An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

Agreements

Agreements should be in place between all parties in a jurisdiction's emergency operations plan to ensure that the communications elements within plans and procedures are in effect at the time of an incident. Agreements typically specify the communication systems and platforms that the parties will use to share information. Agreements also typically include connection of networks, data format standards, and cybersecurity agreements.

Communications Policy and Planning

All stakeholders should be involved in communications planning to formulate integrated and interoperable communications plans, technology and equipment standards. Coordinated communications policy and planning supports effective communications and management of information. Communications planning determines: What communications systems and platforms are used Who can use the communications systems What information is essential What the technical requirements are for communications equipment and systems

Area Command

An Area Command organization oversees the management of multiple incidents or a very complex incident through establishing multiple ICS organizations. An Area Command is activated only if necessary based on the complexity of the incident and span-of-control considerations. Area Command is particularly relevant to situations with several ICPs requesting similar, scarce resources. Area Commands are frequently established as Unified Area Commands and use the same principles as a Unified Command. Additional coordination structures, such as EOCs or MAC Groups, may assist with coordinating the resource needs of multiple incidents.

Which of the following statements are accurate about an Area Command? Select all that apply. Area Commands are frequently established as Unified Area Commands and use the same principles as a Unified Command. An Area Command is generally activated during all incidents and is solely based on the complexity of the incident. An Area Command organization oversees the management of multiple incidents or a very large or evolving situation. Area Command is particularly relevant to situations with several Incident Command Posts (ICPs) requesting similar, scarce resources.

Area Commands are frequently established as Unified Area Commands and use the same principles as a Unified Command. An Area Command organization oversees the management of multiple incidents or a very large or evolving situation. Area Command is particularly relevant to situations with several Incident Command Posts (ICPs) requesting similar, scarce resources.

Order & Acquire

Both incident command and emergency operations center staffs make initial and ongoing assessments of resource requirements based on incident priorities and objectives. If identified resource requirements are available locally they will be activated or ordered. Resources that are not available locally can be ordered by executing contracts, implementing mutual aid agreements, or requesting assistance from another level of government (local government to a State, State to the Federal Government). An external jurisdiction or organization that is requested to provide resources must consent to the request. NIMS resource typing (discussed previously) is designed for use when ordering resources to ensure the resource provided meets the mission needs. A jurisdiction can use these resource type definitions to clearly define their resource requirements.

Command and Coordination

Command and Coordination describes leadership roles, processes, and recommended organizational structures for incident management at the operational and incident support levels and explains how these structures interact to manage incidents effectively and efficiently.

Which of the following statements describes Data Interoperability? The use of common terminology helps incident management personnel communicate and coordinate. Common communications protocols enable the dissemination of information among all incident management elements. Personnel should use plain language and clear text; avoid using organizational acronyms or jargon such as "10-codes" during incidents involving multiple organizations.

Common communications protocols enable the dissemination of information among all incident management elements

Reliability, Portability, and Scalability

Communications and information systems should be designed to be: Reliable - familiar to users, adaptable to new technology and dependable in any situation Portable - can effectively be transported, deployed, and integrated to enable support of incidents across jurisdictions Scalable - able to expand to support situations, from small to large scale, and support the rapid increase in the number of system users

Equipment Standards

Communications equipment standards are designed to produce unified communications systems. When developing communications systems, personnel should consider: The range of conditions under which personnel will use the systems. The range of potential system users. The current nationally recognized communications standards. The need for durable equipment.

Planning for Resources

Coordinated planning provides a foundation for interoperability and compatibility of resources. Jurisdictions and organizations work together before incidents to develop plans that identify, manage, estimate, allocate, order, deploy and demobilize resources. The planning process includes identifying resource requirements to meet anticipated threats and vulnerabilities. Resource management planning should consider resources needed to support all mission areas: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response and Recovery. Resource management strategies for planners to consider include: Stockpiling resources Establishing mutual aid agreements to obtain resources from neighboring jurisdictions Determining how and where to reassign resources performing non-essential tasks Developing contracts to acquire resources from vendors

Incident Information

During an incident, timely and accurate information assists decision making at all levels. Information is used for many functions within ICS, EOCs, MAC Groups, and JIS, including: Aiding in planning Communicating with the public, including emergency protective measures Determining incident cost Assessing the need for additional involvement of non-governmental organizations or private sector resources Identifying safety issues Resolving information requests

Which of the following statements are correct about MAC Groups? Select all that apply. During incidents, MAC Groups make cooperative multiagency decisions. During incidents, MAC Groups impede decision making among elected officials. During incidents, MAC Groups support resource prioritization and allocation. During incidents, MAC Groups act as a policy-level body

During incidents, MAC Groups make cooperative multiagency decisions. During incidents, MAC Groups support resource prioritization and allocation. During incidents, MAC Groups act as a policy-level body

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)

EMAC is a congressionally ratified mutual aid compact that defines a non-Federal, state-to-state system for sharing resources across state lines during an emergency or disaster. Signatories include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. EMAC enables the movement of a wide variety of resources to meet the needs of impacted jurisdictions.

Emergency Operations Centers

Emergency Operations Centers are one of four NIMS Command and Coordination structures. ICS is used to manage on-scene, tactical-level response; EOCs are off site locations where staff from multiple agencies come together to: Address imminent threats and hazards Provide coordinated support to incident command, on-scene personnel and/or other EOCs The purpose, authorities, and composition of EOCs vary widely, but EOCs generally perform the following primary functions: Collecting, analyzing and sharing information Supporting resource needs and requests, including allocation and tracking Coordinating plans and determining current and future needs In some cases providing coordination and policy direction Some agencies and departments utilize operations centers. EOCs are multidisciplinary and in this aspect are different from operations centers employed by a single organization. EOCs can be fixed locations, temporary facilities or virtual structures with staff participating remotely.

activation levels

Emergency Operations Centers frequently have multiple activation levels to allow for: Response scaled to the incident Delivery of the exact resources needed A level of coordination appropriate to the incident The level of activity within a center often increases as the size, scope, and complexity of the incident grow. If the incident requires additional support and coordination, the EOC director may activate additional staff to involve more disciplines, mobilize additional resources, inform the public, address media inquiries, involve senior elected and appointed officials, and request outside assistance. Activation Levels 3 Normal Operations/Steady State Activities that are normal for the EOC when no incident or specific risk or hazard has been identified. Routine watch and warning activities if the EOC normally houses this function 2 Enhanced Steady-State/Partial Activation Certain EOC team members/organizations are activated to monitor a credible threat, risk, or hazard and/or to support the response to a new and potentially evolving inciden1 1 Full Activation EOC team is activated, including personnel from all assisting agencies, to support the response to a major incident or credible threat

When collecting data, personnel should do which of the following? Select all that apply. Follow data collection techniques and standards Recycle assessments from data Conduct analysis of data Delete transmissions of data from certain channels

Follow data collection techniques and standards Conduct analysis of data

Strategic Communications

High-level directions, including resource priority decisions, roles and responsibilities determinations, and overall incident management courses of action.

Which of the following are Strategic Communications? Communications between on-scene command and tactical personnel and cooperating agencies and organizations. High-level directions, resource priority decisions, roles and responsibilities determinations, and incident management courses of action. Coordination of support of strategic and tactical communications. Emergency alerts and warnings; press conferences.

High-level directions, resource priority decisions, roles and responsibilities determinations, and incident management courses of action.

When an incident occurs, local emergency personnel manage response using which of the following? EOC MAC Groups JIC ICS

ICS

Which of the following resource management key activities defines and categorizes incident resources by capability? Qualifying, Certifying, and Credentialing Personnel Planning for Resources Acquiring, Storing, and Inventorying Resources Identifying and Typing Resources

Identifying and Typing Resources

Resource management preparedness involves four key activities:

Identifying and typing resources Qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel Planning for resources Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources

Communications and Information Management Introduction

In order to maintain situational awareness, incident personnel update incident information continually. Effective incident management relies on flexible communications and information systems that provide accurate, timely, and relevant information. During an incident, this integrated approach: Links all incident personnel, whether on-scene, in an EOC, or in another support location Maintains communications connectivity and situational awareness Four key communications and information systems principles support the ability of incident managers to maintain this constant flow of information during an incident: Interoperability Reliability, Scalability, and Portability Resilience and Redundancy Security

Incident Management Teams (IMT)

Incident Management Teams (IMT) are a rostered group of ICS-qualified personnel composed of an Incident Commander, other incident leadership, and personnel qualified for other key ICS positions. IMTs are: Established at local, regional, state, tribal, and national levels with formal notification, deployment, and operational procedures in place. Typed based on the team member qualifications. Assigned to manage incidents or to accomplish supporting incident-related tasks or functions. When assigned to an incident, IMTs are typically delegated the authority to act on behalf of the affected jurisdiction or organization.

Which Emergency Operations Center (EOC) structure may reflect an organization that focuses efforts on information, planning, and resource support? ICS or ICS-like EOC Structure Area Command EOC Structure Departmental EOC Structure Incident Support Model (ISM)

Incident Support Model (ISM)

Track and Report

Incident personnel track resources from mobilization through demobilization using established resource tracking procedures. This process: Tracks the location of resources Helps staff prepare to receive and use resources Protects the safety and security of personnel, equipment, teams and facilities Enables resource coordination and movement Information management systems can aid in collecting, updating, and processing resource-related data and in real-time tracking of resources.

Incident reports

Incident reports enhance situational awareness and ensure that personnel can access needed information. Types of incident reports include: Situation Report (SITREP): Regular reports that contain information regarding the incident status during the past operational period and the specific details for an incident. Status Report: Reports, such as spot reports, that include vital and/or time-sensitive information. Status reports are typically function-specific and less formal than SITREPS. Incident reports should use a common format to enable other jurisdictions and organizations to easily access incident information.

Incident Action Plan

Incident-specific plans improve situational awareness and describe the objectives and tactics of the incident management. Incident-specific plans include: Incident Action Plan (IAP): Plans containing the incident objectives established by the Incident Commander or Unified Command and addressing tactics and support activities for the planned operational period (generally 12 to 24 hours).

Which of the following NIMS Management Characteristics allow units from diverse agencies to connect, share information, and achieve situational awareness? Integrated Communications Common Terminology Unified Command Incident Facilities and Locations

Integrated Communications

Intelligence/Investigations (I/I)

Intelligence/Investigations (I/I) is an ICS function identified in NIMS. When I/I is required, the Incident Commander/Unified Command can place the I/I function in multiple locations within the incident command structure based on factors such as the nature of the incident, the level of I/I activity, and the relationship of I/I to other incident activities. The I/I can be placed in the Planning Section, in the Operations Section, within the Command Staff, as a separate General Staff section, or in some combination of these locations.

Interconnectivity of NIMS structures

Interconnectivity of NIMS structures is important to allow personnel in diverse geographic areas, with differing roles and responsibilities, and operating within various functions of ICS and/or EOCs to integrate their efforts through common organizational structures, terminology, and processes. When an incident occurs or threatens, local emergency personnel manage response using NIMS principles and ICS. If the incident is or becomes large or complex, local EOCs activate. EOCs receive senior level guidance from MAC Groups. A Joint Information Center (JIC) manages the Joint Information System (JIS) operations to ensure coordinated and accurate public messaging among all levels: ICS, EOC and MAC Group.

Departmental EOC Structure

Jurisdictions/organizations may opt instead to use their day-to-day departmental/agency structure and relationships in their EOC. By operating in the context of their normal relationships, department/agency representatives can function in the EOC with minimal preparation or startup time

Logistics Section

Logistics Section personnel are responsible for providing services and support for the incident. Logistics Section staff provide: Facilities Security (of the incident command facilities and personnel) Transportation Supplies Equipment maintenance and fuel Food services Communications and information technology support Medical services for incident personnel

Mutual Aid Agreements and Compacts

Mutual aid agreements establish the legal basis for two or more entities to share resources. Various forms of mutual aid agreements and compacts exist among and between all levels of government in the United States. These agreements may authorize mutual aid: Between two or more neighboring communities Among all jurisdictions within an state Between States, Territories and Tribal Governments Between Federal agencies Internationally Between government and NGOs and/or the private sector Among NGOs and/or private sector entities

NIMS Command and Coordination Structures

NIMS structures enable incident managers to manage incidents in a unified, consistent manner. When an incident occurs or threatens, local emergency personnel manage response using Incident Command System. If the incident is large or complex, off-site Emergency Operations Centerss activate to support on-scene operations. The incident personnel in the field and in EOCs receive policy guidance from Multi Agency Coordination Groups. A Joint Information Center manages the Joint Information System (JIS) to ensure coordinated and accurate public messaging among all levels: ICS, EOC and MAC Group.

Acquiring, Storing and Inventorying Resources

Organizations acquire, store, and inventory resources for both normal operations and incidents. Effective resource management requires a current, accurate resource inventory to track resource status and availability. This inventory can be as simple as a paper spreadsheet or as advanced as computer-based inventory systems. Accurate resource inventories: Enable organizations to resource incidents promptly when needed Support day-to-day resource management In NIMS, resource inventorying refers to preparedness activities conducted outside of incident response; resource tracking occurs during an incident.

Planning Section

Planning Section personnel collect, evaluate, and disseminate incident information to the Incident Commander/Unified Command and other incident personnel. Planning Section staff: Prepare status reports Display situation information Maintain the status of assigned resources Facilitate the incident action planning process Prepare the Incident Action Plan (IAP) based on input from the General Staff, Command Staff and Incident Commander/Unified Command guidance.

Which of the following take place within the Track and Report stage of the resource management process? Select all that apply. Protects the safety and security of personnel and resources Enables resource coordination and movement Estimates date and time of arrival Helps staff prepare to receive and use resources

Protects the safety and security of personnel and resources Enables resource coordination and movement Helps staff prepare to receive and use resources

Resiliency and Redundancy

Resilient and redundant communications ensure the uninterrupted flow of information. Resiliency - systems can withstand and continue to perform after damage or loss of infrastructure Redundancy - when primary communication methods fail, duplicate systems enable continuity through alternate communication methods

Resource Management

Resource Management describes standard mechanisms to systematically manage resources, including personnel, equipment, supplies, teams, and facilities, both before and during incidents in order to allow organizations to more effectively share resources when needed.

Typing Resources

Resource typing defines and categorizes incident resources by capability. Resource typing establishes common definitions for capabilities of personnel, equipment, teams, supplies, and facilities. Typing definitions include the following information: Capability: the resource's capability to perform its function in one or more of the five mission areas: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Category: the function for which a resource would be most useful (e.g., firefighting, law enforcement, health and medical). Kind: a broad characterization, such as personnel, equipment, teams, and facilities. Type: a resource's level of capability to perform its function based on size, power, capacity (for equipment), or experience and qualifications; Type 1 has greater capacity than Type 2, 3, or 4.

Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT)

Some IMTs are referred to as Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) to clarify that they support on-scene personnel and/or the affected jurisdiction(s). IMATs ensure that federal activities align with local priorities through participation in Unified Command or a Unified Coordination Group with representatives from local, state, and/or tribal government. IMATs exist at various levels of government and within the private sector. Regardless of who owns particular IMATs or their specific missions, IMATs operate using the principles and practices of ICS.

EOC activation

Some circumstances that might trigger center activation include: Multiple jurisdictions or agencies involved in an incident. The Incident Commander or Unified Command indicates an incident could expand rapidly, involve cascading effects or require additional resources. A similar incident in the past led to EOC activation. The EOC Director or an appointed or elected official directs EOC activation. An incident is imminent such as predicted hurricane, flooding, hazardous weather, or elevated threat levels. Threshold events described in an emergency operations plan occur. Significant impacts to the population are anticipated.

Technology Use and Procedures

Technology provides many resources for incident management. Personnel use technology tools to increase situational awareness for both incident management and the public. Examples of communications technologies include: Radio and telephone systems Public warning and notification systems Hardware, software and internet-based systems and applications such as Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and incident management software Social media Information transmitted through communications technologies should follow planned and standardized methods and conform to information sharing standards, procedures, and protocols. Social media provides unique considerations and tools for incident management that can support activities such as information monitoring and gathering, distributing public information and warning, producing maps and incident visualizations, and matching information resources to identified needs.

Qualifying, Certifying and Credentialing Personnel

The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the authority and responsibility for qualification, certification, and credentialing within its organization or jurisdiction. The establishment of national standards provide common, compatible structures for the qualification and certification of emergency management personnel. Qualifying: Personnel meet the minimum established standards (including training, experience, physical and medical fitness) to fill specific positions. Certification: recognition from an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or a third party that an individual has completed qualification for a position (one example of a third party is an accredited body such as a state licensure board for medical professionals). Credentialing: documentation - typically an identification card or badge - that identifies personnel and verifies their qualifications for a particular position.

Federal Support to Response Activities

The Federal Government has a variety of capabilities and resources to support domestic incidents. Most incidents are resolved using capabilities available from the local jurisdiction. Larger incidents are resolved with support from by neighboring jurisdictions, or State, tribal, territorial, and interstate sources. The Federal Government only becomes involved with a response: When state governors or tribal leaders request Federal assistance and their requests are approved When Federal interests are involved As statute or regulation authorizes or requires In most cases the Federal Government plays a supporting role to state, tribal, or territorial governments by providing Federal assistance to the affected jurisdictions. For example, the Federal Government provides assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) when the President declares an emergency or major disaster. In some cases the Federal Government may play a leading role in response, such as when an incident occurs on Federal property or when the Federal Government has primary jurisdiction (such as in a terrorist attack or a major oil spill).

General Staff

The General Staff is a group of incident management personnel organized according to function. The ICS General Staff consists of 4 Sections: Operations Planning Logistics Finance/Administration Each ICS General Staff Section is led by a Section Chief who reports directly to the Incident Commander or Unified Command. These individuals are responsible for managing tasks within their functional area. The Incident Commander or Unified Command activates these section chiefs as needed

Finance/Administration Section

The IC/UC establishes a Finance/Administration Section when the incident management activities require on-scene or incident-specific finance and administrative support services. Finance/Administration Section Staff: Record personnel time Negotiate leases Maintain vendor contracts Administer claims Track and analyze incident costs

Common Types of ICS Facilities

The Incident Commander or Unified Command determines the kinds and locations of ICS facilities based on what is required to support the incident. The Incident Commander or Unified Command may establish several different kinds of facilities in and around the incident area. Common ICS facilities: The Incident Command Post (ICP) - location of the tactical-level, on-scene incident management (Incident Commander or Unified Command and Staff) Staging Areas - temporarily position and account for personnel, supplies, and equipment awaiting assignment Incident Base - location at which personnel conduct primary support activities (may be co-located with the ICP) Camps - satellites to an Incident Base, established where they can best support incident operations by providing food, sleeping areas, sanitation and minor maintenance and servicing of equipment

The Joint Information System (JIS)

The Joint Information System (JIS) is the fourth NIMS Command and Coordination structure. JIS integrates incident information and public affairs into a unified organization that provides consistent, coordinated, accurate, accessible, timely and complete information to the public and stakeholders during incident operations. JIS operates across and supports the other NIMS Management and Coordination structures: ICS, EOC and MAC Group. JIS activities include: Developing and delivering coordinated interagency messages Developing, recommending and executing public information plans and strategies Advise on public affairs issues that could affect the incident management effort Addressing and managing rumors and inaccurate information that could undermine public confidence The JIS performs these activities in support of the Incident Commander or Unified Command, the EOC Director, and the MAC Group.

Standardization

The NIMS guiding principle of standardization supports interoperability among multiple organizations in incident response. NIMS defines standard organizational structures that improve integration and connectivity among organizations. NIMS defines standard practices that allow incident personnel and organizations to work together effectively. NIMS includes common terminology, which enables effective communication.

The Public Information Officer (PIO) and Joint Information Center (JIC)

The Public Information Officer (PIO) and Joint Information Center (JIC) are two supporting elements of the JIS. The PIO is a key member of ICS and EOC organizations, though they might go by a different title in EOCs. PIO functions include: Advising the Incident Commander, Unified Command or EOC director on public information matters Gathering, verifying, coordinating, and disseminating accurate, accessible, and timely information Handling inquiries from the media, public and elected officials Providing emergency public information and warnings Conducting rumor monitoring and response The JIC is a central location that houses JIS operations and where public information staff perform essential information and public affairs functions. Normally, an incident should have a single JIC, but the JIS is flexible and can accommodate multiple JICs if necessary.

Unified Command

Unified Command is used for improved unity of effort in multijurisdictional or multiagency incident management. Unified Command enables different jurisdictions and organizations to jointly manage and direct incident activities through a common set of incident objectives, strategies and a single incident action plan. Each partner in the Unified Command maintains authority, responsibility and accountability for its own personnel and other resources, but the members of the Unified Command work together to: Determine objectives, priorities and strategic guidance Establish a single system for ordering resources Execute integrated incident operations Maximize the use of assigned resources

Mutual Aid Process

Upon receipt of a mutual aid request, the supporting jurisdiction evaluates the request against its capacity. The supporting jurisdiction determines if it is able to meet its own requirements during the temporary loss of the resource(s). If the providing jurisdiction determines it can accommodate the deployment of resources, it will identify and arrange the deployment of these resources in accordance with the mutual aid agreement. The receiving jurisdiction can decline resources if they do not meet its needs.

NIMS Overview

WHAT? The National Incident Management System (NIMS) defines the comprehensive approach guiding... WHO? ...the whole community - solutions that serve the entire community are implemented while simultaneously making sure that the resources the different members of the community bring to the table are leveraged across all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and private sector organizations to work together seamlessly WHY? ...to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. WHEN? NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, from planned events to traffic accidents and to major disasters. HOW? NIMS provides the shared vocabulary, systems, and processes to successfully deliver the National Preparedness System capabilities.

Public Information Communications Planning

Well-developed and coordinated public information, education and communications plans enable the sharing of public safety information. This can include information such as lifesaving measures or evacuation routes. The information communications plan can include: Draft news releases Media lists Contact information for elected/appointed officials, community leaders, private sector organizations, and public service organizations Public information communications plans should be included in training and exercises in order to prepare for actual incidents

Incident Commander

When an incident occurs within a single jurisdiction and there is no overlapping responsibility, the appropriate authority designates a single Incident Commander who has overall incident management responsibility. When incident management crosses jurisdictional and/or functional agency boundaries, the various jurisdictions and organizations may still agree to designate a single Incident Commander. The Incident Commander establishes the incident objectives that guide incident action planning and operations. When there is a single Incident Commander, that individual is solely responsible (within limits of authority) for: Establishing incident objectives Ensuring that incident activities work to accomplish objectives

Data collection and processing

When collecting data, personnel should: Follow data collection techniques and definitions Conduct analysis of data Transmit data through appropriate channels Data collection and processing include the following standard elements: Initial size up/ rapid assessment Data collection plans Validation Analysis Dissemination Updating

Tactical Communications:

Communications among and between on-scene command and tactical personnel and cooperating agencies and organizations.

Elected and appointed officials

Elected and appointed officials such as governors, tribal leaders, mayors, city managers and county commissioners are key players in incident management because they are responsible for: -The safety and welfare of their constituents -The overall effectiveness of incident management efforts within their jurisdiction Elected and appointed officials operate at the policy level of incident management. The MAC Group provides a way for these policy-level officials to work together, enhancing unity of effort at the senior level.

Which of the following statements is accurate about a Joint Information Center (JIC)? Provides high-level, strategic policy guidance to operations/coordination centers. Manages Joint Information System (JIS) operations to ensure coordination and public messaging is occurring among all levels. Activates and organizes local EOCs. Manages local emergency personnel when incidents occur or threaten to occur.

Manages Joint Information System (JIS) operations to ensure coordination and public messaging is occurring among all levels.

Which of the following statements about NIMS are correct? Select all that apply. NIMS is scalable, flexible, and adaptable for all incidents. NIMS is a resource ordering system and communications plan. NIMS is a set of concepts and principles for all threats. NIMS is used only during large-scale incidents.

NIMS is scalable, flexible, and adaptable for all incidents. NIMS is a set of concepts and principles for all threats.

Command Staff

The Command Staff are incident management personnel that the Incident Commander or Unified Command assign to directly support the command function. Command Staff positions are established by the Incident Commander or Unified Command as needed to support the management of an incident. Command staff report directly to the Incident Commander or Unified Command and are assigned assistants as necessary to perform their duties. The ICS Command Staff typically includes: The Public Information Officer (PIO) who interfaces with the public, media, and others needing incident information The Safety Officer who monitors incident operations and advises the Incident Commander or Unified Command on matters relating to health and safety The Liaison Officer who serves as the incident command's point of contact for organizations not included in the Incident Command or Unified Command

Incident Command Concept

The ICS term Incident Command refers to the person or group responsible for overall on-scene management of an incident. There are two general forms of the incident command function: A single Incident Commander A Unified Command Command and General Staff support the incident command in management of the incident.

Unity of Effort

The NIMS guiding principle of Unity of Effort means coordinating activities among various organizational representatives to achieve common objectives. Unity of effort enables organizations with jurisdictional authority or functional responsibilities to support each other while allowing each participating agency to maintain its own authority and accountability.

Information Security/Operational Security (OPSEC)

Access to some types of restricted or classified information depends on applicable law as well as an individuals security clearance and need to know. The need for confidentiality can complicate information sharing and create challenges that must be resolved. For example, intelligence information that is normally restricted to use within the law enforcement community might need to be shared with emergency management, fire or public health in order to protect lives.

Public Communications

Alerts and warnings, press conferences.

Security

Because some incident information is sensitive, voice, data, networks, and systems should be secure to the appropriate level to control access to sensitive or restricted information. For example, law-enforcement may discuss sensitive, personally identifiable or classified information and must ensure this information is shielded in accordance with applicable laws. Additionally, incident communications and information sharing should comply with data protection and privacy laws.

Common Terminology, Plain Language, Compatibility

Common Terminology: The use of common terminology helps incident management personnel communicate and coordinate. Plain Language: Personnel should use plain language and clear text; avoid using organizational acronyms or jargon such as "10-codes" during incidents involving multiple organizations. Data Interoperability: Common communications protocols enable the dissemination of information among all incident management elements.

Communications and Information Management

Communications and Information Management describes systems and methods that help to ensure that incident personnel and other decision makers have the means and information they need to make and communicate decisions.

Support Communications

Coordination of support of strategic and tactical communications (e.g., communications among hospitals concerning resource ordering, dispatching, and tracking; traffic and public works communications).

The role of the receiving jurisdiction for mutual aid includes which of the following? Determining whether exchange is within the mutual aid agreement. Declining resources that do not meet needs. Arranging for deployment of resources. Evaluating the mutual aid request against capacity.

Declining resources that do not meet needs.

Identify Requirements

During an incident, personnel continually identify, validate, and refine resource needs. The process involves identifying: Type and quantity of resources needed Location where resources should be sent Who will receive and use the resources Because the type and quantity of resources required and their availability changes as an incident progresses, incident management personnel and organizations should identify and coordinate resources as closely and as early as possible, both in advance of and during incidents.

three NIMS guiding principles:

Flexibility Standardization Unity of Effort

Informing the Public and Stakeholders

Getting information to the public and stakeholders during an incident requires an ongoing information cycle: Gathering complete information for the public and other stakeholders Verifying information to ensure accuracy Coordinating information with other public information personnel who are part of the JIS to ensure consistency Disseminating consistent, coordinated, accurate, accessible, timely and complete information to the public and stakeholders

Typical designated ____________ include Incident Command Post (ICP), incident base, staging areas, camps, mass casualty triage areas, points-of-distribution, and emergency shelters. Management by Objectives Comprehensive Resource Management Incident Facilities and Locations Incident Action Planning

Incident Facilities and Locations

Interoperability

Interoperability is the capacity for emergency management and response personnel to interact and work well together. Interoperable communications systems enable personnel and organizations to communicate: Within and across jurisdictions and organizations Via voice, data, and video systems In real time

Incident Support Model (ISM) EOC Structure

Jurisdictions/organizations that focus their EOC team's efforts on information, planning, and resource support may choose to separate the situational awareness function from planning and combine operations and logistics functions into an incident support structure.

Demobilize

Managers begin planning and preparation for the demobilization process at the same time they begin mobilizing resources. Those responsible for resources in an incident should either reassign or demobilize resources as soon as they are no longer needed. Prior to demobilization, incident planning and logistics personnel plan for rehabilitation, replenishment, disposal of, and/ or return or restoration to operational condition for incident resources. The goal of demobilization is the orderly, safe, and efficient return of a resource to its original location and status

MAC Group Definition and Composition

Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Group) are part of the off-site incident management structure of NIMS. MAC Groups are also sometimes referred to as policy groups. MAC Group members are typically agency administrators, executives or their designees from stakeholder agencies or organizations impacted by and with resources committed to the incident. The MAC Group may also include representatives from non-governmental organizations such as businesses and volunteer organizations. During incidents, MAC Groups: • Act as a policy-level body • Support resource prioritization and allocation • Make cooperative multi-agency decisions • Enable decision making among elected and appointed officials and the Incident Commander responsible for managing the incident. The MAC Group does not perform incident command functions, nor does it replace the primary functions of EOCs or other operations, coordination, or dispatch organizations.

Mutual Aid Overview

Mutual aid is the sharing of resources and services between jurisdictions or organizations. Mutual aid occurs routinely and is based on the resource needs identified by the requesting organization. This assistance can range from routine dispatch of resources between local communities up to movement of resources across state lines for large-scale incidents.

NIMS Applicability and Scope

NIMS is a common framework for emergency management and incident response that is applicable to all stakeholders with incident related responsibilities. The audience for NIMS includes: Emergency responders Other incident personnel Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as faith-based and community-based groups The private sector Elected and appointed officials People with disabilities or access and functional needs The scope of NIMS includes: All incidents, regardless of size, complexity, or scope Planned events such as sporting events

Configuration of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs)

Organization of the EOC staff can vary based on: Jurisdictional/organizational authorities Staffing Partner and stakeholder agencies represented EOC facilities EOC communications capabilities Political considerations The mission NIMS identifies three common ways of organizing EOC Teams: ICS or ICS-like structure Incident Support Model structure Departmental structure Like ICS, EOCs utilize the NIMS management characteristic modular organization.

Mobilize

Personnel and other resources begin mobilizing when notified through established channels. Upon notification, deploying personnel receive information to include: Date, time, and place of departure Mode of transportation to the incident Estimated date and time of arrival Reporting location and assigned supervisor Anticipated incident assignment Anticipated duration of deployment Resource order number Incident number Applicable cost and funding codes Resource tracking directly links to the mobilization process. Resources arriving on scene check in according to the receiving organization's check-in process. The mobilization of fixed facility resources is referred to as activation rather than deployment. Unrequested Resources During incidents responders sometimes arrive at the incident site without being requested. This can interfere with incident management by: Creating additional supervisory, logistical and safety needs Depleting available resources Complicating resource tracking and accountability Interfering with access to the site by formally requested resources Responders should wait for official deployment notification rather than self-deploying to an incident.

Reimburse and Restock

Reimbursement provides for payment of expenses incurred by resource providers. Reimbursement processes: Establish and maintain the readiness of resources Collect bills and validate costs Ensure that resource providers are paid in a timely manner Restock through replacement or repair of damaged equipment Reimbursement procedures are often specified in mutual aid and assistance agreements.

Standardized Communications Types

Successful communications and information management requires the use of standard communications types: Strategic Communications Tactical Communications Support Communications Public Communications

Which of the following are supporting elements of the JIS? Select all that apply. Public Information Officer Emergency Operations Centers Incident Commander Joint Information Center

The Public Information Officer (PIO) and Joint Information Center (JIC)

Resource Management During an Incident Overview

The resource management process includes methods to identify, order, mobilize, track, demobilize, and reimburse and restock resources during an incident. While in a small incident the Incident Commander may order resources directly, in more complex incidents the Incident Commander relies on the resource management process and personnel to identify and meet resource needs.

Training

Training and exercises that employ interoperable communications systems and equipment enable personnel to understand their capabilities and limitations before an incident

Which of the following is associated with multijurisdictional or multiagency incident management? Incident Commander Unified Command Area Command Agency Command

Unified Command

The Operations Section

plans and performs tactical activities to achieve the incident objectives established by the IC/UC. Incident objectives typically focus on: Saving lives Reducing the immediate hazard Protecting property and the environment Establishing situational control Restoring normal operations