NIMS Integration Center Adds New Online Resources The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its National Incident Management System (NIMS) Integration Center have recently added a number of NIMS-related resources online at www.fema.gov/nims. NIMS provides a standardized approach to incident management across all jurisdictional levels and disciplines, including police, fire, emergency management, health care, public works and private industry. The system is designed with a core set of concepts and principles that apply to and accommodate the needs of all response agencies. This consistent approach will enable all emergency responders to work off the same page – and therefore work more efficiently and effectively – when they are required to work together in preparing for, preventing, responding to and recovering from domestic incidents.

The NIMS Integration Center (NIC) has added the following resources on its web site:

• · Integrating NIMS into State EOPs and SOPs and Integrating NIMS into Local/Tribal EOPs and SOPs, which outline ways state and local incident managers can modify Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) and Standard Operating Procedures to align with NIMS concepts and terminology.
• Training Guidelines for ICS Instructors, January 2006, provides direction on training needed by ICS instructors and for agencies that offer ICS training programs.
• FY06 NIMS Training Requirements details required components of NIMS-compliant ICS training.
• Summary of FY06 NIMS Training Requirements outlines NIMS, NRP and ICS training that responders at various levels need to complete during FY 2006.
• FY 2006 NIMS Compliance Package outlines activities that states and tribal and local jurisdictions must complete by Sept. 30, 2006, the last day of the current federal fiscal year.
• National Standard Curriculum: Training Development Guidance, October 2005. The Center's guidelines document for NIMS-compliant ICS training has been updated and posted on the site as have several new training-related fact sheets, including NIMS, NRP and ICS Training Fact Sheets, which may be found at www.fema.gov/nims/nims_training.shtm.

All personnel with a direct role in emergency preparedness, incident management or response must complete IS-700 NIMS. All entry, first line supervisor, middle management, and command and general staff level of emergency management operations must complete ICS-100 level training.

Emergency Film Group offers training in NIMS through its program “NIMS: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System.” This video-based program is available in DVD or VHS, covers the Incident Command System, Unified Command, and managing incident-related intelligence. The Leader’s Guide outlines a complete training seminar and includes job action checklists and study guides to help prepare for IS-700 NIMS and ICS-200 testing.

A federal report released in February by the House committee investigating the response to Hurricane Katrina found that staffing shortages and lack of training hindered the response effort. Over 1,200 people died in the aftermath of the Hurricane, many while awaiting rescue.