State and local emergency management agencies must comply with the National Incident Management System to continue to receive federal funding.

What is the National Incident Management System?

Developed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at the request of the President, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) integrates effective practices in emergency preparedness and response into a comprehensive national framework for incident management. The NIMS will enable responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage domestic incidents no matter what the cause, size or complexity. (source http://www.fema.gov/nims/)

NIMS Benefits:

•Standardized organizational structures, processes and procedures;
•Standards for planning, training and exercising, and personnel qualification standards;
•Equipment acquisition and certification standards;
•Interoperable communications processes, procedures and systems;
•Information management systems; and
•Supporting technologies – voice and data communications systems, information systems, data display systems and specialized technologies.

NIMS Document Download
http://www.fema.gov/nims/nims_compliance.shtm#nimsdocument

Learn more about the National Incident Management System. http://www.fema.gov/nims/

What is the National Response Plan?

The National Response Plan is an all-discipline, all-hazards plan that establishes a single, comprehensive framework for the management of domestic incidents. It provides the structure and mechanisms for the coordination of Federal support to State, local, and tribal incident managers and for exercising direct Federal authorities and responsibilities.

Download the plan: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0566.xml

Read the NRP Fact Sheet
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=15&content=835