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NIMS Training Compliance

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is an organizational model that enables government, public and private institutions, organizations and agencies to deal with the negative effects of incidents, regardless of size, complexity, location or cause. By presenting a template for handling incidents, the NIMS system allows trained individuals to come together under common guidelines. It allows people from different backgrounds, jurisdictions and specialties to work together in an organized manner.

  1. National Incident Management System

    • The National Incident Management System was created on February 28, 2003, when President George W. Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5. NIMS was developed as directed by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Another organization involved with the creation and administration of NIMS is the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). This directive requires all federal agencies to comply with NIMS. Because of this, training requirements are necessary to meet the compliance requirements of the directive.

    Training Purpose

    • NIMS is a comprehensive organizational model that includes common terminology, command structure, and resource management principles. The NIMS organizational structure is conveyed to individuals through a training program available through local emergency services, such as the fire department, or online. After undergoing specific training, individuals can respond to incidents quickly and efficiently. This training covers preparedness, communications and information management, resource management, command and management, and ongoing management and maintenance. In general, individuals are not paid to take NIMS training, unless it is a specific job requirement and they are being paid by their employer. NIMS online training is available to everyone and is free of charge.

    Training Courses

    • The NIMS training program starts with basic training followed by advanced training for specific job duties. To comply with NIMS training, everyone initially takes two beginning training courses. The first course is IS-100.a (ICS-100): Introduction to Incident Command System. This course describes the history, features, principles and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System. The second course is IS-700.a: National Institute Management System, An Introduction. This course explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS. Individuals taking the beginning courses are responsible for planning large events or responding to local emergencies.

    Training Levels

    • The training levels involved in the NIMS system include Entry Level; First Line, Single Resource, and Field Supervisors; Middle Management: Strike Team Leaders, Division Supervisory, and Emergency Operations Center Staff; and Command and General Staff: Area, Emergency and Emergency Operations Center Staff Managers. All training levels begin with IS-100.a and IS-700.a. NIMS also offers more specialized training for individuals with increased responsibilities during emergencies or event planning.

    Specialized Training

    • Voluntarily taking courses required for higher levels of responsibility gives an individual the background necessary to take on higher levels of responsibility when dealing with an incident. Employers, organizations and the local emergency planning committee (LEPC) may require specific personnel to take increased training programs offered through NIMS. This training involves more in-depth studies of the Incident Command System as well as techniques on responding to specialized emergencies involving specific hazards, such as radiological emergencies.

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