Module 1

Module 1 - Case

National Response Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management System (NIMS)

Case Overview

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (NRF)

Implementation of National Response Framework Mission Area

This Implementation effort is consistent with Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-8. Core capabilities are the distinct elements needed to achieve the National Preparedness Goal (NPG) (See Overview of the National planning Frameworks).

The Response mission area includes 14 core capabilities as follows:

1. Planning

2. Public Information and Warning

3. Operational Coordination

4. Critical Transportation

5. Environmental Response/Health and Safety

6. Fatality Management Services

7. Infrastructure Systems

8. Mass Care Services

9. Mass Search and Rescue Operations

10. On-Scene Security and Protection

11. Operational Communications

12. Public and Private Services and Resources

13. Public Health and Medical Services

14. Situational Assessment.

NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

Command and Management: Incident Commander (IC) and Command Staff

According to NIMS, the Incident Command System is responsible for the overall management of a system.

The five management functions of the Incident Command System of an incident are:

1. Incident Command - Sets the incident objectives, strategies, and priorities and has overall responsibility for the incident.

2. Operations - Conducts operations to reach the incident objectives.

3. Planning - Supports the incident action planning process by tracking resources, and collecting/analyzing information.

4. Logistics - Provides resources and needed services to support the achievement of the incident objectives.

5. Finance & Administration Monitors costs related to the incident (NIMS).

Case Assignment

NRF

· Rank order (in order of priority) the 14 core capabilities of the NRF. Explain why you rank ordered 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Be specific.

· Explain how the United States conducts an all-hazards response in the five preparedness mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and disaster recovery.

NIMS

· When would a Deputy Incident Commander (Deputy IC) be necessary? Give examples.

· In The missing piece of NIMS: Teaching incident commanders how to function in the edge of Chaos, the author notes that first responders have to deal with a disaster situation already unfolding, and not “all the pieces fit together nicely.” The author writes about the Five Tenets of Working in Chaos. Please paraphrase each one using your own words.

Assignment Expectations

Use proper citations and associated references that support your statements.

Assignments should be at least three pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence—Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

Objectivity—Avoids use of first person and subjective bias.

References—Sources are listed at the end of the paper (APA style preferred).

Module 1 - SLP

National Response Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management System (NIMS)

NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK (NRF)

NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

General

· The intent of SLPs 1-4 is for you to implement the topics and materials learnt in the course to a “real life” scenario relating to a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in a major city sports arena.

· Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other, so you will add the modular sections within one document like chapters in a book.

· You will prepare your “plan” to address your own selected city's characteristics and capabilities (e.g., if you are from California, you can present a plan for the Staples Center Sports Arena, Dodger Stadium, or the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles; or if you are from the Oakland/San Francisco area, the 49ers' Stadium in San Jose or The Raiders Stadium Complex in Oakland).

· Follow the general scenario and additional information and updates provided in each Module.

· YOU are the Emergency Manager (EM) for your City (of choice) and from this capacity and role you will address the SLP tasks.

Scenario General Description

Date – August 1, yyyy

The Threat - Intelligence agencies have intercepted (from a credible source) a terrorist organization’s communication regarding a general coordinated plan to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to detonate bombs at a major USA city’s sports arena during an event at an arena holding about 10,000 spectators:

Three to five suicide bombers strategically pre-position themselves around the arena. They detonate their bombs and self-destruct in order to guarantee mass panic and chaotic evacuation of the arena.

One or two large vehicle bombs (LVB) are placed in a parking facility near the entertainment complex.

Finally, expecting mass casualties, the adversary agents will detonate an additional series of devices in the lobby of the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

Timeline - The communication states only a general timeline for the attack to be executed within the month of September. No specific date is identified.

Planning Considerations

Key Implications - Casualties (about 100 fatalities and 500 serious injuries) will result at all incident sites and will include civilians, emergency personnel, and the suicide bombers. The LVB detonation outside the venue will result in the largest number of fatalities and injuries due to the population density expected.

NOTE – Life in the city will not be disrupted and all planned public events are not to be cancelled at this time.

Module 1 SLP – NRF/NIMS - Assignment (You are the City EM)

Choose a city and venue. Profile the venue including number of people it will hold, who owns it, and who provides security and traffic control during events (Private Security or Local Law Enforcement). Use the venue's web-site as a reference.

Include your venue’s schedule of events for the selected month (at least one per week).

Profile the closest hospital, including Trauma Level, number of beds, who owns the hospital, and who provides security for the facility. If the closest hospital is not a Level I Trauma Center, do the same profiling for the closest hospital that is a Level I Trauma Center.

Present maps/charts and photos of the locale, venue, and nearest hospital(s).

Using your selected city/county websites, profile the Law Enforcement Agencies responsible for responding to the venue and selected hospital(s). Do the same for Fire Departments and EMS services. Describe or list the special response teams each agency has – SWAT, Bomb Squads, Tactical EMS, etc.

Based on the NRF ((a) engaged partnership; (b) tiered response; (c) scalable, flexible, and adaptable operational capabilities; (d) unity of effort through unified command; and (e) readiness to act), describe and summarize how you would prepare for such an incident at the state/city level. Use the following NIMS Cycle to describe your preparedness activities for both the venue and hospital, as well as the local response agencies (see  https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/114295#details). Point out the priorities in your plan.

Image provided by FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/114295#details

SLP Assignment Expectations

Assignments should be 3-5 pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Relevance—All content is connected to the question.

Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.

Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.

Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.

Evidence—Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.

Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.

Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.

Objectivity—Avoids use of first person and subjective bias.

References—Sources are listed at the end of the paper (APA style preferred).

Required Reading

Comprehensive preparedness guide: Developing and maintaining emergency operations plans  (CPG-1) (2010). FEMA.

Executive Summary: Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization Operational Area Emergency Plan (2010). Office of Emergency Services, County of San Diego. Retrieved from: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/oes/emergency_management/protected/docs/2010_Complete_Plan_w_Annexes.pdf

National Incident Management System (2017), 3rd. Ed., FEMA. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1508151197225-ced8c60378c3936adb92c1a3ee6f6564/FINAL_NIMS_2017.pdf

National Preparedness Goal. (2016). FEMA.gov. Retrieved from  https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-goal   Click “Download Materials.” Then click “Information Sheet.”

Overview of the National Planning Frameworks (2013). U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA. Retrieved from: https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/dam-production/uploads/20130726-1914-25045-2057/final_overview_of_national_planning_frameworks_20130501.pdf

Presidential Policy Directive / PPD-8: National Preparedness (2011). U.S. Department of Homeland Security Retrieved from: http://www.dhs.gov/presidential-policy-directive-8-national-preparedness

Renauld, C. (2012). The missing piece of NIMS: Teaching incident commanders how to function in the edge of Chaos, Homeland Security Affairs, 8(8). Retrieved from:  http://www.hsaj.org/?article=8.1.8   [Download article]

Required Website

National Planning Frameworks. FEMA.gov.  http://www.fema.gov/national-planning-frameworks

National Response Framework. FEMA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1466014682982-9bcf8245ba4c60c120aa915abe74e15d/National_Response_Framework3rd.pdf

Required Videos

Incident Command System, NIMS Familiarization (2012). RMP Corp. Retrieved from:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykVEWtq9x3g

Note: Regardless of whether the Presenter talks about natural or manmade disasters focus on the components of NIMS.