Incident Command System

Staff Contacts

Released in March 2004, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) outlines a standardized approach to domestic incident management and response. Developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NIMS establishes a set of processes and procedures for responders at all levels of government to use in emergencies.

When fully implemented, NIMS should enable responders at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels to work together effectively and efficiently to manage all types of domestic emergencies.

The current NIMS document provides the overarching structure for this system, though many specifics are being developed and will be released by DHS over time. When complete, NIMS will comprise the following:

Standardized organizational structures, processes, and procedures;
Standards for planning, training, and exercising;
Personnel qualification standards;
Equipment acquisition and certification standards;
Interoperable communications processes, procedures, and systems;
Information management systems with a commonly accepted architecture;
Supporting technologies—voice and data communications systems, information systems, data display systems, specialized technologies; and
Publication management processes and activities.

NACCHO staff and members provide DHS with input and feedback on NIMS. NACCHO's Public Health Preparedness Essential Services Committee has established a working group to identify and develop useful tools for NIMS implementation at local health departments.

NIMS UPDATE

The revision of the National Incident Management System document is complete; it is currently under review by those charged with the task in the Department of Homeland Security. While it was originally hoped that it might be published on June 1, 2007, that did not happen. Nonetheless, the publication of the revised document is expected in the very near future. We will inform you and make it available as soon as that happens.

PRODUCTS INCLUDE

Managing Public Health Activities Using the ICS

Managing Public Health Activities Using the Incident Management System

The ICS/IMS one-day training enables public health participants to learn about ICS/IMS and the role of public health agencies in incident management and emergency response activities. The content of this training has been condensed into a Student Guide and CD-Rom titled "Managing Public Health Activities Using the Incident Management System." More »

PRODUCTS INCLUDE

Making Sense of the Natl IMS for Public Health Agencies

Making Sense of the National Incident Management Systems for Public Health Agencies

In this CD-ROM presentation, you will learn the basics of NIMS and related DHS and Department of Health and Human Services initiatives. The presentation focuses on practical, "take-home" information for local and state public health personnel seeking to learn more about NIMS and NIMS compliance in the future. More »