Benefits of NIMS

The National Incident Management System, or NIMS, is a standardized management system used by federal, state and local government agencies in response to disaster and emergency situations. The system was developed by the Department of Homeland Security in 2004. While local governments are not required to participate in the NIMS system, federal funding is not available for agencies that do not comply.

Standards of Operations

• Personnel from all agencies participating in the NIMS program are required to undergo training that addresses the purpose, principles, components and benefits of NIMS. This provides a standard for operations across agencies. Organizations participating in NIMS are encouraged to enter into mutual assistance agreements with other agencies in their area to handle situations requiring more equipment and manpower than each individual agency possesses. The NIMS standards also encourage interoperable communications and procedures between agencies.

Federal Funding

• According to a Homeland Security Presidential Directive, federal funding for disaster preparedness is only available to agencies that comply with the National Incident Management System. Agencies making applications for grants are required to confirm NIMS compliance and participation.

The Incident Command System

• The Incident Command System (ICS) is the part of the NIMS that provides a standard set of procedures for the management of disaster or emergency situations. The ICS management system provides for a single command point and defines the responsibilities of all responders to an emergency. Units trained in ICS can work more readily together in joint operations with a single command point. Local first responders, fire departments and law enforcement agencies should follow NIMS and ICS procedures in all operations. This helps prepare them for joint operations involving multiple agencies responding to an incident.