.
Lesson 2: NIMS Resource Management
Activities and Methods for Managing Resources
Resource management in the context of NIMS involves the methodologies, logistics, and practices needed for timely and effective allocation and use of resources during an incident. It encompasses a series of activities including planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and coordinating.
Key activities in resource management under NIMS include:
Identifying Requirements: Early and accurate identification of resources required to respond to an incident.
Ordering and Acquiring: Streamlining processes for ordering resources and ensuring timely delivery.
Mobilizing: Ensuring resources are ready for deployment and use.
Tracking and Reporting: Keeping account of resource location, quantities, and the status.
Recovering and Demobilizing: Efficiently returning resources to their original location or status.
Reimbursem*nt: Accounting for financial aspects of resource use.
Inventorying: Regularly updating resource inventories.
Evaluation and Future Planning: Assessing the performance and use of resources for future improvement.
Resource Typing
Resource typing is defining and categorizing, by capability, the resources requested, deployed, and used in incidents. By categorizing resources, responders can ensure that they request and receive the appropriate resources even in a multi-jurisdictional or complex incident.
Levels of Resource Typing:
Type I: Resources with the highest capability level.
Type II: Resources that are highly capable but not to the level of Type I.
Type III: Resources with capability levels suitable for most incidents.
Type IV: Resources with specialized capabilities, possibly less comprehensive compared to Type III.
Resource Tracking
Resource tracking is a standardized, integrated process conducted prior to, during, and after an incident to provide accountability of resources. The resource tracking process includes continual updates and sharing of information among all participants in an incident.
Essential elements of resource tracking:
Check-In/Check-Out Procedures: For all resources to account for their status.
Status Updating: Continual status updating of resources including location and availability.
Resource Deployment Status: Tracking the mobilization of resources.
Resource Demobilization Status: Tracking the return of resources to their original status and location.
Lesson 3: NIMS Management Characteristics
Management Principles
NIMS incorporates a set of management characteristics that are essential for the effective and efficient management of all incidents. These characteristics provide a framework to enable a wide range of entities to participate in incident management and incident support activities.
Key NIMS Management Characteristics:
Common Terminology: Using standardized nomenclature allows for efficient communication and clear understanding across different agencies and partners.
Modular Organization: The incident command structure is organized into scalable and modular elements with a defined response hierarchy.
Management by Objectives: Includes establishing overarching objectives, developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols.
Incident Action Planning: An Incident Action Plan (IAP) is central to achieving objectives.
Chain of Command and Unity of Command: Clear chain of command and unity of command are essential for effective and efficient incident management.
Unified Command: In a Unified Command, entities work together through the designated members of the UC to establish a common set of objectives and strategies and a single IAP.
Comprehensive Resource Management: Ensuring that all resources are identified and ordered efficiently.
Integrated Communications: This includes interoperable communication systems, processes, standards, and protocols.
Establishment and Transfer of Command: The command function must be clearly established from the beginning of an incident.
Information and Intelligence Management: The incident management organization must establish a process for gathering, sharing, and managing incident-related information and intelligence.
Accountability: The incident management organization must ensure that accurate accounting of personnel and resources is achieved.
Dispatch/Deployment: Resources should be deployed only when requested or when dispatched by an appropriate authority.
Scalability, Modularity, and Flexibility
Scalability
NIMS is designed to be scalable, meaning that it can be tailored to incidents of any size and complexity. This allows for response efforts to be scaled up or down as needed.
Modularity
NIMS is also modular, allowing the organizational structure to expand or contract to meet the needs of the incident. It means that only the necessary personnel and resources are called upon and deployed.
Flexibility
NIMS is flexible and adaptable to be applied to all types of incidents, from small-scale to catastrophic. This adaptability allows for the integration of best practices into a comprehensive, standardized framework.
Scalability, modularity, and flexibility are essential characteristics as they allow NIMS to be adaptable and responsive to the specific requirements of any given incident, ensuring an effective and efficient response.
These characteristics are vital for ensuring that NIMS can be effectively implemented across a diverse range of incidents and emergencies.
Lesson 4: Incident Command System (ICS)
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that:
Allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure.
Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private.
Establishes common processes for planning and managing resources.
Key Features of ICS:
Standardization: Clear and standard terminology, and procedures for resource ordering.
Unified Command Structure: Allows different agencies or departments to work together efficiently.
Manageable Span of Control: Command structure is organized such that each individual has a manageable number of subordinates.
Modular and Scalable: Can be used for small or large events, and the organization’s size can be changed as needed.
Comprehensive Resource Management: Ensures resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Integrated Communications: Allows for communications compatibility and interoperability among multiple agencies and partners.
ICS Organizational Structures
ICS is based on a flexible, scalable structure that allows for a clear chain of command and modular organizational structures. The primary components of the ICS organizational structure are:
Incident Command: Responsible for overall incident management and establishing incident objectives. The Incident Commander may have a Deputy, depending on the complexity or nature of the incident.
Operations Section: Responsible for all tactical activities and implementation of the action plan. It includes branches, divisions, and groups that manage the tactical objectives.
Planning Section: Responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating incident situation information and intelligence. This section prepares status reports, displays situation information, maintains the status of resources, and develops the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Logistics Section: Responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials for the incident, including communications, food, and medical services.
Finance/Administration Section: Responsible for financial and cost analysis and administrative aspects related to the incident.
Public Information Officer (PIO): Responsible for interfacing with the public, media, and other agencies regarding incident-related information requirements.
Safety Officer: Monitors safety conditions and develops measures for ensuring the safety of all assigned personnel.
Liaison Officer: Serves as the point of contact for assisting or coordinating with agency representatives from different agencies.
Lesson 5: Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)
Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) serve as centralized locations where coordination and management of incident-related information and resources take place. EOCs support the on-scene response through the allocation of resources, incident analysis, and coordination with other entities.
Key Functions of EOC:
Information Collection and Evaluation: Gathering and analyzing information on the incident, including its cause, size, current situation, and resources committed.
Resource Management: Identifying, procuring, and allocating resources required to support the on-scene response.
Support for Incident Command/Unified Command: Providing support to Incident Command or Unified Command, including resource allocation, policy guidance, and logistical support.
Coordination with External Agencies: Acting as the coordination point for external agencies, organizations, and other EOCs.
Public Information and Warning: Ensuring the public is provided with accurate and timely information. This may involve coordinating with the Public Information Officer at the incident scene.
Policy Development: Developing policies that guide the response effort.
Planning and Strategy Development: Developing plans and strategies for incident management, including contingency planning.
Common Models for Staff Organization
Different EOCs may adopt various organizational models depending on their specific needs, resources, and incident complexity. Common models include:
Incident Command System (ICS) Model: Adapts the on-scene ICS structure for use in the EOC.
Departmental Model: Organizes EOC staff according to governmental departments or agencies.
Emergency Support Function (ESF) Model: Organizes EOC staff according to specific emergency support functions such as transportation, communications, public works, and fire fighting.
Hybrid Model: Combines elements of the above models to meet the specific needs of the EOC.
Activation Levels
EOCs typically operate at different activation levels depending on the severity and demands of the incident. Common activation levels include:
Level 1: Full Activation – All primary and support agencies under the EOC are notified, and all key and support staff are expected to report to the EOC or remain on standby.
Level 2: Partial Activation – Some agencies are activated, while others are on standby. Activation is based on the needs of the incident.
Level 3: Monitoring or Enhanced Watch – The EOC is monitoring a potential incident closely. Few staff members are present, focusing mainly on collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information.
EOCs play a critical role in incident management by providing a central location for coordinating information, resources, and support for on-scene responders. Understanding the functions, staff organization models, and activation levels of EOCs is essential for effective emergency management.
Lesson 6: Other NIMS Structures and Interconnectivity
Besides the Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), the National Incident Management System (NIMS) includes additional structures to ensure that responses are coordinated across different agencies and levels of government.
Area Command (Unified Area Command): Area Command is used when there are multiple incidents that are each being managed by an ICS organization or when a single incident is so large that it must be managed at different locations. A Unified Area Command is used when incidents are of a multi-jurisdictional or multi-agency nature.
Public Information Systems including the Joint Information System (JIS) and Joint Information Center (JIC), which ensure that the public receives integrated, consistent, and timely information.
Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups) which integrate the efforts of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
Joint Information System (JIS)
The Joint Information System (JIS) is part of the NIMS’ public information system. It provides a structure and system for developing and delivering coordinated interagency messages.
Integration of Information: JIS integrates information across multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
Consistency of Messages: Ensures that the public receives consistent information from different agencies.
Coordination with Public Information Officers (PIOs): JIS coordinates with PIOs at various levels of government to ensure consistent messaging.
Utilization of Joint Information Centers (JICs): Physical or virtual locations where public information officers can collaborate to facilitate the JIS.
Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups)
Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups) are part of the broader multiagency coordination systems (MACS). They provide a platform for agencies with different legal, geographic, and functional responsibilities to coordinate, or support incident management policies, and priorities.
Policy and Resource Allocation: MAC Groups help in setting priorities, and allocating critical resources based on the incident objectives.
Coordination Across Entities: They facilitate coordination among governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
Support to On-Scene Command: MAC Groups provide policy guidance, critical resource support, and coordination to support on-scene efforts.
Lesson 7: Communications and Information Management
In an emergency response situation, having a reliable and effective communication and information system is crucial. The system should possess the following characteristics:
Interoperability: The ability to work across different brands, levels, and agencies to ensure communication is possible regardless of different equipment and systems.
Reliability: Systems should have a low failure rate and be able to operate continuously in various conditions.
Scalability: The ability to be expanded or reduced in scale depending on the requirements of the incident.
Portability: Equipment should be easily transportable to be used in different locations.
Resiliency: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties such as system failures.
Redundancy: Multiple systems or channels should be available in case one fails.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential in managing incidents efficiently. It involves:
Clear and Concise Messaging: Information should be clear, concise, and free of jargon.
Timeliness: Information should be communicated in a timely manner to ensure effective response.
Accuracy: Ensure that the information communicated is accurate to maintain trust and effective decision-making.
Appropriate Medium: Choosing the right communication tool or medium for the message, whether it be radio, email, or in-person communication.
Incident Information
Managing information during an incident involves the collection, processing, and dissemination of information about the incident. This includes:
Situation Status: Information on the current situation, including location, number of victims, and resources needed.
Resource Status: Information on the availability and location of resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities.
Incident Objectives and Plans: Setting clear objectives and plans for managing the incident.
Communication Standards and Formats
To ensure that communication is effective across different agencies and jurisdictions, it’s important to use common standards and formats. This includes:
Common Terminology: Using standard terms that are understood by all agencies involved.
Standard Reporting Formats: Using common formats for incident action plans, situation reports, and other documentation.
Incident Command System (ICS) Forms: Using standard ICS forms to ensure consistency in the information provided.
Data Interchange Standards: Ensuring that different information systems can exchange data effectively.
Understanding and effectively managing communications and information systems are critical for the successful management of incidents. It requires the use of reliable systems, clear and timely communication, accurate information, and adherence to common standards and formats.
Lesson 8: Course Summary
At the end of the course, it is essential to review the key concepts covered throughout the lessons. These include:
Understanding NIMS: A review of what the National Incident Management System (NIMS) is, its components, and its applicability and scope.
Resource Management: A recap of activities and methods for managing resources, resource typing, and resource tracking.
NIMS Management Characteristics: Revisiting management principles, scalability, modularity, and flexibility.
Incident Command System (ICS): A summary of the ICS, including its organizational structures.
Emergency Operations Centers (EOC): A review of the functions, common models for staff organization, and activation levels of EOCs.
Other NIMS Structures and Interconnectivity: Recap of NIMS management and coordination structures, Joint Information System (JIS), and Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups).
Communications and Information Management: A summary of the characteristics of communications and information systems, effective communication, incident information, and communication standards and formats.
Real-life Applications and Examples
In this section, learners can benefit from examining real-life applications and examples that demonstrate the practical application of the concepts learned. This could include:
Case Studies: Analyzing case studies of past incidents where NIMS was implemented successfully or where there were challenges.
Scenarios: Engaging in scenario-based exercises to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course to hypothetical situations.
Best Practices: Learning about best practices from real-life incidents and how these can be applied in future emergencies.
Lessons Learned: Discussing lessons learned from past incidents, which can help improve the implementation of NIMS in the future.
Interactive Discussions and Q&A: Allowing time for interactive discussions and a question-and-answer session where learners can clarify doubts and discuss practical applications of NIMS.
NIMS 700.B Test Answers Example
The practice test is designed to assess the knowledge gained throughout the course and prepare students for the final examination. It contains multiple-choice questions, true/false questions, and scenario-based questions.
Multiple Choice Questions
What does NIMS stand for?
a) National Incident Management Solution
b) National Incident Management System
c) National Incident Monitoring System
d) National Integrated Management Solution
Answer: b) National Incident Management System
Which of the following is NOT a NIMS Management Characteristic?
a) Scalability
b) Flexibility
c) Profitability
d) Modularity
Answer: c) Profitability
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a component of:
a) NIMS
b) FEMA
c) EOC
d) MAC Group
Answer: a) NIMS
The Joint Information System (JIS) is responsible for:
a) Resource allocation
b) Coordinating interagency messages
c) Incident Command
d) Managing staff in Emergency Operations Centers
Answer: b) Coordinating interagency messages
Which type of ICS facility is used to temporarily position and account for personnel, supplies, and equipment awaiting assignment?
a) Incident Base
b) Staging Area
c) Camp
d) Incident Command Post
Answer: b) Staging Area
Which EOC configuration allows personnel to function in the EOC with minimal preparation or startup time?
a) Incident Support Model (ISM) structure
b) Strategic Joint Command Structure
c) Departmental Structure
d) ICS or ICS-like EOC structure
Answer: c) Departmental Structure
Which EOC configuration aligns with the on-scene incident organization?
a) The structure of the department
b) ICS-like structure of EOC or ICS itself
c) Structure of the Joint Command, the strategic one
d) The structure for the Incident support model
Answer: b) ICS-like structure of EOC or ICS itself
Which Resource Management Task Deploys Or Activates Personnel And Resources?
a) Identify Requirements
b) Track and Report
c) Order and Acquire
d) Mobilize
Answer: d) Mobilize
The ‘capacity for emergency management and response personnel to interact and work well together’ describes which of the key communications and information systems principles?
a) Reliability, Scalability, and Portability
b) Security
c) Resilience and Redundancy
d) Interoperability
Answer: d) Interoperability
Which NIMS Command and Coordination structures are offsite locations where staff from multiple agencies come together?
a) Incident Command Structure (ICS)
b) Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs)
c) Joint Information System (JIS)
d) MAC Group
Answer: b) Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs)
Which resource management activity establishes common definitions for capabilities of personnel, equipment, teams, supplies, and facilities?
a) Identifying and Typing Resources
b) Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources
c) Qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel
d) Planning for Resources
Answer: a) Identifying and Typing Resources
Which type of ICS facility is used to temporarily position and account for personnel, supplies, and equipment awaiting assignment?
a) Incident Base
b) Incident Command Post
c) Camp
d) Staging Area
Answer: d) Staging Area
Which resource management task establishes and maintains the readiness of resources and ensures providers are paid in a timely manner?
a) Reimburse and Restock
b) Track and Report
c) Mobilize
d) Order and Acquire
Answer: a) Reimburse and Restock
Use of communications and information systems that are familiar to users is a part of which key principle?
a) Reliability, Scalability, and Portability
b) Security
c) Interoperability
d) Resilience and Redundancy
Answer: a) Reliability, Scalability, and Portability
Using social media to support activities such as producing maps and incident visualizations is an example of which communications standard?
a) Common Terminology, Plain Language, and Compatibility
b) None of the Above
c) Technology Use and Procedures
d) Information Security/Operational Security
Answer: c) Technology Use and Procedures
True/False Questions
The NIMS integrates all levels of government, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and the private sector.
Answer: True
The NIMS is only applicable to large-scale, complex incidents.
Answer: False
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions include monitoring potential incidents.
Answer: True
Resource Typing is the process of categorizing resources based on their profits.
Answer: False
Incident information is used across ICS, EOCs, MAC Groups, and JIS to aid in planning, determine incident costs, and identify safety issues.
Answer: True
NIMS Components are adaptable to planned events such as sporting events.
Answer: True
Scenario-based Questions
A tornado has hit a small town, causing extensive damage to properties. As part of the response team, you are tasked with setting up the Incident Command System (ICS). What NIMS Management Characteristics would you consider in setting up the ICS? (Choose two)
a) Modularity
b) Profitability
c) Scalability
d) Redundancy
Answer: a) Modularity, c) Scalability
You are a public information officer assigned to manage communication during a multi-agency response to a chemical spill incident. Which structure within the NIMS would you be most directly involved with?
a) Joint Information System (JIS)
b) Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
c) Multiagency Coordination Group (MAC Group)
d) Incident Command System (ICS)
Answer: a) Joint Information System (JIS)
NIMS 700 Quiz
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Additional Resources
Links to Further Reading and Additional Material
FEMA – National Incident Management System (NIMS): The official FEMA page on NIMS, which offers a wealth of information, including training opportunities and resource materials.
FEMA NIMS
Emergency Management Institute (EMI): FEMA’s EMI offers training to enhance the capabilities of emergency management professionals.
Emergency Management Institute
Incident Command System (ICS) Resource Center: FEMA’s page for resources on the Incident Command System.
ICS Resource Center
National Integration Center (NIC): The NIC provides tools and resources to support the implementation and maintenance of NIMS.
National Integration Center
National Response Framework (NRF): The NRF is a guide to how the nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It complements NIMS.
National Response Framework
Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL): A collection of documents related to homeland security policy, strategy, and organizational management.
Homeland Security Digital Library
Glossary
NIMS (National Incident Management System): A systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work together seamlessly and manage incidents involving all threats and hazards.
ICS (Incident Command System): A standardized on-scene emergency management construct specifically designed to provide an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents.
EOC (Emergency Operations Center): A central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness and emergency management, or disaster management functions.
JIS (Joint Information System): Provides the public with timely and accurate incident information and unified public messages. This system integrates incident information and public affairs into a cohesive organization.
MAC Group (Multiagency Coordination Group): A group of administrators or executives, or their appointed representatives, typically authorized to commit agency resources and funds, that comes together to make decisions regarding the prioritizing of incidents.
Resource Typing: The categorization of resources that are commonly exchanged in disasters through mutual aid, by capability. It helps to define resource requirements according to kind and type.
Scalability: The ability to alter the size or scope of emergency response actions and adapt to the complexity and demands of an incident.
This section provides learners with additional resources to deepen their understanding and knowledge of NIMS, as well as a glossary of key terms that they have encountered throughout the course.
