Which Nims Command and Coordination Structures Are Offsite?

There are several source materials that can help answer this question, including the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website. However, in short, the answer is that there is no definitive answer, as it depends on the situation.

The NIMS is a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to incident management that is used by federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector partners. The system is used to coordinate response and recovery efforts in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other major event.

There are four key components to the NIMS:

1. Command and Coordination: This component includes the organizational structure and processes necessary to ensure effective and efficient incident management.

2. Communications and Information Management: This component includes the systems and processes necessary to exchange information between responders and other stakeholders.

3. Resource Management: This component includes the systems and processes necessary to identify, acquire, and deploy the resources needed to support incident response and recovery operations.

4. Training and Education: This component includes the programs and activities necessary to ensure that personnel have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform their roles and responsibilities during incident response and recovery operations.

While the NIMS provides a framework for incident management, it is important to note that the specific details of how the system is implemented will vary based on the nature and scope of the incident. For example, during a large-scale natural disaster, the command and coordination structure may be significantly different than during a more localized event.

In general, the NIMS is organized around the Incident Command System (ICS), which is a standardized system for managing emergencies. The ICS has a well-defined organizational structure that can be adjusted to fit the needs of any incident. The ICS also includes a clear hierarchy of authority, which helps ensure that decision-making is efficient and that critical resources are used in the most effective way possible.

The ICS is typically activated when an incident exceeds the resources of a single jurisdiction or when multiple jurisdictions are involved. In these cases, an incident commander is appointed to oversee the overall response effort. The incident commander has the authority to make decisions about the incident and to direct the activities of all responding personnel.

Below the incident commander, there are typically four other key positions in the ICS:

1. Operations Section Chief