Often in this new world of fears about terrorist attacks, the government creates systems of rules and regulations that most of us are unaware of. This is probably the case with the National Incident Management System. The NIMS is a very important piece of legislative work that will help to protect the country against future attacks, while also helping to deal with future attacks, should they occur. Most intelligence suggests that it's not a matter of whether or not another attack will occur, but rather when the next one will take place. Here's what you need to know.

What is the National Incident Management System?

Under the direction of the President of the United States and then created by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, the National Incident Management System is a set of guidelines that direct users to respond to an emergency situation. This system creates clear practices in regards to emergency preparedness so that the entire country has a way to react when emergency situations occur. Instead of having separate guidelines for each city and state, this system allows for one national network of steps that should be taken so that everyone can coordinate their response efforts.

In an ideal world, this system will allow all levels of responders to work together to handle any emergent situation, no matter the size.

What are the Main Tenets of the National Incident Management System?

There are two main things to keep in mind when utilizing the National Incident Management System. First, this is a system that is standardized in order to provide one set of rules and procedures that everyone is to follow. Instead of having unique guidelines for every department of emergency responders, there is one set of guidelines. What this will do is allow different departments to work together, regardless of jurisdiction and category of assistance. There are specific requirements that are listed within this system.

The second key to the National Incident Management System is that there is also flexibility when it comes to implementing the processes in this system. Because there is no way to determine what will be necessary in the future, there must be some sort of flexibility in terms of how people will work together, regardless of their position or their abilities.

Becoming Compliant

If you are an emergency response center, you need to pick up a copy of the specific guidelines of the National Incident Management System in order to see what you need to do in a disaster situation. Many times, there are unique guidelines for different departments as determined by the roles you can play and the skills you have. If you are in a commanding position in your response center, you will want to sit down with your superiors to outline the areas where you are not fully equipped or qualified and then make plans to be sure that you are ready in those weak areas.

You will want to set up training schedules in which you apply your skills alongside other departments in your area. This will help you see what will happen if there truly is an emergency and where you could stand to improve in terms of communication and action.

Showing your compliancy will be a task that is covered by those that created the National Incident Management System. By coming out to survey your practice disaster scenarios, you can begin to show your readiness for real live disasters. When you have demonstrated that you can follow the guidelines, you will be certified as compliant. But it's what you do when it counts that truly matters.