The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a comprehensive system that provides structure and guidance to emergency management efforts. It’s used by federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as private sector and nongovernmental organizations. NIMS includes five management characteristics that are essential for successful incident management. Chain of command is not one of the five NIMS management characteristics.
Chain of Command: Not a NIMS Management Characteristic
Chain of command is a management principle that is used to delegate authority and responsibility, as well as to structure a chain of communication between all levels of an organization. It is a common practice in the military and other organizations, but chain of command is not one of the five NIMS management characteristics.
The five NIMS management characteristics are: resource management, incident command system (ICS), unified command, multiagency coordination systems, and comprehensive preparedness. These five characteristics are designed to ensure that all organizations involved in the response to an emergency are working together effectively.
Examining Other NIMS Management Characteristics
Resource Management: Resource management is the process of identifying, acquiring, and managing the resources needed to respond to an incident. This includes personnel, equipment, supplies, and other resources.
Incident Command System (ICS): ICS is an incident management system that is used to organize personnel and resources during an emergency. It is designed to be flexible and scalable, so that it can be used to manage any size incident.
Unified Command: Unified command is a system of command and control in which multiple agencies work together to manage an incident. It is designed to ensure that all agencies involved in the response are working together effectively.
Multiagency Coordination Systems: Multiagency coordination systems are designed to facilitate communication and coordination between multiple agencies and organizations during an incident. They are used to ensure that all agencies involved in the response are working together effectively.
Comprehensive Preparedness: Comprehensive preparedness is the process of identifying, acquiring, and managing the resources needed to respond to an incident. This includes personnel, equipment, supplies, and other resources.
The five NIMS management characteristics are essential for successful incident management. Chain of command is not one of the five NIMS management characteristics, but the other four – resource management, incident command system (ICS), unified command, multiagency coordination systems, and comprehensive preparedness – are all important elements of the NIMS system. By understanding and utilizing these five characteristics,
