NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) and
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) TRAINING

 Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5, Management of Domestic Incidents, issued in February 2003 requires a single comprehensive approach to domestic incident management under the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS embraces the Incident Command System (ICS) and establishes the Nation’s first unified response structure that is scalable to fit the needs and complexity of a disaster event while unifying Federal, State and local responders under one emergency management approach. Lone Star College System operates under NIMS.

 OVERVIEW OF THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS)

ICS is one of five components of NIMS. It is a standardized on-scene emergency management concept specifically designed to allow its user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational structure equal to the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure designed to aid in the management of resources at incidents. It was developed through a cooperative interagency (local, State, Federal) effort. ICS is applicable to small day-to-day situations as well as very large and complex incidents.

To determine the level of training an individual needs according to his or her level of responsibility during a multi–jurisdiction, multiagency, multidiscipline incident and a listing of available NIMS training courses refer to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Resource Center.

NIMS ICS INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) COURSES

A listing of NIMS ICS Independent Study (IS) Courses, offered online is available at FEMA EMI Independent Study Courses. The FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers self–paced courses designed for the general public and for people who are interested in or have emergency management responsibilities. There are many more available. All are web-based, interactive, and offered free–of–charge.

NIMS ICS Basic Independent Study (IS) course Fact Sheets:

1.    Courses Recommended for All Employees:

a.    IS–100 Fact Sheet [3/07] (PDF 28KB, TXT 2KB) I-100: Course introduces the student to the ICS organization, basic terminology and common responsibilities. (2 hrs)

b.    IS–200 Fact Sheet [3/07] (PDF 28KB, TXT 3KB) IS-200 describe the Principles and Features of ICS, Organizational Overview, Incident Facilities, Incident Resources, and Common Responsibilities Associated with ICS Assignments (4 hrs)

2.    Courses Recommended For All Who are Interested In or Have Emergency Management Responsibilities:

a.    IS–700.a NIMS Fact Sheet [3/07] (PDF 16KB, TXT 3KB)

b.    NIMS-related courses offered online by EMI include:

1)     IS-700.B - National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction

2)     IS-800.D - National Response Framework, An Introduction

For more information on the Emergency Management Institute visit http://www.training.fema.gov/.

Source: (FEMA.gov, 2010)