The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a standardized framework for managing incidents across the United States. This common approach enhances the ability of various organizations, from local fire departments to federal agencies, to work together effectively during emergencies. Standardization ensures diverse agencies can communicate and operate seamlessly. This article details the 14 core management characteristics that define the NIMS approach to incident management.
Understanding the National Incident Management System
The NIMS was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a consistent, nationwide approach to domestic incident management. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5) mandated this single system for federal, state, and local governments to prevent, prepare for, and respond to incidents of any size or complexity. The system applies to all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, promoting unified efforts.
NIMS is structured around six major components: Command and Management, Preparedness, Resource Management, Communications and Information Management, Supporting Technologies, and Ongoing Maintenance and Improvement. The system provides a shared vocabulary, processes, and systems to ensure all parties involved can coordinate their efforts efficiently. NIMS establishes the template for managing incidents, ensuring a consistent operational structure regardless of the context.
The Central Role of the Incident Command System
The Incident Command System (ICS) is the on-scene management system within the larger NIMS framework. ICS is the standard organizational structure used for all incident operations, regardless of size or type. It provides a standardized structure for command, control, and coordination that is scalable and adaptable to meet the demands of any situation.
The fundamental features and principles governing ICS are the NIMS Management Characteristics. These 14 characteristics provide the operational blueprint for the structure and procedures used by responders. Adopting the ICS model automatically implements these management principles, ensuring a consistent and organized response. This system provides the common structure necessary for multiple agencies to work together effectively.
The Core 14 NIMS Management Characteristics
Common Terminology
Common terminology mandates the use of standard, plain English for organizational elements, resource descriptions, and facility names. This ensures all responding agencies use the same vocabulary to describe functions and resources. Avoiding agency-specific codes, jargon, or ten-codes eliminates confusion and promotes clear communication among diverse personnel. Resources, such as personnel and equipment, are standardized and “typed” by their capabilities to ensure interoperability.
Modular Organization
Modular organization dictates that the ICS structure develops in a flexible, top-down manner based on the incident’s size and complexity. The Incident Commander establishes and expands the organization only as functional responsibilities are needed. This allows the command structure to be scaled up for a major disaster or scaled down for a minor emergency, preventing unnecessary staffing or complexity. The structure is always based on the incident objectives and resource requirements.
Management by Objectives
Management by objectives involves establishing specific, measurable incident objectives that drive all response activities. The Incident Commander or Unified Command sets these objectives, priorities, and strategies for the entire incident. All tactical assignments and support activities must focus on achieving these defined goals within a specified operational period. This approach ensures the response remains focused and that all actions contribute directly to the successful resolution of the incident.
Incident Action Planning
Incident Action Planning (IAP) requires a written or verbal plan that guides incident operations for a specified operational period. The IAP communicates the incident objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments to all personnel. A formal, written IAP is required for complex incidents or those involving multiple jurisdictions, ensuring coordination across all functional areas. The plan also assigns responsibilities, identifies required resources, and specifies communication protocols.
Span of Control
Span of control refers to the number of subordinates that one supervisor can effectively manage. The optimal ratio is cited as one supervisor to three to seven subordinates (1:3 to 1:7). Maintaining this ratio prevents supervisors from being overwhelmed and ensures effective communication and supervision. If the number of subordinates exceeds the manageable range, the organization must be expanded by creating new supervisory positions.
Chain of Command and Unity of Command
Chain of Command establishes a clear, orderly line of authority, detailing how reporting relationships flow through the organizational hierarchy. This structure allows the Incident Commander to direct and control the actions of all personnel through their supervisors. Unity of Command means that every individual reports to only one designated supervisor within the ICS structure. This eliminates confusion, prevents conflicting orders, and ensures accountability.
Unified Command
Unified Command is used when an incident involves multiple jurisdictions, agencies, or organizations. Instead of a single Incident Commander, this structure allows agency representatives to work together to establish a common set of objectives and a single incident action plan. This collaborative approach ensures all parties have a voice in decision-making and that response efforts are coordinated across all involved entities. The structure provides coordination while allowing each agency to maintain its authority and accountability.
Accountability
Accountability requires that all personnel and resources assigned to an incident adhere to established guidelines and procedures. This includes mandatory check-in and check-out procedures, tracking resource status, and following specific incident action tracking protocols. Every person at the incident is responsible for their actions and must abide by agency policies and guidelines. Accountability procedures ensure that all personnel are accounted for and that resources are utilized efficiently and documented accurately.
Dispatch and Deployment
Dispatch and deployment specifies that resources must be ordered and dispatched only through established resource management systems. Resources should not self-deploy to an incident unless they have been officially requested by the appropriate authority. This managed process ensures that only necessary resources arrive at the scene, preventing congestion and maintaining logistical control. Timely deployment, based on verified need, ensures resources are not wasted and remain available for other incidents.
Resource Management
Resource management involves standardized mechanisms for categorizing, ordering, tracking, and recovering resources throughout the incident lifecycle. Resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, are managed systematically to ensure they can be shared effectively across organizations. This ensures the right resources are available when needed and that their status changes are recorded and reported accurately. The system promotes efficient resource utilization and logistical support.
Integrated Communications
Integrated communications requires the development and use of a common communications plan and interoperable equipment and networks. Effective incident management relies on the ability of diverse agencies to communicate with each other seamlessly. The communications plan must address the hardware, procedures, and planning necessary to ensure the reliability, scalability, and resilience of the systems. Using plain English and avoiding agency-specific codes is important for maintaining clear communication.
Information and Intelligence Management
Information and intelligence management establishes a standardized process for gathering, analyzing, sharing, and managing sensitive incident-related data. This includes collecting information from various sources, such as geospatial products, field reports, and risk assessments. For law enforcement, this function expands to include threat-related intelligence developed through investigative organizations. This characteristic ensures that accurate, timely information is provided to incident management personnel for decision-making.
Professionalism
Professionalism emphasizes maintaining high standards, training, and qualifications for all incident responders. This requires that personnel are trained and certified to perform their assigned roles within the ICS structure. Professionalism ensures that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely and effectively during an incident. This commitment to continuous improvement enhances the overall capability of the response organization.
Establishment and Transfer of Command
Establishment and transfer of command mandates a formal, structured process for initiating the incident command function and passing that responsibility to another qualified individual. Command must be clearly established from the outset by the first arriving qualified person. When command is transferred, a formal briefing must occur to ensure the new commander receives all essential information for continuing safe and effective operations. This procedure prevents lapses in leadership and ensures a smooth transition of authority.
Ensuring Effective Incident Management
The consistent application of these 14 management characteristics ensures effective incident management across the nation. These principles create a unified operational environment, allowing responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines to immediately integrate into a common structure. This standardization maximizes efficiency, reduces the potential for confusion, and improves overall safety and accountability during a crisis. The collective benefit of these characteristics is the interoperability and coordination that forms the foundation of any successful large-scale response effort.