---
title: "National Incident Management System"
url: "https://books.sorryapp.com/2/incident-communication-101/24/national-incident-management-system"
---

# 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](https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_nims_doctrine-2017.pdf) 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.