National Incident Management System and Incident Command System

The Need for a National Standard

Following disasters in 2004 and 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was tasked with coming up with a more organized approach to emergency response. It was important that all of the different agencies and organizations that entered into an emergency could work as one unit. In that way they can reduce redundant activity, share information and share resources. The efficiency of the operation is much greater under a unified command.

Firefighters that worked in smoke-jumping situations had already developed a method that they used when different groups of firefighters came together. That system developed out of a need for speedy communication and coordination of activity to protect the lives of the firefighters. FEMA started with that system and expanded it to become the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The Incident Command System (ICS) is a part of NIMS that tells you how you fit into the group of responders during an emergency. Since any water operator could be a responder, it is important to learn the key concepts of that system.

These courses that are water system specific are approved for operator continuing education. These are classroom courses. Please use the contact information under "Source" or contact Rebecca Sadosky, Security and Emergency Planning Engineer, to arrange a course session.

Disaster Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities

MGT343

TEEX Class

All water system personnel that may work in an emergency

None

16 Hr CEU

Senior Officials - Disaster Management for Water and Wastewater

MGT342

TEEX Class

Water System Senior Supervision

NA

4 Hr CEU

Below are links to FREE web-based courses available to you at any time. The courses include a way to track your training and a record that you have taken each course. In the future, the Public Water Supply Section's staff plans to track the level of preparedness of all of North Carolina's water system operators and asks you to save your records of training. The courses are important and are easily accessed on-line at work or at home. They do not take long to complete and you should take them when you can. Just click on the “Source” below to begin taking on-line courses.

More Information:

• FEMA NIMS Resource Center
• EPA Emergency and Incident Planning