Federal Emergency Management System (NIMS)

The key concepts that were focused on in Federal Emergency Management: A Brief Introduction were all hazard models, NIMS and ICS, the phases of emergency management, the national framework, and requesting assistance of federal disaster assistance. Bruce Lindsay describes emergency management as “generally refer[ing] to activities associated with avoiding and responding to natural and human-caused hazards” (2). He further describes the emergency management in the United States as highly decentralized and contextual often involve multiple jurisdictions and vast number of agencies, personnel, and private sector entities (Lindsay, 2). The report that he wrote is intended to give a brief overview of the federal emergency management. The first topic

Since both models are scalable they ensure unified response between all sizes and types of emergency responses. ICS is “a command and control model developed by firefighters after the 1970 fires in southern California” (Lindsay, 7). It inspired the development of NIMS for federal level operations to standardize responses in all areas of the country. Another characteristic of emergency management procedures is the conceptual phases. These phases are useful for organizing efforts and resources, yet the often overlap and are not distinct (Lindsay, 7). The phases are mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Each one has their own unique feature while contributing to the restoration of essential services and saving those involved with the incident. The framework however is the most distinguishing topic of the key concepts of the report. The frameworks are used to delegate roles, responsibilities, and coordinate actives (Lindsay, 9). The breakdown of the framework is into 5 “National Framework” sections: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Disaster

The National Response Framework is another area where the federal goal is more overarching. Their major function is to “articulate the principles used to coordinate and conduct a multiple-agency and jurisdiction response to all types of incidents” (Lindsay, 10). Perhaps the National Disaster Recovery Framework is the most focused on by federal emergency management. It focuses to “restore, redevelop and revitalize the health, social, economic, natural and environmental” aspects of disaster-impacted states and local jurisdictions” (Lindsay, 11). In general, Emergency and major disaster declarations can only be issued by the President (Lindsay, 12) although governors can request federal disaster assistance. Once federal response and recovery efforts are used the bill is usually split between the state and federal government (Lindsay, 12). In conclusion, emergency management begins locally, but federal emergency management plays an important role when a state requests assistance (Lindsay,