NIMS compliance for volunteer dept.

[HallSummitLA]

I know that we have to be NIMS compliant for future federal funding. But how??? I've looked through the documents on the NIMS website and get nothing but conflicting answers from the agency that's supposed to administer it.

FEMA says, in the FAQ section, that as volunteers we aren't required to comply with NIMS and ICS. However, they turn right around and say we should have ICS-700 and ICS-100.

So can anybody give us a straight answer? What exactly do we have to do to be in compliance with this? Like most depts. we're only doing it for the funding.

Do we have to pass a resolution stating that we will follow NIMS protocols? I guess my question is how will they know (for grants) that we are in compliance?

And who takes which courses?

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

IS700 & 100 at a minimum for all personnel. 200 for anyone that could be the IC at an incident.

All are available for free at traing.fema.gov through the NETC.

[KenNFD1219]

Your governing board adopting NIMS and the IS-700, ICS-100, 200, etc courses are part of compliance. NIMS also requires that you use ICS in all your emergency operations and training. NIMS Compliance
Follow the link for NIMS Tribal Government and Local Jurisdiction Compliance Activities. There is no distinction beween career, volunteer, or part time FD's for compliance.

[onebugle]

I guess my question is how will they know (for grants) that we are in compliance?

Documentation

If you recieve a grant and state that you are in compliance you should have in your file copies of training records, copies of certificates and copies of SOP's/SOG's to prove that the training and procedures have been completed.

[mtnfireguy]

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/06_training.pdf

IS-700

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp

IS-100

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is100.asp

[HallSummitLA]

There is no distinction beween career, volunteer, or part time FD's for compliance.

Then why does FEMA say this in their NIMS FAQ section?

"As volunteers, you are not required to comply with the National Incident Management System and Incident Command System. However, volunteers are part of the emergency response community and they should understand the common terminology and role responsibilities inherent in both systems. We strongly recommend that volunteers, especially S&R and CERT volunteers, take ICS-100, ICS-200 and IS-700. They should take IS-800 if they are a part of a command structure."

Please understand, I'm not arguing with you at all. This is a learning process for me and everyone else in our dept. We're just trying to understand all of this. It seems like they could've made it somewhat simpler. All of the surrounding departments are in the same boat that we are - they don't have a clue what to do. We aren't getting any help from the local or state OEP offices, either.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

Well, very little is actually 'required' of volunteers, almost everything is well, voluntary.

To exist and respond, NIMS is not needed. But if you want to see federal funds you need to comply. That's the catch.

[mtnfireguy]

"As volunteers, you are not required to comply with the National Incident Management System and Incident Command System. However, volunteers are part of the emergency response community and they should understand the common terminology and role responsibilities inherent in both systems. We strongly recommend that volunteers, especially S&R and CERT volunteers, take ICS-100, ICS-200 and IS-700. They should take IS-800 if they are a part of a command structure."

Please understand, I'm not arguing with you at all. This is a learning process for me and everyone else in our dept. We're just trying to understand all of this. It seems like they could've made it somewhat simpler. All of the surrounding departments are in the same boat that we are - they don't have a clue what to do. We aren't getting any help from the local or state OEP offices, either.

The key point here is in the FAQ shown... they (FEMA) are referring to volunteers in CERT programs and Search and Rescue. These are not "formal" emergency responders in FEMA's eyes. Fire Departments are.

The IS 100 and 700 classes are easy to complete online... get it done, document it and move on to bigger and better things.

[PFDTruck2]

If you go to the links above and take the on-line course it will not be an issue. The course is real simple and doesn't take that long. I am from a Vollie Department and we had all of ours guys do it. Some of our members are not computer literate so we teamed them up with a member that has an internet conection and they helped them thru it.

[rolandthunder]

The easiest way to understand anything that the feds want the rest of us to do is think of it like a Rube Goldberg cartoon (look it up if you havnt heard of him) Its the over complification of a simple task. http://www.rube-goldberg.com/html/gallery.htm

[ENG5TRK]

99 out of a 100 fire departments that I know aren't compliant then.

How am I supposed to track down and make guys who don't come around that often, have busy schedules, or even no internet access to complete NIMS? Good luck getting the "older" active members to take it. We recently aquired the internet at the station, but it'll be next to impossible to get everyone to sit down and take the on line class. My department isn't the busy, hard core staffed 24 hours type station. And what about new members, and juniors? "hey, before you take essentials class (PA), or FFI, we need you to take NIMS IS-1,000,000."

Christ, we have trouble getting guys to go to drill sometimes. Anyone else understand or know what I'm getting at?

[bukstpsear]

Yup we all know what your talking about. But as they say nothing in this world is "free". After all it's not our money in the program it's the taxpayers and if you want a slice of that "money pie" you will have to live up to some conditions set forth by the grant program. ie: IS700, ICS100 & 200, and possibly the IS800 NRP. So how do you do that?

First you could sit every one down in front of a computer to individually take those classes, or you could coordinate with a local skroowl or college and use a computer lab to complete the courses in mass. Another option is to download the 700 and 100 and teach it in paper form and Powerpoint to your members using a local instructor that fits their description. All this information can be obtained on the nims integration center website.

Now don't forget to change or integrate your SOP's, SOG's, FOG's with current nims terminology and start using ICS for every incident you roll on.
Oh yeah, and your AHJ has to formally adopt NIMS and ICS for its incident management template with a resolution or other official motion.

Okay take a breath and count to ten as more compliance activities will be coming with 2007,2008,2009,2010 etc...

Plus remember its "free" money

[AFD2181]

Let's not start Freakin out here.......

YES you need to be NIMS comp. if you want Federal Money.

YES it applies to FIRE/EMS/COPS, as well as Public Works, City Managers, Village/District boards, and even the Parks Depts.

HOW you get the training is simple also; talk with your county or even State Emergency Mgmnt / ESDA / EMA folks. They can train the above mentioned people, and IF NOT, They should know who can.

You show compliance by passing an ordinance, resoultion etc formally stating your city, town, village, etc. accepts it, and you keep copies of everyone's cert. which can be obtained by everyone going through online course or by above mentioned on site training.

The N.I.M.S. website has wealth of knowledge and allows you to sign up for email alerts.

[rolandthunder]

Alright I have 100, 200, and 700 done. I am working on 800. It also mentions something about 300, and 400 but I cant find those courses online. Is that something I have to take through a sitdown class or am I just missing it online? The other thing that I am hearing is that you have to document the use of NIMS on every call. Anyone have any idea how that is supposed to be done? Or if there are any forms out there to do this. My big thing is that I am on an Ambulance and Rescue how do I use NIMS on a simple call with one truck and two responders? I want to learn all I can about this so I can assure that we arnt getting left behind the rest of the country. Any help anyone can offer would be great. And yes I have been to the website many time I just want to make sure that I am clear.

[AFD333]

The FEMA virtual campus lists a telephone number to call and request scantron answer sheets. You can download the courses and teach them in house as previously mentioned. Fill out the answer sheets and mail them in 1 envelope. They will be graded and the certificates will be mailed to your Dept.

[KenNFD1219]

ICS-300 is a 3-day class, ICS-400 is also a 3-day class. I beleive that if offered together, it is only 4-days. I do not know if it is or ever will be available on-line. I'm glad there is a big push for ICS and I have all my departments members at 700 and 100 with the officers at 200. Hard for me to get excited about 300 and 400 as it has no practical application for my department. I have a feeling that there will not be a shortage of trained people from the state or federal level to fill in the ICS boxes if things get so bad here that we are setting up base camps and calling for air-support. On a good day, I may get a total of 22 police, fire ,and EMS people to respond for a major incident.

There is no form to document NIMS. NIMS is a concept and a group of programs, some of which have nothing to do with local responders. You cannot assume command an say "OK, now we are using NIMS." Do you use ICS? Is the use of ICS documented in your SOP's/SOG's? Do you run excercises and drill using ICS? If so, you are complying with NIMS.

This page NIMS Online has plenty of NIMS information.

[ktb9780]

Folks it is all as simple as this:

Homeland Security Presdiential Directive ( HSPD)-5 and 8 states ( and remember this is a presidential decree so it is in essence "a law") that you MUST be in full compliance with ALL existing NIMS mandates by Oct 1, 2006 or you will be DENIED the ability to even apply for ANY Federal funding streams.

2005 was a "soft compliance" year ( read that to mean nobody was looking over your shoulder to see if what you were saying is true) but, this year it will be different. As stated above you need to DOCUMENT any and all efforts you have or are making towards full complaince with these mandates.

Recall that if you are working in an online environment, ( IE the Virtual Campus NIMS courses) that they (DHS) can simply search the files there for your department and members and instantly tell how many of your people have actually taken the courses. So, if you are stating in your AFG that you have 40 members, and they don't see 40 certificates on file for them, bingo. You just got caught!

Remember, when you sign off on that application you are stating, and certifiying, that ALL information on the application is "true and correct". Get caught lying here and guess what? You just committed "fraud" in a Federal program and you will get a visit from the "men with shiny bracelets" and take Martha Stewart's place in jail and lose all future opportunities for your department to EVER apply again to that or any other Federal grnat program.

Regardless of if you believe in NIMS or not, the simple truth is you MUST comply, or face expulsion from eligibility to apply to the funding streams.

This is a matter of "financial survival" for most of you. Volunteer Departs; I can feel your pain regarding barley getting members to show up for a fire but, it is a simple task for you to MANDATE that your members must take and pass these courses in order to continue to be "members" of your department. You are running the risk of losing for everyone, including your citizens, if you fail to comply with these standards.

[KenNFD1219]

Homeland Security Presdiential Directive ( HSPD)-5 and 8 states ( and remember this is a presidential decree so it is in essence "a law") that you MUST be in full compliance with ALL existing NIMS mandates by Oct 1, 2006 or you will be DENIED the ability to even apply for ANY Federal funding streams.

As of now, only federal grants and activities relating to emergency preparedness are tied to NIMS compliance.

Reccomended FY 2005 NIMS activities (you should have done this by 10/1/2006)
•Institutionalize the use of the Incident Command System;
•Complete the NIMS awareness course IS-700 NIMS: An Introduction;
•Formally recognize NIMS and adopt NIMS principles and policies;
•Establish a NIMS compliance baseline by determining the NIMS requirements that have already been met; and
•Develop a strategy and timeline for full NIMS implementation.

Thats not too bad-every fire, police and EMS agency should be able to meet these goals.

Now for FY 2006 (10/1/06-9/30/07) requirements:

1) Community Adoption
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Adopt NIMS at the community level for all government departments and agencies; as well as promote and encourage NIMS adoption by associations, utilities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector incident management and response organizations.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•Adopt NIMS through executive order, proclamation, resolution, or legislation as the jurisdiction's official
all-hazards, incident response system.
•Develop a baseline assessment of the NIMS implementation requirements that your jurisdiction already meets
and using that baseline, develop a strategy for full NIMS implementation and maintenance.
•The NIMS Capability Assessment Support Tool (NIMCAST) is available at: www.fema.gov/nimcast/index.jsp
•Sample templates for executives: www.fema.gov/nims/nims_toolsandtemplates.shtm
Future Activities:
•Amend or re-authorize, as necessary.

2) Command and Management:
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Incident Command System (ICS): Manage all emergency incidents and preplanned (recurring/special) events in
accordance with ICS organizational structures, doctrine, and procedures, as defined in NIMS. ICS
implementation must include the consistent application of Incident Action Planning and Common Communications
Plans.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•Institutionalize ICS: Terms and definitions: www.fema.gov/txt/nims/institutionalizing_ics.txt
•Incorporate concepts and principles of NIMS Chapter II, Command and Management including ICS characteristics
such as common terminology, modular organization, management by objectives, incident action planning,
manageable span of control, pre-designated incident facilities, comprehensive resource management, integrated
communications, transfer of command, unity of command, unified command, personnel and resource accountability,
and information and intelligence management.
Future Activities:
•Continue to manage incidents and events using ICS.

3) Command and Management
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Multi-agency Coordination System: Coordinate and support emergency incident and event management through the
development and use of integrated multi-agency coordination systems, i.e develop and maintain connectivity
capability between local Incident Command Posts (ICPs, local 911 Centers, local Emergency Operations Centers
(EOCs) and state EOC.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•NIMS Chapter II, Command and Management.
Future Activities:
•Revise and update processes and plans.
•The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing an independent study and classroom course
on NIMS Multi-Agency Coordination Systems. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration
Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims
•The NIMS Integration Center will feature best practices on the NIMS Web page. See http://www.fema.gov/nims

4) Command and Management
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Public Information System: Implement processes, procedures, and/or plans to communicate timely, accurate
information to the public during an incident through a Joint Information System and Joint Information Center.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•NIMS Chapter II, Command and Management.
•Public Information Training (E388, Advanced Public Information Officers and G290, Basic Public Information
Officers)
Future Activities:
•Revise and update processes and plans.
•The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing an independent study and classroom course
on NIMS Public Information Systems. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web
page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims
•Information on who should complete these courses also will be posted on the NIMS Web page.
•The NIMS Integration Center will feature best practices on the NIMS Web page. See http://www.fema.gov/nims

5) Preparedness: Planning
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Establish the community’s NIMS baseline against the FY 2005 and FY 2006 implementation requirements.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•Assess which NIMS implementation requirements your community already meets. The NIMS Capability Assessment
Support Tool (NIMCAST) is available to facilitate this: www.fema.gov/nimcast/index.jsp
Future Activities:
•Update strategy as appropriate and close capability gap.

6) Preparedness: Planning
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Develop and implement a system to coordinate all federal preparedness funding to implement the NIMS across
the community.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•A list of the Federal preparedness grant programs that have been reported to the NIC are available on the
NIMS Web page at: www.fema.gov/nims
•2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf
•National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm
•Catalog of Federal Domestic Preparedness Assistance (CFDA): http://www.cfda.gov

7) Preparedness: Planning
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Revise and update plans and SOPs to incorporate NIMS components, principles and policies, to include
planning, training, response, exercises, equipment, evaluation, and corrective actions
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf
•National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm
Future Activities:
•Update plans and SOPs, incorporating lessons learned and best practices from exercises and response
operations.
•Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) guidance is under development and will be posted on the NIMS Integration
Center Web page at: www.fema.gov/nims

8) Preparedness: Planning
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Participate in and promote intrastate and interagency mutual aid agreements, to include agreements with the
private sector and non-governmental organizations.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•EMAC model state-county mutual aid deployment contract: http://www.emacweb.org/?123
•EMAC model intrastate mutual aid legislation:
http://www.emacweb.org/docs/NEMA%20P...odel-Final.pdf
Future Activities:
•Expand mutual aid agreements beyond support services and equipment to include information sharing.
•Support and adopt the ongoing efforts of the NIMS Integration Center (NIC) to develop a national
credentialing system.
•Credentialing guidance is under development by the NIMS Integration Center. Throughout the development
process, drafts will be posted on the NIMS Web page for review and comment by interested stakeholders.
•Credential first responders in conformance with national standards.

9) Preparedness: Training
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Complete IS-700 NIMS: An Introduction
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•On-line course: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp
•NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_tr...evelopment.pdf
•All personnel with a direct role in emergency preparedness, incident management, or response must complete
this training
Future Activities:
•Ensure that NIMS training is part of the program for all new employees, recruits and first responders who
have a direct role in emergency preparedness, incident management, or response.
•The NIMS Integration Center is working to establish a mechanism that will allow State and local jurisdictions
direct access to course completion data. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center
Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims

10) Preparedness: Training
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Complete IS-800 NRP: An Introduction
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•On-line course available at: http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is800.asp
•NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_tr...evelopment.pdf
•The NIMS Web page provides for who should complete this training. http://www.fema.gov/nims
Future Activities:
•Ensure that NRP training is part of the program for all appropriate new employees, recruits and first
responders.
•The NIMS Integration Center is working to establish a mechanism that will allow State and local jurisdictions
direct access to course completion data. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center
Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims

11) Preparedness: Training
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Complete ICS 100 and ICS 200 Training
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•ICS 100: http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is100.asp
•ICS 100: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa
•ICS 200: http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is200.asp
•ICS 200: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa
•NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_tr...evelopment.pdf
•The NIMS Web page provides guidance for who should complete this training. http://www.fema.gov/nims
Future Activities:
•Complete ICS 300 and ICS 400.
•Complete training that may be required to satisfy credentialing standards.
•Ensure that ICS training is part of the program for all new employees, recruits and first responders.
•The NIMS Integration Center is working to establish a mechanism that will allow States and local
jurisdictions direct access to course completion data. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS
Integration Center Web page when available. See http://www.fema.gov/nims

12) Preparedness: Exercises
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Incorporate NIMS/ICS into all tribal, local and regional training and exercises.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•NIMS training information: www.fema.gov/nims/nims_training.shtm
•NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_tr...evelopment.pdf
•DHS ODP Exercise Information: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/exercises.htm
Future Activities:
•Continue to incorporate NIMS into all local training and exercises, to include drills, tabletop exercises,
functional exercises, and full-scale exercises.

13) Preparedness: Exercises
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Participate in an all-hazard exercise program based on NIMS that involves responders from multiple
disciplines and multiple jurisdictions.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf
•National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance:
htp://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm
•DHS ODP Exercise Information: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/exercises.htm
•NIMS National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance:
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nims/nims_tr...evelopment.pdf
Future Activities:
•Continue to participate in NIMS -oriented exercises, to include drills, tabletop exercises, functional
exercises, and full-scale exercises.

14) Preparedness: Exercises
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Incorporate corrective actions into preparedness and response plans and procedures.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•DHS ODP Exercise Information: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/exercises.htm

15) Resource Management
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Inventory community response assets to conform to homeland security resource typing standards.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•Propose modifications or new resource definitions to the NIMS Integration Center for inclusion in the
resource typing effort.
•Resource typing definitions: http://www.fema.gov/nims/mutual_aid.shtm
Future Activities:
•Develop and implement a resource inventory, ordering, and tracking system.
•The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing a course on NIMS Resource Management.
Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page at http://www.fema.gov/nims
when the course is available.

16) Resource Management
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•To the extent permissible by law, ensure that relevant national standards and guidance to achieve equipment,
communication, and data interoperability are incorporated into tribal and local acquisition programs.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•ODP Equipment Program: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/grants_goals.htm
•2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/fy05hsgp.pdf
•National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Guidance:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm
•DHS SAFECOM Program: http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM

17) Communication & Information Management
Required Tribal/Local Jurisdiction Action for FY 2006 Compliance:
•Apply standardized and consistent terminology, including the establishment of plain English communications
standards across public safety sector.
Guidance and Technical Assistance Resources:
•Incident response communications (during exercises and actual incidents) should feature plain English
commands so they will be able to function in a multi-jurisdiction environment. Field manuals and training
should be revised to reflect the plain English standard.
•‘10’ codes may continue to be used during non-emergency, internal department communications.
Future Activities:
•Continue featuring common terminology and plain English commands for all response activities.
•The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is currently developing a course on NIMS Communication and
Information Management. Additional information will be posted on the NIMS Integration Center Web page at
http://www.fema.gov/nims when the course is available.

[ktb9780]

KenNFD1219, since this is a forum for fire departments, and we are discussing "Fire Act" grants ,that come from DHS ( IE Preparedness), use of the term "ANY" funding streams, is in fact accurate.LOL!

[KenNFD1219]

Kurt-good point. However, I would not be suprised that, within a few years, NIMS complaince is a requiremnt for all, if not most, federal funding.