Training Links:
NIMS IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System
NIMS IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
NIMS IS-700 National Incident Management System
(NIMS), An Introduction
NIMS IS-800 A National Response Plan
(NRP), An Introduction
Who needs NIMS training?
From FEMA's Frequently Asked Question section -
Elected officials who are directly involved in emergency operations must have all four courses.
Otherwise, at the minimum, local chief elected and appointed officials should complete IS-700.
What is NIMS?
"...a comprehensive nationwide framework for incident management that will enable responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage incidents no matter what the cause, size or complexity. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) incorporates best practices currently in use by incident managers at all levels. It was developed through extensive outreach to state, local and tribal officials, the emergency response community and the private sector. It is the national standard for incident management across the various jurisdictions nationwide."
National Response Plan March 2004
>> NIMS is a core set of Doctrine, Concepts, Principles, Terminology, and organizational processes.
>>NIMS is applicable to all hazards.
NIMS is NOT :
 | An operational incident management plan
| A resource allocation plan
| A terrorism or WMD specific plan
| Designed to address international events | |
Most important, NIMS is NOT just the Incident Command System!
NIMS establishes standardized incident management processes, protocols, and procedures that all responders -- Federal, state, tribal, and local -- will use to coordinate and conduct response actions. With responders using the same standardized procedures, they will all share a common focus, and will be able to place full emphasis on incident management when a homeland security incident occurs -- whether terrorism or natural disaster. In addition, national preparedness and readiness in responding to and recovering from an incident is enhanced since all of the Nation's emergency teams and authorities are using a common language and set of procedures.
Advantages of NIMS:
NIMS incorporates incident management best practices developed and proven by thousands of responders and authorities across America. These practices, coupled with consistency and national standardization, will now be carried forward throughout all incident management processes: exercises, qualification and certification, communications interoperability, doctrinal changes, training, and publications, public affairs, equipping, evaluating, and incident management. All of these measures unify the response community as never before.