Government frames different structures and organizations to keep the smooth functioning of the country. Different sectors have their organizations to manage different aspects of the sector. One such structure is NIMS. Have you heard about it? If not, no problem because today you will learn about NIMS along with which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi agency decisions? Which NIMS structure develops recommends and executes public information plans and strategies? In NIMS, does resource inventorying refers to preparedness activities conducted? Let’s begin and find it out.
1. What is NIMS?
The National Incidental Management System (NIMS) is the guiding agency that provides necessary guidelines to the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to work together. It also guides the two sectors’ work and prevents and protects against any mitigation, response, and recovery from incidents. NIMS basically refers to the operational systems that include Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Incidental Command System (ICS), and Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups). (See What Makes and Enforces Public Policy in Real?)
2. What are the Components of NIMS?
You are close to knowing which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi-agency decisions. To achieve the common goals of the economy by integrating the diverse capabilities of different communities, a framework is provided by NIMS. This document has the solutions developed by incident personnel across the country.
- Resource Management: This part of the document includes guidelines and standard mechanisms for managing the resources systematically. Resources include equipment, teams, supplies, facilities, and personnel. It helps the organization to work effectively before and during incidents to supply necessary resources.
- Command and Coordination: It includes details about leadership roles, recommended organizational structures, and processes. All these help in incidental management at incidental support and operational levels. It also includes the explanation of interactions of these structures in managing incidents efficiently and effectively.
- Communications and Information Management: It describes the methods and systems used by incidental personnel and decision-makers. It ensures that they have the required information and means that they need to make the right decisions and communicate it with others.
3. Where is NIMS Applicable?
The services offered by the NIMS are applicable to all stakeholders who have incident management and support responsibilities. The scope of the NIMS covers all incidents irrespective of their size, complexity, and scope. NIMS applies to the following:
- Emergency responders
- Emergency management personnel
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Private sector
- Elected and appointed officials
4. Which NIMS structure makes Cooperative Multi Agency Decisions?
Multi-agency means a group composed of members from two or more agencies, particularly government agencies, to carry out certain functions. Multi-agency decisions involve the decisions taken by these agencies for responding to emergencies. So, which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi agency decisions? In the National Incidental Management System (NIMS), the structure that makes the cooperative multi agency decisions is Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Group). (See Why does the Texas Constitution create a Fragmented Executive Branch?)
5. What are MAC Groups?
This structure is part of the offsite incident management structure. It is also known as the policy group. Members of this group are:
- Administrators of the agency
- Executives
- Designees of executives from stakeholder agencies
- Organizations under the impact of the incident
- Representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
6. What do MAC Groups do at the Time of Incident?
It is not their duty to perform the incident command work. Also, they do not involve replacing the primary functions or other operations or coordination of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). During or after an incident, the Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups) perform the following functions:
- Prioritization and allocation of resources are supported by them.
- They handle making decisions related to cooperative multi-agency.
- They act as policy-level bodies.
- They enable decision-making among the elected and appointed officials.
- They keep a check on the Incident Commander who handles managing the incident.
7. Which NIMS Structure Develops Recommends and Executes Public Information Plans and Strategies?
After learning about which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi agency decisions, let’s look at JIS. The structure responsible for handling such matters is the Joint Information System (JIS). This structure supports other Command and Coordination Structures of the National Incidental Management System (NIMS), like Incidental Command System (ICS), Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC), and Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Check out the 9 features of indirect democracy.
8. What is the Purpose of JIS during Incident?
This structure provides information to the public and stakeholders at the time of the incidental operations. The information provided by the structure is accurate, accessible, coordinated, consistent, complete, and provided on time. JIS performs certain activities that are in support of the MAC Group, the EOC Director, and the Incident Commander or the Unified Commander. The activities are:
- It provides advice on public affairs issues that tend to affect incidental management.
- Interagency messages are developed and delivered.
- Rumors and inaccurate information are addressed and managed.
- Maintains public confidence.
9. In NIMS, Resource Inventorying refers to Preparedness Activities Conducted. Is It True?
No, in the National Incidental Management System (NIMS), resource inventorying collects and stores the resources for incidents. A precise tracking system and the availability of resources at the appropriate moment are the two primary requirements for effective resource management. Must see Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations USA.
10. What is meant by Resource Management Preparedness?
There is much more to know after knowing about which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi agency decisions. This involves various activities related to resources and incident management. Resource management preparedness involves:
- Identifying the resources and categorizing them as per their ability
- The qualification, certification, and credentialing of the personnel are done
- Proper planning for the resources is done to develop alternative strategies
- Inventory resources are received and stored
11. What are the Components of an Effective Resource Inventory?
Is it not useful to know about effective inventory after learning about which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi agency decisions? Information about each resource is involved in a good resource inventory and this is what makes it more effective in times of an incident. The details that are involved in making the inventory effective are as follows:
- Name: Unique name of the resource, as provided by NIMS.
- Aliases: Any other name for the resource like radio call sign, license number, nicknames, etc.
- Status: The present condition of the resource and its ability or readiness to be used.
- Owner: Information about the company, person, agency, or any other entity that owns the resource.
- Contracts: Agreements of purchase, lease, rent, maintenance, etc.
- Certification: Documents validating the qualities and certifications of the resources.
- Minimum lead time (hours) and deployment time (days): It includes the minimum time needed by the resource to prepare for deployment and the maximum time after which the resource must return for maintenance.
- Sustainability: Information regarding the necessary actions that must be taken to improve and maintain the usability of the resource.
12. What is Resource Tracking?
The information related to the number and status of the resources assigned to an incident is mentioned in resource tracking. It also includes the organizational elements to which these resources are assigned and their progress applicable in the work and rest ratio.
So, today you learned about which NIMS structure makes cooperative multi agency decisions. You are now aware of which NIMS structure develops recommends and executes public information plans and strategies. The answer to this question lies in the JIS sector. Whether in NIMS, does resource inventorying refers to preparedness activities conducted or not? Have you found this answer above? (See What are Different Types of Resources with Examples?)
