The three guiding principles of NIMS are flexibility, standardization, and unity of efforts. These guiding principles are supported by the six basic components discussed below.
2. PreparednessAll incident management systems begin with preparedness, and NIMS is no exception. The first step in preparedness is recognizing that a risk exists and will require a response. This risk may be as simple as a confined space rescue or as complex as an incident spanning numerous states over an extended period. Preparedness requirements include but may not be limited to conducting hazard evaluation and risk assessments, developing policy, planning, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, reviewing after the incident has terminated, and developing corrective action plans.
Preparation involves resource management. Resources include but are not limited to personnel, equipment, supplies, teams, and facilities.
3. Resource ManagementOnce the planning stage has been completed, resources need to be acquired, stored, inventoried, and maintained. Resource management involves inventorying and tracking assets. Inventoried assets are those whose use is reserved for a specific incident; other assets are used on a regular basis and therefore may not be available. Resource management must also account for items such as batteries, calibration supplies, and medical equipment, which may require replenishment during the incident response phase.
Whether resources are utilized on a day-to-day basis or stored for a specific response, NIMS plans should identify the following:
- What resources are readily available, widely used, and sharable?
- Where are the resources located? Are they local, state, or national?
- What is each resource’s capability, category, type, and kind?
- Are the resources compatible or interoperable?
To ensure that personnel resources are maintained and mission ready, consider their qualifications, certifications, and credentials.
4. Communications and Information ManagementStandardized communications, including the use of plain language and common terminology, will ensure that information exchanged among agencies is effective, concise, and efficient. The interoperability of communications technologies, policies, procedures, and systems must be established to maintain the flow of information.
Communications and information management is not limited to the response agencies; it must include the public and other impacted sectors. To be effective, information must be factual, timely, properly disseminated, and managed. Failure of communications and information management frequently leads to myriad problems such as freelancing, duplication of efforts, improper documentation, delay of asset deployment, and the spread of rumors.
5. Supporting Technologies The disruptions to technologies during 9/11 illustrated the need for supporting technologies to include alternatives for systems susceptible to damage or disruption. Available technologies that can support and improve operations must be included as part of the NIMS process. Examples of these technologies include voice communications, data communications, GPS, information management systems, recordkeeping, asset tracking and inventorying, personnel management systems, and information distribution systems.
The technologies utilized should be cost effective, interoperable, easily supportable, and aligned with current technology standards.
6. Ongoing Management and MaintenanceOf key importance is the ongoing maintenance and management of all plans, personnel, training, recordkeeping, and resources. Even a well-planned response will fail if resources are not available when required. For information about the management and maintenance tasks required to maintain NIMS compliance, see dhs.gov and fema.gov.
TRAINING
This article provides a broad overview of the ICS and NIMS management systems. Becoming an integral part of an incident response requires training and education. Training for NIMS can be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the National Fire Academy. At a minimum, a person who will be preparing or responding to incidents must complete the NIMS 100 course, Introduction to the Incident Command System, and NIMS 700, Introduction to the National Incident Management System. Additional courses regarding NIMS and ICS can also be taken via the Emergency Management Institute.
PREPARATION AND PLANNING
Regardless of the industry or sector they are employed in, OEHS and IH professionals who prepare, plan, and respond to incidents must comply with HSPD-5, ICS, and NIMS. Together with the first response community; local, state, and federal government agencies; nongovernmental organizations; and others, we must properly plan for and respond to incidents. Doing so will result in a greater probability that responses protect property and the environment, and, most importantly, reduce injuries and the loss of life.
KENNETH C. ECK, CIH, CSP, CFPS, CHMM, DABFE, FACFEI, LEED AP, is director of EHS/IH/Educational Services at Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies Inc.
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