National Incident Management System (NIMS)

NIMS: National Incident Mangagement System

Image descriptionUnder Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5, all public agencies must have NIMS in place as their emergency management system. It is an all-hazards approach that works in any emergency situation.

NIMS is an excellent management tool and it is relatively easy for schools to understand and implement. NIMS adapts to any situation with pre-designated responsibilities, the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and to work collaboratively with other systems. NIMS provides for on-going communication and information flow so that effective decision-making can occur in a timely fashion.

The challenge, of course, is to present NIMS training in a format and timeframe that works for schools. Educators need to know the basic concepts of NIMS as well as their roles and responsibilities.

Why NIMS?

  1. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5.
  2. In many states, if NIMS is not in place and used, districts risk the loss of reimbursement funds during a declared State of Emergency.  The potential financial impact can be enormous.
  3. Schools and districts need NIMS in order to effectively communicate with other public systems. Otherwise, schools are at risk for miscommunication and chaos. 

NIMS Training

Our introductory NIMS training was co-designed by public safety and educators with a focus on the school response and the role of both administrators and teachers within the NIMS structure.

The 45 minute training has received accolades in being on-point, readily understandable and more than sufficient for school staffs to "get their arms around" the topic, immediately begin building teams and conducting drills. E-learning modules can be provided for review and new hires.