Washington, D.C. , September 18, 2007 - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the adoption of 11 NFPA standards for emergency responders by DHS. The newly adopted standards will set requirements to assist federal agencies and state and local officials responsible for procuring equipment and services used by emergency responders.

"It is enormously important that first responders have the tools and qualifications necessary to perform their duties well - their lives and the lives of others depend on it," said James M. Shannon, NFPA president, "DHS has taken an important step in supporting the needs of first responders with the adoption of these standards."

The documents adopted will provide direction and allow officials to make better procurement decisions in the following areas: professional qualifications, occupational safety and health, fire apparatus, personal protective clothing, powered rescue tools, and other equipment.

"The threat of fire in any home, school or business is a reality. To expect first responders to run into the current all hazard environment without training, equipment and the basic tools to do their jobs, is unacceptable," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "These newly adopted standards by DHS further ensure communities have well-informed, well-trained and well-equipped first responders, supported by manufacturers, and outside agencies dedicated to protecting the people of this nation."

The 11 newly adopted standards are:

• NFPA 1000, Standard for Fire Service Professional Qualifications Accreditation and Certification Systems
• NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1006, Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments
• NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus
• NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Fire Apparatus
• NFPA 1912, Standard for Fire Apparatus Refurbishing
• NFPA 1936, Standard on Powered Rescue Tools

The adoption of NFPA standards reflect the continuing support of a multi-year program in U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to build confidence in homeland security technologies, products, services, personnel through the development and adoption of voluntary consensus standards. A list of the standards can be found on the Department of Homeland Security's Web site and the Responder Knowledge Base. The standards documents are available from the National Fire Protection Association and from ANSI.

DHS previously adopted 14 NFPA standards that remain in use today. They are:

• NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs
• NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles
• NFPA 1852, NFPA 1852: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Operations
• NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
• NFPA 1975, Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for Fire and Emergency Services
• NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services
• NFPA 1982 Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies
• NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies
• NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents
• NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations
• NFPA 2112, Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire
• NFPA 2113, Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire

All NFPA safety codes and standards are developed through a process accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The 200 technical committees responsible for developing and updating all 300 codes and standards include 6,000 volunteers, representing enforcing authorities, installers and maintainers, labor, research and testing laboratories, insurers, special experts, consumers and other users.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate serves as the primary research and development arm of the Department, utilizing our nation's scientific and technological resources to provide federal, state and local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect the homeland.

NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

http://www.nfpa.org/newsReleaseDetails.asp?categoryID=488&itemID=36152

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today publication of two important tools to organize and synchronize national efforts to strengthen preparedness: (1) the National Preparedness Guidelines, which establish a vision for national preparedness and provide a systematic approach for prioritizing preparedness efforts across the Nation; and (2) the Target Capabilities List, which describes the collective national capabilities required to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

"The National Preparedness Guidelines and Target Capabilities List are the culmination of extensive efforts to define the specific plans and capabilities our nation must possess in order to address catastrophic threats," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "These documents will help focus policy, planning and investments at all levels of government and the private sector in order to strengthen our collective capabilities and better prepare for major incidents."

Publication of the Guidelines and Target Capabilities List fulfills a major component of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, "National Preparedness," and establishes a framework for understanding what it means for the nation to be prepared for all hazards. There are four critical elements to the National Preparedness Guidelines:

1. The national preparedness vision, which provides a concise statement of the core preparedness goal for the nation.
2. The fifteen National Planning Scenarios, which collectively depict the broad range of natural and man-made threats facing our nation and guide overall homeland security planning efforts at all levels of government and with the private sector. They form the basis for national planning, training, investments and exercises needed to prepare for emergencies of all types.
3. Universal Task List (UTL), which is a menu of some 1,600 unique tasks that can facilitate efforts to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from the major events that are represented by the National Planning Scenarios. Although no single entity will perform every task, the UTL presents a common language and vocabulary that supports all efforts to coordinate national preparedness activities.
4. Target Capabilities List (TCL), which defines 37 specific capabilities that states and communities and the private sector should collectively develop in order to respond effectively to disasters.

Developed through an extensive process that involved more than 1,500 federal, state and local officials, and more than 120 national associations, the Guidelines replace the Interim National Preparedness Goal issued on March 31, 2005. They also integrate lessons learned following Hurricane Katrina and a 2006 review of states' and major cities' emergency operations and evacuation plans.

For more information on HSPD-8 and the National Preparedness Guidelines, visit www.dhs.gov.

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1189720458491.shtm

On September 10, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the draft of the new National Response Framework (NRF) for a thirty-day comment period.

A combination nationwide webcast, teleconference and television broadcast regarding the NRF will take place on September 19, 2007, from 1:30-2:30 pm EST from the studio of the National Preparedness Network (PREPnet), a training, information and communication asset of the USFA.

The broadcast is intended to serve as both a discussion on the NRF and also as a means to receive questions and input on the draft document. The NRF document and supporting information can be obtained and viewed now at www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/

The presentation, titled "A Discussion on the National Response Framework (NRF)," is intended to enhance understanding of the NRF, NIMS and how all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector will work together in a unified approach to emergency management during all-hazards responses.

It will be presented by Mr. Dennis Schrader, deputy administrator of FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate, and Mr. Al Fluman, acting director of FEMA's Incident Management System Division.

"This is a great opportunity for America's fire service to receive a direct and informative briefing from the senior FEMA officials responsible for both the National Response Framework and the National Incident Management System," said U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade. "We at the United States Fire Administration are pleased to be hosting this special broadcast and hope the fire service will take advantage of this unique opportunity."

The presentation can be accessed as noted in the following information.

Distribution Methods:

• Dish TV Network
• Webcast via the Internet

Access Instructions:

• Locations with Dish TV receivers can tune to Channel 9602 at the allotted time to view the broadcast.
• Those wishing to access the discussion via the Internet webcast can go to www.vodium.com/goto/fema/nrf.asp and click on the NRF link that will be displayed there. Visiting the site before the webcast is important to ensure any connectivity issues involved with individual computer settings are addressed before the broadcast.

Submitting Questions:

• Questions can be submitted during the broadcast by sending an email to PREPnet@dhs.gov.
• Those viewing the webcast at the Vodium website will be able to submit their questions directly through the Vodium system by following the on-screen instructions at that viewing site.
• Individuals will also be able to call toll-free with questions during the broadcast at 1 800 527-4893.

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/National_Preparedness_Guidelines.pdf

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a draft of the new National Response Framework (NRF) for review. The NRF is composed of a 78-page main document and accompanying emergency-support function annexes, support annexes and incident annexes. The public has 30 days to comment on the main document and 60 days to comment on the accompanying annexes. The new NRF and its supporting annexes can be accessed at the NRF Resource Center (www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/mainindex.htm). The U.S. Fire Administration urges fire departments to comment on this document.

Incident Management Team (IMT) training is designed to meet the needs of the IMT and provide opportunities for application of IMT skills at the appropriate level (Local IMT - local/regional incidents, All-Hazard IMT - state/regional incidents). As of May 2007, this training includes:

• Per National Incident Management System (NIMS): All responders who may serve in command or general staff must have ICS-100, 200, 300, and 400; IS-700 and IS-800 (under revision); or a plan in place to train personnel to these levels
• Local IMTs: Team training - Command and General Staff Functions for Local IMTs (6-day course), position-specific training (optional)
• All-Hazard IMTs: Team training - All-Hazard IMT (6-day course); field training; position-specific training
• Type 2 and 1 IMTs: Performance-based training regimen identified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) in PMS 310-1, Wildland Fire Qualification Guide (PDF, 408 Kb)

Training for Local IMTs will be available through State fire training agencies. Training for All-Hazard IMTs is part of USFA's All-Hazard IMT Technical Assistance Program, available to States, Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) regions, metropolitan regions, and other areas with a high potential for incidents of national consequence or national special security events.

Team Training

An important part of IMT development is team training. This is where the members of an IMT train as a team, and learn the knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively in a team environment under stressful, dynamic conditions. Team decision-making is a critical aspect of effective IMTs, and this skill must be developed by the team as a whole in a training environment so that it can be applied appropriately during an emergency.

Team training for Local IMTs will involve the six-day NFA course, Command and General Staff for Local IMTs. The course covers information related to incidents at a local or regional level, involving local, mutual aid, regional, and some state resources. It also includes a team-building component, development of an Incident Action Plan (IAP), and update to NIMS and the National Response Framework.

Team training for All-Hazard IMTs is provided as part of the All-Hazard IMT Technical Assistance Program. The six-day course, All-Hazard IMT, covers information related to major/complex incidents at the regional or state level, involving local, mutual aid, regional, state, and national resources. It also includes information on national mobilization.

Position-Specific Training

USFA, in cooperation with the Incident Management System Division/NIMS Integration Center, NWCG, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Environmental Protection Agency, has developed all-hazard position specific training. This training is specifically for members of All-Hazard IMTs, and Local IMTs or personnel who will be assigned these roles.

The performance-based position-specific training consists of these eight Command and General Staff classroom-based courses:

• All-Hazard Incident Commander
• All-Hazard Operations Section Chief
• All-Hazard Planning Section Chief
• All-Hazard Logistics Section Chief
• All-Hazard Finance/Administration Section Chief
• All-Hazard Safety Officer
• All-Hazard Liaison Officer
• All-Hazard Public Information Officer
• Four Unit Leader courses under development

Deliveries of position specific courses will be coordinated through State fire, forestry and emergency management agencies, beginning in Fall 2007.

Field Training

Formerly called "shadowing," field training is an important part of the development of All-Hazard IMT members. Field training consists of All-Hazard Incident Management Team (IMT) members deployed to an incident where they will follow/observe an experienced Type 1 or Type 2 IMT under the guidance of a field training liaison officer. This allows the All-Hazard IMT member to become actively involved in or monitor the functions, tasks, and responsibilities of the position they will be performing on their All-Hazard IMT. Field training provides All-Hazard IMT members with hands-on experience through meaningful tasks and assignments enhancing knowledge of their position - to learn first-hand about IMT operations during major emergencies/incidents. Assignments are intended to be both personal and professional development opportunities. NOTE: due to a limited number of appropriate incidents, field training is only available for All-Hazard IMTs developed under USFA's All-Hazard IMT Technical Assistance Program.

The following rotational schedule is for established All-Hazard Incident Management Teams who are available for field training opportunities. Established teams are those who have participated in Phase I of the AHIMT Technical Assistance program and have stood up a team. They have provided USFA with:

1. A letter/e-mail authorizing the team to deploy for field training. Remember travel and expenses are the responsibility of the team, not USFA.
2. Complete team list (including individual contact information) with their ICS position designation, documentation that they have completed the AHIMT course, and any position specific class (USFA or NWCG).
3. Point of contact information for the team leader (24/7), including cell/home/office phone numbers, PDA, and e-mail.

The rotational schedule is provided to give everyone an opportunity to maintain a mission-ready status. Teams should plan on a five day deployment with travel on either end for a total of seven days. If you do not have a Go-Bag checklist, USFA can provide a "sample." Additional information is available in the AHIMT Technical Assistance Program Team Manual.

Position Task Books

USFA, in cooperation with the Incident Management System Division/NIMS Integration Center (NIC) and NWCG, has developed position task books for All-Hazard IMT members and others who may serve in those roles. Similar in concept and design to existing position task books used by NWCG, the all-hazard task books are based on ICS position competencies identified by NWCG and USFA for IMSD/NIC.

Certification based on the task books will be done by the State or other appropriate entity.

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/incident/imt/imt-training.shtm

Fairfax, Va., Sept. 10, 2007... The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the US Department of Commerce will hold four one-day workshops to assist public safety agencies plan and develop their investment criteria for potential Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant awards.

Background:

Under the PSIC Grant Program guidance, $968,385,000 will be made available in grants by September 30, 2007 to the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. The governor of each state and territory has designated a State Administrative Agency (SAA) that can apply for and administer the funds under the PSIC Grant Program. The SAA is responsible for obligating PSIC funds to eligible pass-through recipients, which is statutorily defined as a public safety agency that is a state, local or tribal government entity or non-government organization authorized by such entity, whose sole or principal purpose is to protect the safety of life, health, or property. This one-time, formula-based grant program is designed to assist public safety agencies in enhancing interoperable communications with respect to voice, data and/or video.

Workshop Dates and Locations:

• Monday, September 24: South Region - Dallas, TX
• Wednesday, September 26: Central Region - Denver, CO
• Friday, September 28: East Region - Newark, NJ
• Monday, October 1: West Region - Los Angeles, CA

Registration:

To register for these workshops, view the preliminary agenda, and receive further details, go to PSIC Grant Program Investment Justification Workshops website. For additional information on the program contact the PSIC program staff at 202/482-5802 or visit the program's website: www.ntia.doc.gov/psic.

http://www.iafc.org/displayindustryarticle.cfm?articlenbr=34509

Course Information:

This FEMA, web-based course provides State, local, and tribal emergency response and coordination personnel an introduction to NIMS intrastate mutual aid. The course discusses the purpose and benefits of mutual aid and assistance, the emphasis that NIMS places on mutual aid and assistance, and explains how to understand mutual aid and assistance agreements and mutual aid operational plans.

Course Length:

The overall length of the course will vary individually. IS706 takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

Course Objectives:

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose, benefits, and uses of mutual aid and assistance.
• Explain how mutual aid and assistance agreements relate to NIMS.
• Identify what information should be included in a mutual aid and assistance agreement.
• Explain the process for developing mutual aid and assistance agreements.
• Identify the elements of a mutual aid and assistance operational plan.

Course Completion:

The course is available at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is706.asp. When you have completed the course, the final examination is available online too. Fill out the student information and submit the test for scoring. The Emergency Management Institute's (EMI) Independent Study Office will notify you via email of your successful completion of the course and will send you a course certificate.

Pre-requisite:

The prerequisite for this course is IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction.

Primary Audience

This course is designed for State, local, and tribal emergency response and coordination personnel and takes approximately two and a half hours to complete.

Questions:

Please contact the course manager, Maria Moore at (301) 447-1501 or maria.moore@dhs.gov

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS706.asp

Reminder if you have questions or issues with on-line training courses taken from the Emergency Management Institute- EMI, contact the Independent Study Program Office.

Independent Study Program Office hours are 7:30a.m.-7:30p.m. (EDT). The call center can be reached at 301-447-1200 or Independent.Study@dhs.gov

Emergency Management Institute, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441 FEMA Independent Study Program Office: (301)447-1200 Fax: (301)447-1201

The National Integration Center's (NIC) Incident Management Systems Division (IMSD) has developed a Five-Year National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training Plan. The Plan establishes a common national foundation for NIMS training and qualifying emergency management/response personnel. More specifically, the Plan will guide NIMS training activities; support stakeholder training and planning; and serve as a single-source, regularly updated compilation of training within the NIMS national core curriculum.

This national review is intended to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to comment on the Five-Year NIMS Training Plan. The review period will begin on Monday September 10, 2007 and will close on Tuesday, September 25, 2007. All comments must be submitted during this period.

A copy of the Draft Five-Year NIMS Training Plan can be located at the following link: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/index.shtm

A comment form will also be made available. If you would like to request a comment form, please email NIMSComments@hsi.dhs.gov. While a comment form will help assure clarity and consistency, it is not a requirement. You may also submit your comments directly to the above email address.

Questions and comments on the process can also be directed to the Incident Management Systems Division FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov or 202-646-728

As part of our Nation's efforts to strengthen catastrophic response capabilities in line with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), FEMA's Incident Management Systems Division has released the finalized Incident Command System (ICS) Core Competencies.

In February 2005, the Incident Management Systems Division (IMSD) gathered together several emergency management organizations to begin collaborating on NIMS implementation. From that meeting it became clear that core competencies for Incident Command System (ICS) positions were necessary.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) took the lead to develop competencies for all ICS positions. In fall of 2005, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) added the development of wildland fire specific position competencies. USFA and NWCG prepared the ICS Competencies for release. These competencies were announced online by FEMA for public comment in April of 2007. The public comment period ended on March 25, 2007.

In the spring of 2007 the NWCG brought together numerous interagency subject matter expert groups to review the competencies and behaviors and begin revision of NWCG position task books. During these workshops additional edits to the competencies and behaviors were discovered and were proposed and accepted by the Competency Change Management Board (CCMB). A need was identified to create the CCMB. They met in August 2007 for adjudication of all comments.

The ICS Core Competencies can be found at http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/ics_competencies.shtm.

This link also includes important CCMB documents that provide general information, processes, and key messages.

As part of our Nation's efforts to strengthen catastrophic response capabilities in line with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), FEMA's Incident Management Systems Division has released updated resource typing definitions for Bomb Squad and SWAT resources to be deployed in mutual aid.

A Law Enforcement working group comprised of Subject Matter Experts identified equipment, personnel (to include needed training), and vehicles anticipated to be most commonly requested during an interstate mutual aid response. The resource typing definitions identify the components and metrics that clarify the minimum capabilities and type classifications.

After review of comments following a 30 day feedback period, the Bomb Squad and SWAT/Tactical Team resource typing definitions are now final. These definitions are a part of the Tier 1 NIMS Resource Typing. For a guide to Tier 1 and Tier 2 resource typing definitions, please reference NIMS Guide 0001: National Resource Typing Criteria (NG 0001) located online at http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/guide.shtm.

The FEMA 508-6 Law Enforcement resource typing definitions are located at: http://fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/rt.shtm.

• NIMS Alert 31-07: NIMS Clarity
• NIMS Alert 30-07: NIMS IRIS Update
• NIMS Alert 29-07: NIMS Five-Year Training Plan
• NIMS Alert 28-07: Finalized ICS Core Competencies
• NIMS Alert 27-07: Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers (PIOs)
• NIMS Alert 26-07: NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid Course - Now Online
• NIMS Alert 25-07: The Incident Management Systems Division Releases Updated Bomb Squad and SWAT/Tactical Team Resource Typing Definitions
• NIMS Alert 24-07: Updated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Job Titles
• NIMS Alert 23-07: NIMSCAST Updated Features
• NIMS Alert 22-07: Public Information Officer NIMS Implementation Workshops Postponed
• NIMS Alert 21-07: New Animal Emergency Response Job Titles (PDF 29KB, TXT 6KB)
• NIMS Alert 20-07: "Release of the IRIS"
• NIMS Alert 19-07: IS-100.SC Introduction to the Incident Command System, I-100 for schools
• NIMS Alert 18-07: Updated Public Works Credentialing Job Titles (PDF 31KB, TXT 6KB)
• NIMS Alert 17-07: The Incident Management Systems Division Releases the draft Emergency Responder Field Operating Guide (PDF 24KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 16-07: New Job Titles for FireHazmat Personnel (PDF 26KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 15-07: Pathfinder Task Forces (PDF 31KB, TXT 6KB)
• NIMS Alert 14-07: NIMS Implementation Workshop (PDF 39KB, TXT 6KB)
• NIMS Alert 13-07: NIMSCAST and Corrective Action Plan NIMS Guide Release (PDF 45KB, TXT 4KB)
• NIMS Alert 12-07: NIMS Guides (PDF 24KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 11-07: Credentialing (PDF 25KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 10-07: Resource Typing (PDF 24KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 09-07: NIMS ICS-300 and ICS-400 Training Requirements (PDF 43KB, TXT 9KB)
• NIMS Alert 08-07: Revised Bomb Squad Resource Typing Definitions (PDF 27KB, TXT 5KB)
• NIMS Alert 07-07: Revised SWAT/Tactical Team Resource Typing (PDF 27KB, TXT 5KB)
• NIMS Alert 06-07: Electronic Certificates (PDF 32KB, TXT 3KB)
• NIMS Alert 05-07: Compliant Courses (PDF 26KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 04-07: National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Integration Center Announces ICS Core Competencies (PDF 40KB, TXT 7KB)
• NIMS Alert 03-07: National Incident Management System (NIMS) Integration Center NIMS Compliance requirements for Local Emergency Planning Committee's (PDF 33KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 02-07: NIMS Implementation Workshop Postponed (PDF 27KB, TXT 4KB)
• NIMS Alert 01-07: NIMS Recommended Standards Fact Sheet (PDF 26KB, TXT 3KB)  

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/nims_alert.shtm

• Basic Guidance for PIOs - Comment Matrix

NRP & JFO Information

• Emergency Management Personnel Urged to Review Changes to NRP:
  • NIMS Alert: NRP Changes (PDF 19KB)
  • Notice of Change to the National Response Plan (PDF 417KB, TXT 120KB)
  • Quick Reference Guide (PDF 318KB, TXT 63KB)
    
• JFO Activation and Operations: Interagency Integrated SOP (PDF 781KB, TXT 215KB)
  
• JFO SOP: Appendixes and Annexes (PDF 2MB, TXT 360KB)

Resource Management

• 2007 ICS Core Competencies
• NIMS Alert 25-07: The Incident Management Systems Division Releases Updated Bomb Squad and SWAT/Tactical Team Resource Typing Definitions
• NIMS Alert 21-07: New Animal Emergency Response Job Titles (PDF 26KB, TXT 2KB)
• NIMS Alert 14-07: Pathfinder Task Forces(PDF 31KB, TXT 6KB)
• NIMS Alert 08-07: Revised Bomb Squad Resource Typing Definitions (PDF 27KB, TXT 5KB)
• NIMS Alert 07-07: Revised SWAT/Tactical Team Resource Typing (PDF 27KB, TXT 5KB)

Training

• NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance, 2007 (PDF 26KB, TXT 3KB)
• FY07 NIMS Training Matrix (PDF 26KB, TXT 3KB)
• Fact Sheet 01-07-NIMS Elected Officials (PDF 26KB, TXT 3KB)
• Click here for NIMS, NRP and ICS Training Courses
• Training Guidelines: Incident Command System Instructors (PDF 35KB, TXT 7KB)

NIMS Compliance

• FY 2007 Federal NIMS Implementation Survey
• FY08 State and Territory Activities
• FY08 Comment Cover Letter
• FY08 Intro Comment Version State and Local Final
• Nongovernmental Organizations NIMS Implementation Activities (PDF 50KB, TXT 14KB)
• Private Sector NIMS Implementation Activities (PDF 45KB, TXT 9KB)
• FY07 NIMS Compliance Package
  • NIMS Compliance Corrective Action Plans (PDF 69KB, TXT 4KB)
  • Letter to Governors (PDF 30KB, TXT 5KB)
  • NIMS Implementation Matrix for States and Territories (PDF 163KB, TXT 34KB)
  • FY07 NIMS Compliance Metrics State and Territorial (PDF 170KB, TXT 42KB)
  • NIMS Implementation Matrix for Tribal and Local Jurisdictions (PDF 141KB, TXT 29KB)
  • FY07 NIMS Compliance Metrics Local and Tribal (PDF 127KB, TXT 28KB)
  • FY07 NIMS Compliance Metrics Terms of Reference (PDF 68KB, TXT 28KB)
  • FY07 FEMA Regional NIMS Coordinators (PDF 27KB, TXT 4KB)
  • NIMS Implementation Activities Schedule (PDF 75KB, TXT 11KB)
  • NIMS Implementation Activities Schedule II (PDF 42KB, TXT 9KB)
    
• FY 2007 NIMS Compliance Metrics Guide for States and Territories (PDF 2MB, TXT 147KB)
• FY 2007 NIMS Compliance Metrics Guide for Tribal Nations and Local Governments (PDF 3MB, TXT 126KB)
• New NIMS Implementation Activities for Hospitals and Healthcare Systems:
  • NIMS Alert (PDF 44KB, TXT 7KB)
  • NIMS Implementation for Hospitals (PDF 185KB, TXT 49KB)
  • Summary of NIMS Implementation Activities (PDF 33KB, TXT 11KB)
  • NIMS Implementation Activities for Hospitals Fact Sheet (PDF 129KB, TXT 46KB)
  • NIMS Hospital FAQs (PDF 63KB, TXT 20KB)
    
• Integrating NIMS into State EOPs and SOPs (PDF 265KB, TXT 77KB)
• Integrating NIMS into Local/Tribal EOPs and SOPs (PDF 646KB, TXT 78KB)
• Institutionalizing the Use of ICS (PDF 44KB, TXT 2KB)

Need copies of the NIMS document? Call 1-800-480-2520, press Option 4, and ask for FEMA 501, NIMS.

Standards and Technology

• Fact Sheet: NIMS Recommended Standards (January 4, 2007) (PDF 52KB, TXT 9KB)
• Fact Sheet: NIMS Standards Activities (FY06) (PDF 22KB)

NIMS Basic: Concepts and Principles, Systems and Processes

The NIMS Basic series describes the concepts and principles, systems and processes, responsibilities and required capabilities associated with the major components of the National Incident Management System.

The series consists of nine guides to NIMS components, as follows:

• NIMS Introduction and Overview (PDF 54KB, TXT 20KB)
• Command and Management (PDF 112KB, TXT 52KB)
• Preparedness (PDF 57KB, TXT 22KB)
• Resource Management (PDF 53KB, TXT 18KB)
• Communications and Information Management (PDF 38KB, TXT 15KB)
• Supporting Technologies (PDF 37KB, TXT 10KB)
• Ongoing Management and Maintenance (PDF 44KB, TXT 14KB)
• Incident Command System (PDF 132KB, TXT 64KB)
• Resource Typing (PDF 95KB, TXT 13KB)

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/whats_new.shtm

Q. Who has to take NIMS and ICS training?

A. All Federal, State, Tribal, and Local entities, Private Sector and Nongovernmental personnel with a direct role in emergency management and response must be NIMS and ICS trained. This includes all emergency services related disciplines such as EMS, hospitals, public health, fire service, law enforcement, public works/utilities, skilled support personnel, and other emergency management response, support and volunteer personnel, as follows:

Entry Level
FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction
ICS-100: Introduction to ICS

First Line, Single Resource, Field Supervisors
IS-700, ICS-100 and ICS-200: Basic ICS or its equivalent

Mid-level Management: Strike Team Leaders, Division Supervisors, EOC Staff, etc.
IS-700, IS-800.A NRP, ICS-100, ICS-200 and ICS-300*

Command and General Staff; Area, Emergency and EOC Managers
IS-700, IS-800.A, ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300* and ICS-400*

* NOTE: Not all persons required to take ICS-300 and ICS-400 will need to take IS-800.A. Emergency managers or personnel whose primary responsibility is emergency management must complete this training.

Q. What level of NIMS training is required Elected Officials?

A. The National Integration Center (NIC) Incident Management Systems Division strongly recommends that all elected official who will be interacting with multiple jurisdictions and agencies during an incident at the minimum, complete IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction and ICS-100: Introduction to ICS. These courses provide a basic understanding of the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System. Everyone directly involved in managing an emergency should understand the command reporting structures, common terminology and roles and responsibilities inherent in a response operation.

Q. What training do I need to be an ICS instructor?

A. All lead ICS instructors should have training and experience in adult education and have served as Incident Commander or in a command staff or general staff position. Specific requirements for ICS-100 through ICS-400 are as follows:

ICS-100
ICS-100 Lead and Unit Instructors should have successfully completed ICS-100, ICS-200 and IS-700.

ICS-200
ICS-200 Lead Instructor should have successfully completed ICS-300. Unit Instructors should have successfully completed ICS-200.

ICS-300
ICS-300 Lead Instructor should have successfully completed ICS-400, have served as served as Incident Commander or in a command staff or general staff position in an incident that went beyond one operational period or required a written Incident Action Plan (IAP). Unit Instructors should have successfully completed ICS-300, have served as served as Incident Commander or in a command staff or general staff position; or, have specialized knowledge and experience appropriate for the audience, such as public health or public works.

ICS-400
ICS-400 Instructors should have successfully completed ICS-400 and IS-800 National Response Plan. Lead Instructor should have served as served as Incident Commander or in a command staff or general staff position in an incident that required multi-agency coordination and went beyond one operational period or required a written IAP. Unit Instructors must have served as served as Incident Commander or in a command staff or general staff position in an incident that went beyond one operational period or required a written IAP; or, have specialized knowledge and experience for the audience, such as public health or public works.

IMPORTANT NOTE: An instructor's qualifications must be verified by the agency sponsoring the training.

Q. I still have not received my training certificate for a course I took on the EMI website. What should I do?

A. All inquiries regarding certificates or EMI online courses, please contact the Emergency Management Institute's Independent Study Office at: (301) 447-1200 or e-mail them at: Independent.Study@dhs.gov

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/faq/training.shtm

Training is one of the important NIMS Implementation activities that Federal, State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local entities must complete as they work towards becoming fully compliant with the NIMS. State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local jurisdictions will be required to meet the FY 2007 NIMS implementation requirements as a condition of receiving federal preparedness funding assistance in FY 2008.

It is important to recognize that NIMS implementation will not end in FY 2007. The NIMS is a dynamic system, and the doctrine as well as the implementation requirements will continue to evolve as our prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities improve and our homeland security landscape changes. It is critical NIMS baseline training becomes an integral part of the organization's training program. Organizational changes as a result of new hires, promotions or mission changes amplify this training requirement. Additionally NIMS processes will still have to be exercised in future years.

The successful implementation of the NIMS depends on the participation and integration of all Federal, State, Territorial, Local, Tribal entities and community-based organizations, including public, non-governmental, and private organizations that have a role in preventing, preparing for, responding to, or recovering from an incident. States, Territories, Tribal entities and Local jurisdictions should therefore consider and include appropriate organizations in their NIMS implementation efforts, including private sector emergency medical and hospital providers, transportation systems, utilities, and special facilities such as industrial plants, nuclear power plants, factories, military facilities, stadiums and arenas.

The National Integration Center (NIC) Incident Management Systems Division has developed guidance that outlines the content and objectives for acceptable NIMS training materials. This guidance is contained in the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance (PDF 26KB, TXT 3KB) document dated March, 2007. Any agency or organization sponsoring NIMS training is responsible for ensuring that the materials being taught adhere to the guidelines provided in the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance. In addition, the sponsoring organization must also verify the qualifications of the instructors based on the guidance provided by the NIC. Certificates of course completion are also the responsibility of the sponsoring agency or organization.

NIMS Courses

Currently, there are six courses that are required in order for an individual or organization to be considered NIMS compliant through FY 2007. To determine what level of training an individual needs according to their level of responsibility during a multi-jurisdiction, multi-agency, multi-discipline incident, click here: www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/TrainingGdlMatrix.pdf

NIMS-required training courses:

• ICS-100 Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 28KB, TXT 2KB)
• ICS-200 Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 28KB, TXT 3KB)
• ICS-300* Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 28KB, TXT 2KB)
• ICS-400* Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 28KB, TXT 2KB)
• IS-700 NIMS Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 16KB, TXT 3KB)
• IS-800.A NRP Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 22KB, TXT 2KB)

* ICS-300 and ICS-400 courses are courses conducted in a classroom. Both the Emergency Management Institute and the National Fire Academy sponsor NIMS compliant ICS-300 and 400 training. Please contact your local or State's Emergency Management Agency or State Fire Academy for details about when and where these courses will be available.

Additional NIMS-related recommended online courses are:

• IS-701 NIMS Multi-Agency Coordination System Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 16KB, TXT 3KB)
• IS-702 NIMS Public Information System Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 16KB, TXT 3KB)
• IS-703 NIMS Resource Management Fact Sheet, 03/2007 (PDF 16KB, TXT 3KB)

Questions concerning NIMS and related training issues may be directed to: FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov. Please contact the Emergency Management Institute Independent Study Office directly at (301) 447-1200, via email at independent.study@dhs.gov, if you have questions about any of the following:

• Re-issue IS Course Certificate
• IS Course Certificate
• Student Transcript
• Social Security Number
• Password or login issues
• Pass/Fail Confirmation
• Update Personal Information
• CEU Information
• Submitted wrong exam

Emergency Management Institute

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD., offers a broad range of NIMS-related training. EMI online courses are located at: www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp

NIMS-related Courses Offered online by EMI:

• IS-100 ICS-100 An Introduction to ICS
• IS-100 ICS-100 An Introduction to ICS for Federal Workers
• IS-100 ICS-100 An Introduction to ICS for Law Enforcement Personnel
• IS-100 ICS-100 An Introduction to ICS for Public Works Personnel
• IS-100 ICS-100 An Introduction to ICS for Healthcare/Hospital Personnel
• IS-100 ICS-100 An Introduction to ICS for Schools
• IS-200 ICS-200 Basic ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident
• IS-200 ICS-200 Basic ICS Applying ICS to Healthcare Organizations
• IS-700 NIMS An Introduction
• IS-701 NIMS Multi-Agency Coordination System
• IS-702 NIMS Public Information System
• IS-703 NIMS Resource Management
• IS-800.A NRP An Introduction

United States Fire Administration - National Fire Academy

The National Fire Academy (NFA) offers a broad range of training that addresses key elements of NIMS within an all-hazard environment. The numerous command and control courses, for example, support provisions of the NIMS ICS. NFA also has courses that address incident-specific areas, including hazardous materials and terrorism emergency response and emergency medical services. NFA offers courses in preparedness planning, training and management as well as resident, field and self-study courses.

The NFA offers the following NIMS-required courses online:

• Q-462 ICS-100, Introduction to ICS for Operational First Responders
• Q-463 ICS-200, Basic ICS for Operational First Responders

For more information on the National Fire Academy, please click here: www.usfa.dhs.gov/training/nfa/

Fact Sheets and FAQs

• Fact Sheet 01-07-NIMS Elected Officials (PDF 26KB, TXT 3KB)
• Training FAQs

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/nims_training.shtm

Credentialing

The NIMS Integration Center is developing a national credentialing system that will help verify, quickly and accurately, the identity and qualifications of emergency personnel responding to an incident. The National Emergency Responder Credentialing System will document minimum professional qualifications, certifications, training and education requirements that define the standards required for specific emergency response functional positions.

The Center is using working groups to identify job titles to be credentialed and the qualifications and training required. Working groups will focus on the following: Incident Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire/Hazardous Materials/ Law Enforcement, Medical and Public Health, Public Works and Search and Rescue. Although subject matter experts for these working groups have already been identified, the NIC welcomes your participation into our stakeholder review group. As a stakeholder, you will receive updates on working groups' progress and will be able to review draft documents under development.

If you would like to participate as a stakeholder, please contact the NIC at 202.646.3850 or by e-mail at: FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov

Resource Credentialing

Q: What is the status of the credentialing initiative?

A: In FY 2007, the NIC will facilitate the 5 existing discipline groups (EMS, SAR, Public Works, Incident Management and Fire/Hazmat), and 3 new groups (Law Enforcement, Health & Medical, and Animal Control). Additional credentialing efforts are being supported by the NIC through technical consultation and advice to various groups. This includes Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Public Health, National Emergency Number Association (NENA)/Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), and the DHS Office of Grants and Training Target Capabilities List Working Groups.

Additionally, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) are working to establish a working group to extend the FIPS-201 SmartCard standard to address more than identity vetting by specifying the storage allocation of data features, data structures and essential information such as affiliations, qualifications etc. to ensure the various FIPS-201 implementations will be interoperable nationally.

Finally the universal business processes for the credentialing system will be developed covering the selection of accrediting agencies, selection of persons to be credentialed, selection of level of badging persons required by discipline, and the authentication of issued cards.

Q: The NIMS document mentions a credentialing system tied to training and certification standards. Is there a national credentialing system in place that we need to follow?

A: The development of a nationwide credentialing system is a fundamental component of NIMS. A national credentialing system can document minimum professional qualifications, certifications, training and education requirements that define baseline criteria expected of emergency response professionals and volunteers for deployment as mutual aid to disasters.

While such a system is meant to verify the identity and qualifications of emergency responders, it does not provide automatic access to an incident site. The credentialing system can help prevent unauthorized, i.e., self-dispatched or unqualified personnel, access to an incident site.

To support this credentialing initiative, the Center will use working groups to identify positions that should be credentialed and the minimum qualification, certification, training and education requirements for each position. The groups will represent the following disciplines:

• Incident Management
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire Fighting and Hazardous Materials Response
• Law Enforcement
• Health Care
• Public Health
• Public Works
• Search & Rescue
• Animal Control / Veterinary

In addition to these NIC discipline groups the NIC is working with other organizations to assist their development of credentialing for their disciplines, such as the APCO/NENA initiative to credential emergency dispatchers, and the Citizen Corps initiative for credentialing volunteers.

Although the National Integration Center (NIC) Incident Management Systems Division has identified subject matter experts for its working groups, the Center requests notification of all existing credentialing efforts, regardless of discipline.

The NIC welcomes your participation into our stakeholder review group. As a stakeholder, you will receive updates concerning the working group process and be able to review and provide feedback on the draft products that are developed. If you are interested in participating as a stakeholder, please send an e-mail to: FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov.

Q: The current listing of 120 "typed" resources. What is the specific process for making changes to those typed resources? How is it reviewed (against what standards), and by whom?

A: The 120 typed resources were developed by discipline groups in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, the list of 120 typed resources was posted for national review and comment. In 2005, the NIC added a Fire Truck based on comments received. Changes to resources are based on comments received from individuals or groups indicating a need for change. For example, the listing for Bomb Squads was revised based on comments from the Captains of Bomb Squads.

The only standard for Resource Typing is contained in Appendix B to the NIMS. However, the Appendix does not include enough guidance to produce nationally consistent resource definitions. Therefore, resource typing needs to be developed and offered for national comment to find a consensus. This is the process that has been used since 2002.

NIMS and Mutual Aid

Q: NIMS promotes the use of state and local mutual aid to help local jurisdictions better handle large-scale disasters. Where can I find information on how to write a mutual aid agreement?

A: The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), in coordination with DHS/FEMA and a cross-section of emergency responders. has developed a tool to assist State and local governments in the preparation of model legislation designed to streamline the sharing of assistance and resources between communities during a disaster. The model is available for download at www.emacweb.org. Additionally, many States, such as North Carolina, have developed State-Wide mutual aid systems www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/MUTAID/index.htm.

Q: How do we better partner in the development of mutual aid resources built to a national standard?

A: The NIC is working with the DHS Office of Grants and Training on resource typing/credentialing for the resources identified in Phase 1 of the Target Capabilities List. The NIC also is working with the State of Maryland, which has developed 70 additional resource typing definitions following their inventorying the State for the NIMS 120. Following a review by the NIC, some or all of these resources may be added to the NIC inventory. The NIC also is working with Citizen Corps, 911 Dispatch and Humane Society to develop additional national level resource typing.

The NIC is in the process of developing a policy on resource typing to define what resources require a national definition. The new policy will allow State, Regional and local efforts to type resources that are important locally, regionally but do not need a national consensus definition.

Q: How does this mutual aid developmental effort fit into the overall strategic plan? Do we have a clear vision of what we want to build, how many of each package is needed, and where all of these resources should be strategically located?

A: The role of the NIC is establishment of interoperability of resources through consensus definition for teams and equipment, and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for individuals and members of teams. The NIC is seeking to identify a suitable Automated Resource Management System (ARMS) that could be provided to EMAC (State and local inventorying and ordering) to make locating, ordering and use of National Resources more efficient than the current system of emails, faxes and phone calls.

The determination of how many of any given resource is needed in each community is not a function of NIMS, but is a function of DHS Office of Grants and Training and their work on the National Preparedness Goal (HSPD-8). While OG&T determines needed resources - the NIC ensures consistent definition of resources so they can be ordered and will arrive fully able to perform the function requested for.

Q: How does the NIC view its role in the management of mutual aid resources? Is there potential for conflict between the NIC and EMAC?

A: The NIC does not manage resources - the NIC facilitates resource management by providing resource typing definitions for nationally important resources. We are working with the US Forest Service to make ROSS available to the 44 States that have inquired/requested access to ROSS to manage their inventories. All the work we have been engaged with is in support of EMAC and for the purpose of making EMAC more efficient.

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/job_titles.shtm

Job Titles

As part of our nation's efforts to strengthen catastrophic response capabilities in line with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), FEMA's National Integration Center (NIC) Incident Management Systems Division has released initial minimum criteria for personnel to be deployed using a national credentialing system. For each job title, working groups identified "requisite" and "recommended" baseline criteria for education, training, experience, physical/medical fitness, certification, and licensing. These criteria are intended to complement and support existing credentialing systems. Where national standards do not exist under "requisite" criteria, "recommended" criteria are listed for current and/or future consideration.

The following job titles have been developed by the working groups:

• Animal Emergency Response Job Titles (PDF 52KB, TXT 16KB)
• Public Works (PW) Job Titles (PDF 81KB, TXT 32KB)
  • Updated PW Job Titles (PDF 82KB, TXT 32KB)
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Job Titles (PDF 258KB, TXT 52KB)
• Incident Management (IM) Job Titles (PDF 146KB, TXT 36KB)
• Fire/Hazardous Materials (FHM) Job Titles (PDF 208KB, TXT 40KB)
  • FHM Job Titles Proposed Update (PDF 258KB, TXT 56KB)
• Search and Rescue (SAR) Job Titles (PDF 396KB, TXT 159KB

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/job_titles.shtm

NIMS Incident Resource Inventory System (IRIS)

The National Integration Center (NIC) Incident Management Systems Division is supporting the development of a database management tool for Federal, State, local and tribal officials, which will be available to them at no cost. The software will allow emergency responders to enter typed resources and select specific resources for mutual aid purposes based upon mission requirements, capability of resources, and response time. The National Incident Management System - Incident Resource Inventory System (NIMS-IRIS) tool will be rolled out to the emergency response community in phases. Phase One will provide the basic database management tool to enter a community's 120 typed resources into a common database, which can be shared nationally and housed locally. Future system functionality will assist in placing and mobilizing resource requests, GPS tracking of resources, and resource recovery.

NIMS-IRIS Fact Sheet (PDF 38KB, TXT 7KB)

http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/rm/iris.shtm

Our Top Five Most Frequently Asked Questions

WASHINGTON – The NIMS Integration Center’s five most frequently asked questions, which are posed primarily via e-mail, focus on required NIMS training, lost or delayed NIMS/ICS training certifications from the Emergency Management Institute, and NIMCAST temporary passwords.

In the interest of providing the information most relevant to our audiences we have decided to repeat those questions and our answers in this NIMS Alert. We also urge you to check our FAQ site, which is directly accessible from the NIMS Homepage at www.fema.gov/nims; it is updated frequently based on your questions.

I still have not received my IS-700 training certificate. Who can I call?

Contact the Emergency Management Institute's Independent Study Office at 301-447-1200.

Who has to take the NIMS and ICS training?
All federal, state, local, tribal, private sector and non-governmental personnel with a direct role in emergency management and response must be NIMS and ICS trained. This includes all emergency services related disciplines such as EMS, hospitals, public health, fire service, law enforcement, public works/utilities, skilled support personnel, and other emergency management response, support and volunteer personnel, as follows:

Entry Level

§         FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction

§         ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent

First Line, Single Resource, Field Supervisors

§         IS-700, ICS-100 and ICS-200: Basic ICS or its equivalent

Middle Management: Strike Team Leaders, Division Supervisors, EOC Staff, etc.

§         IS-700, IS-800 NRP, ICS-100, ICS-200 and in FY07, ICS-300

Command and General Staff; Area, Emergency and EOC Managers

§         IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200 and in FY07, ICS-300 and ICS-400

What about elected officials?
The NIMS Integration Center strongly recommends that all elected official who will be interacting with multiple jurisdictions and agencies during an emergency incident at the minimum,