NIMS is made up of Six Key Components:


Command and Management

NIMS command and managment structure are based on three key organizational systems; the Incident Command System (ICS), Multiagency Coordination Systems (MACS), and Public Information Systems (PIS).

  • ICS: A standardized on-scene emergency management tool that combines facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications within a common organizational structure.
  • MACS: A common coordinating support system for incident prioritization, critical resource allocation, integration communication systems and information coordination.
  • PIS: These are designed to effectively manage public information at the incident, regardless of the size and complexity of the situation or the number of entities involved in the response.

Preparedness

According to NIMS, preparedness must be a continuous cycle of planning, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective or mitigation measures.  Effective, efficient and safe response to an emergency is predicated on effective preparedness long before an emergency arises.  Local emergency management agencies have maintained emergency operations plans and preparedness programs in conjunction with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD).  For further information and assistance in local emergency preparedness contact your local emergency manager or SCEMD.

Resource Management

Consistent with NIMS requirements, the Federal Government through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is leading the "National Mutual Aid and Resource Management Initiative" to identify, classify, and "type" the resources that may be used during an emergency.   Products now available from this effort include a National Glossary of Terms and Definitions and the Initial 60 Resource Typing Definitions which includes resources for and from Emergency Management; EMS; Fire/HazMat; Health & Medical; Law Enforcement; Public Works; and Search and Rescue services.  Additional resources will be added as they are identified, defined and "typed."  Information concerning the Federal efforts to promote efficient resource management can be accessed through state or local emergency services organizations or by visiting the following website:  http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/rt.shtm . 

Communications and Information Management

Effective, safe and efficient emergency response as well as preparedness, mitigation and recovery require effective communications and information management.   A long-standing challenge for many emergency services organizations has been the need for improved communications.  Hardware and equipment needed for improving communications is only one part of this challenge.  Another challenge has been to develop and apply procedures and policy that promote more effective and comprehensive communications between the various agencies and resources needed to respond to an emergency.  Effective and timely intelligence gathering and sharing information about threats, events and outcomes is a critical component of NIMS.  State agencies as well as their Federal counterparts are continuously reviewing procedures, systems and equipment to improve communications and information management.  The NIMS Integration Center (NIC) will serve as the central point for collecting and distributing recommendations and "best practices" for improving the Communications and Information Management components of NIMS.

Supporting Technologies

NIMS recognizes the importance of using the best available supporting technologies to enhance interoperability and compatibility of local, state, and Federal preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.  NIMS will promote the research and development of technology systems that will improve and enhance incident management as well as planning, and other efforts.  Most likely the NIC will become the central point for developing and publishing standards for supporting technologies. 

Ongoing Management and Maintenance

The NIMS Integration Center Web page offers additional tools and resources designed to help departments and agencies and government jurisdictions implement and maintain NIMS concepts and principles.