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ATTACHMENT 7 <br />NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) SUMMARY <br />A. BACKGROUND <br />NIMS is a comprehensive, national approach to incident management that is applicable <br />to all jurisdictional levels and across functional disciplines. This system is suitable <br />across a wide range of incidents and hazard scenarios, regardless of size or complexity. <br />It provides a flexible framework for all phases of incident management, as well as <br />requirements for processes, procedures, and systems designed to improve <br />interoperability. <br />2. NIMS is a multifaceted system that provides a national framework for preparing for, <br />preventing, responding to, and recovering from domestic incidents. <br />B. COMPONENTS <br />Command and Manaqement. The incident management structures employed by NIMS <br />can be used to manage emergency incidents or non-emergency events such as <br />celebrations. The system works equally well for small incidents and large-scale <br />emergency situations. The system has built-in flexibility to grow or shrink depending on <br />current needs. It is a standardized system, so personnel from a variety of agencies and <br />geographic locations can be rapidly incorporated into a common management structure. <br />a. Incident Management System. A system that can be used to manage emergency <br />incidents or non-emergency events such as celebrations. <br />1) FEATURES OF ICS <br />ICS has a number of features that work together to make it a real management <br />system. Among the primary attributes of ICS are: <br />a) Common Terminology. ICS requires the use of common terminology, such as <br />the use of standard titles for facilities and positions within an organization, to <br />ensure efficient and clear communications. <br />b) Organizational Resources. All resources including personnel, facilities, major <br />equipment, and supply items used to support incident management activities <br />must be "typed" with respect to capability. This typing will minimize confusion <br />and enhance interoperability. <br />c) Manageable Span of Control. Span of control should ideally vary from three <br />to seven. Anything less or more requires expansion or consolidation of the <br />organization. <br />d) Organizational Facilities. Common terminology is used to define incident <br />facilities, the activities conducted at these facilities, and the organizational <br />positions that can be found working there. <br />Ver 2.0 BP-7-1 <br />05/05 <br />