NIMS Guiding Principles Flexibility
Standardization
Unity of Effort
Flexibility Allows NIMS to be scalable from routine, local incidents through those requiring
interstate mutual aid up to those requiring Federal assistance
Standardization Supports interoperability among multiple organizations in incident response
Standard Organizational Structures Improve integration and connectivity among organizations
Standard Practices Allow incident personnel and organizations to work together effectively
Common Terminology Enables effective communication
Unity of Effort Enables organizations with jurisdictional authority or functional responsibilities to
support each other while allowing each participating agency to maintain its own
authority and accountability
3 Major Components of NIMS 1. Resource Management
2. Command and Coordination
3. Communications and Information Management
Resource Management Standard mechanisms to systematics manage resources, including personnel,
equipment, supplies, teams, and facilities, both before and during incidents in
order to allow organizations to more effectively share resources when needed
Command and Communication Describes leadership roles, processes, and recommended organizational
structures for incident management at the operational and incident support levels
and explains how these structures interact to manage incidents effectively and
efficiently
Communications and Information Management Describes systems and methods that help to ensure that incident personnel and
other decision makers have the means and information they need to make and
communicate decisions
4 Key Activities of Resource Management Preparedness 1. Identifying and typing resources
2. Qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel
3. Planning for resources
4. Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources
Typing: Capability The resources capability to perform its function in one or more of the five mission
areas: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery
Typing: Category The function for a which a resource would be most useful (firefighting, law
enforcement, health and medical)
Typing: Kind A broad characterization, such as personnel, equipment, teams, and facilities
Typing: Type A resources level of capability to perform its function based on size, power,
capacity (for equipment), or experience and qualifications; Type 1 has greater
capacity than Type 2, 3, or 4
, NIMS ICS 700+ UPDATED EXAM (2026-2027) 100%VERIFIED
Qualifying Personnel meet the minimum established standards (including training,
experience, physical and medical fitness) to fill specific positions
Certification Recognition from an AHJ or a third party that an individual has completed
qualification for a position
Credentialing Documentation- typically an ID card or badge- that identifies personnel and
verifies their qualifications for a particular position
Identify Requirements (Resource Management) Identify:
1. Type and quantity of resources needed
2. Location where resources should be sent
3. Who will receive and use resources
Order and Acquire (RM) Resource typing is designed for use here to ensure resources provided meet the
mission needs
Track and Report (RM) -Tracks the location of resources
-Helps staff prep to receive and use resources
-Protects the safety and security of personnel, equipment, teams and facilities
-Enables Resource coordination and movement
Demobilization (RM) The goal of demobilization is the orderly, safe, and efficient return of a resource
to its original location and status
Reimburse and Restock (RM) 1. Establish and maintain the readiness of resources
2. Collect bills and validate costs
3. Ensure that resource providers are paid in a timely manner
4. Restock through replacement or repair of damaged equipment
Mutual Aid The sharing of resources and services between jurisdictions or organizations
NIMS Structures
Common ICS Facilities 1. Incident Command Post (ICP)
2. Staging Areas
3. Incident Base
4. Camps
ICP Incident Command Post- Location of the tactical-level, on-scene incident
management (Incident Commander or Unified Command and Staff)
Staging Areas Temporarily position and account for personnel, supplies, and equipment
awaiting assignment
Incident Base Location at which personnel conduct primary support activities (may be co-
located with the ICP)
Camps Satellites on an incident base, established where they can best support incident
operations by providing food, sleeping areas, sanitation, and minor maintenance
and servicing of equipment