Introduction & Guidance
Developed by the Secretary of Homeland Security at the request of the President, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) integrates effective practices in emergency preparedness and response into a comprehensive national framework for incident management. The NIMS will enable responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage domestic incidents no matter what the cause, size or complexity.
The benefits of the NIMS system will be significant:
- Standardized organizational structures, processes and procedures;
- Standards for planning, training and exercising, and personnel qualification standards;
- Equipment acquisition and certification standards;
- Interoperable communications processes, procedures and systems;
- Information management systems; and
- Supporting technologies – voice and data communications systems, information systems, data display systems and specialized technologies.
The creation of NIMS as a result of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, also laid out requirements to achieve NIMS compliance on across the Federal Government and the Nation. The following section discusses the various compliance documents or guides.
NIMS Compliance
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FY 2008 NIMS Compliance Objectives and Metrics for States and Territories
FY 2008 NIMS Compliance Objectives and Metrics for Local Governments
These requirements were further codified from Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5 into Law when they were included in the INTELLIGENCE REFORM AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2004, Public Law No: 108-458 signed by President Bush on December 17, 2004.
Letter to Governors from Secretary of Homeland Security
In South Carolina, the Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), Mr. Ron Osborne provided a Memorandum on March 31, 2005, to each of the 46 County Emergency management directors. This document amplifies the actions needed for South Carolina to meet the requirements to achieve NIMS compliance in FY 2005 – FY 2007.
SCEMD
Director's letter to County Emergency Managers
Mark Sanford, the Governor of South Carolina, issued Executive order 2005-12 on June 3rd, 2005 directing the adoption of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the standard for incident management in the state. Local jurisdictions are encouraged to adopt NIMS for emergency management and incident response.
Adopting the National Incident Management System
The most current South Carolina Homeland Security Information Bulletin, dated 14 February 2006 with updated NIMS Compliance guidance.