National Incident Management System (NIMS) #

The events of September 11 highlighted the critical need for national standards in incident operations. In 2004, the National Incident Management System surfaced as a standardized approach for managing emergencies and incidents across all levels of government, private sector organizations, and non-governmental organizations. 

NIMS is a much more comprehensive approach to managing, responding, and communicating about incidents, and it encourages the following communication practices:

• Make sure systems work together so agencies can easily coordinate.
• Share real-time, consistent info to keep everyone on the same page.
• Use clear, standardized protocols for smooth communication.
• Rely on tools like radios and digital platforms to stay connected.
• Keep public messaging accurate and consistent through a Public Information Officer.

This holistic approach to incident management continues to play a role in how modern incident management teams communicate.