Question

Explain how the National Incident Management System fits into the homeland security apparatus.

. What are the five components of NIMS? Explain each in detail.

. The ICS is said to be based on 14 previously time-tested management characteristics. Name five of these and describe each in detail.

Answer 1

Explain how the National Incident Management System fits into the homeland security apparatus.

After the terrorist attack of 9/11 in 2001, the Homeland Security Act, 2002 in US directed all levels of government organizations to adopt National Incident Management System (NIMS) as a technique for answering any size or type of emergency. It was for giving a synchronized, seamless and collaborative response in wake of any emergency. The Incident Command System (ICS) is a crucial component in National Incident Management System. NIMS aims to mitigate all frictions and expedite emergency actions involving varied responses from multiple institutions by being the common, adjustable and scalable system to be followed by one and all. Its compulsion was reinforced in 2003 by Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5.

What are the five components of NIMS? Explain each in detail.

• Command and Management: It is a structure given to tell position of each agency and for facilitating resource management. It includes incident management system that comprises giving directions, synchronizing multiple agencies and giving briefings to public.
• Preparedness It incorporates all pre-event for making the agencies ready like trainings, development of responses etc.
• Resource Management: Human resources are assets in any response to emergency. Posting them in strategic locations with sufficient resources comes under it.
• Communications and Information Management: It emphasizes use of familiar language in communication and sharing information.
• Ongoing Management and Maintenance: It includes overall supervision and cohesion of the program.

The ICS is said to be based on 14 previously time-tested management characteristics. Name five of these and describe each in detail.

Modular organization: Organization is formed according to the emergency.

Management by objectives: It is way to plan, evaluate and correct actions in emergency.

Incident action planning: They are blueprint for response actions

Manageable span of control: The span of manager will be at maximum of 3-7 subordinates.

Incident facilities & locations: Figuring out support facilities nearby the incidence area.