tERRORISM I

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit I Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

2. Discuss the concepts and components of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 2.1 Explain how incident management priorities are accomplished through NIMS components and

principles. Required Unit Resources Chapter 11: National Incident Management System and Incident Command System Unit Lesson

The History of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) The guidance provided by NIMS is the culmination of more than 40 years of efforts to improve interoperability in incident management. The following is a brief synopsis of the history of NIMS.

• First efforts of an organized national response plan began in the 1970s with local, state, and federal agencies collaborating to create a system called Firefighting Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies (FIRESCOPE). FIRESCOPE included the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Multiagency Coordination System (MACS).

• In 1982, the agencies that developed FIRESCOPE and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) created the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS). This was an effort, in part, to make ICS and MACS guidance applicable to all types of incidents and hazards. While the value of these systems was recognized, it was not fully adopted and implemented nationwide.

• NIMS was adopted by the federal government on February 8, 2003 in Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 (HSPD-5) (Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA], 2017).

If you would like to read more about the intent behind HSPD-5, please review the document Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5.

Purpose of NIMS NIMS is extremely beneficial in assisting agencies, departments, and individuals to collaborate and work together in the event of a disaster. The overall purpose of NIMS is to provide a framework for managing a disaster. These disasters could range from weather-related incidents such as hurricanes to a terrorist attack. Such a system requires teamwork, effective communication, leadership, and exceptional managerial skills. In addition, we will also discuss the ICS as it relates to NIMS. These processes and systems are imperative as they relate to responding to and managing a disaster incident. NIMS provides the framework for emergency managers and agencies to respond to incidents. It is common among first responders to use the following quote: “The first time you see Chief Smith should not be at the scene while responding.” This quote is stating that relationships among first responders must be established well before any potential incidents arise in order to facilitate response efforts and create synergy of effort. For this to occur, agencies must engage in preparedness. NIMS has developed a preparedness cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action that allows organizations to properly prepare for an incident and work as a part of the interagency team.

UNIT I STUDY GUIDE National Incident Management System

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

NIMS and ICS Working Together NIMS promotes efficiency since there are a multitude of agencies working together. Each agency may have its own best practices, but NIMS uses a standardized collaborative approach that each agency must follow as they respond to incidents. For example, if agency A responded to an incident one way and agency B responded to an incident another way, there could be some confusion and inefficiency. We must remember that the goal of such a system is to promote seamless integration amongst all agencies. ICS examines and manages various functions that relate to responding and facilitating a disaster-related incident. Some of the operational aspects that ICS oversees are logistics, command, and intelligence. This is extremely important as ICS is focused on the day-to-day operations as they relate to such incidents. ICS forces agencies and individuals to work as one. However, do such mechanisms and measures consider the possibility of these agencies not working together or being resistant to change? This is a valid question to ask, but NIMS and ICS both do a phenomenal job of encouraging and facilitating effective communication. Why is communication important? Communication allows all applicable personnel to have a good understanding of the necessary plans and objectives. ICS discusses the importance of clear and concise terminology. When you have a variety of individuals and organizations working together in one setting, it is imperative that the language being used is recognized amongst all individuals. In the event of a disaster situation, having daily briefings and meetings between the various organizations within ICS is essential. Effective communication is more than merely words and constant talking. Effective communication requires skills that are constantly enhanced through practice. A lack of communication can cause an enormous amount of chaos. For example, one problem that was discussed in great lengths after reviewing and evaluating the events of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was the lack of a communication plan and system. When responding officials arrived at the scene in New York City, the fire department, police department, and emergency medical services (EMS) could not communicate effectively with one another. This lack of communication and coordination subsequently added to the immense devastation. Moreover, the media can play a vital role in these incidents. The media can keep the citizens and the public informed in such disaster situations via radio, television, and internet. For example, the weather is monitored by media personnel who routinely keep individuals updated on the whereabouts of a storm. When reporting information to the public, the main responsibility and focus should be accuracy and ensuring the widest dissemination of information to the public. Applicable personnel within ICS should report accurate information. If information is unknown at the time, it is essential to let the media know that specific details will be reported when the information is confirmed. Reporting inaccurate information could be detrimental and cause additional predicaments, issues, and concerns. What about the public? Should citizens be a part of assisting when a disaster strikes? Does NIMS have a component that allows private citizens to be an aspect of the process? Citizens could be and should be a fundamental aspect of assisting in the event of certain disasters. Programs such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are essential. CERT assists citizens within the community to train and prepare for various disasters of all kinds. You can contact your local emergency preparedness officials or obtain information via the internet if your community offers training such as CERT and you are interested in attending. Upon the completion of such training, CERT members can assist people within their community when a disaster occurs. These certified members typically assist other stakeholders and emergency officials within the community when needed.

Reference Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2017, October). National Incident Management System (3rd ed.).

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020- 07/fema_nims_doctrine-2017.pdf

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 3

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

Suggested Unit Resources In order to access the following resources, click the links below. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website is a great resource for topics related to homeland security. Through the link below, you can access more information about the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Implementation and training resources, tools to support NIMS components, and regional contacts can all be found by visiting this website. As government websites and information are updated often, it is important to visit these sites regularly to ensure you have the latest information. Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). National Incident Management System. U.S. Department of

Homeland Security. http://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system The following document contains the full and official guidance of NIMS. You are encouraged to review it for a complete understanding of the system. Consider bookmarking it for future reference to aid you in your academic or professional pursuits. (Should this document be updated, the most current version can always be located on the main landing page listed above.) Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2017, October). National Incident Management System (3rd ed.).

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020- 07/fema_nims_doctrine-2017.pdf

The following PowerPoint presentation provides a summary of the material in this unit’s chapter reading. The PowerPoint and PDF versions are provided for your convenience. Chapter 11 PowerPoint Presentation (Chapter 11 PDF) Learning Activities (Nongraded) Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) has a social media presence on various platforms to better share information on training opportunities. You are encouraged to follow and participate with EMI on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.