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Water and Wastewater All-Hazards Boot Camp
Preparedness
Preparedness
Preparedness
Incorporating the Incident Command Systems (ICS)
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) includes the ICS as a fundamental element of incident management. The ERP defines how staff involved with response and recovery activities will organize using the ICS.

ICS provides a standardized organizational structure to enable responders from a variety of jurisdictions and disciplines to work together effectively when responding to an emergency. ICS uses a well-defined command structure in order to specify roles and responsibilities in responding to an incident.

In ICS, the main contact person and decision-maker is the Incident Commander. At the utility level, the emergency response lead may have the role of the Incident Commander.

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Federal departments and agencies require adoption of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) by state and local organizations as a condition for federal preparedness assistance through grants, contracts, or other activities.

Utilities should work with local emergency management officials to determine how to meet the NIMS adoption requirement. Utilities should use the ICS to help organize staff as well as other response partners that may coordinate with the utility. A utility does not need to have a complex command structure in place, but one that reflects its capabilities and also works effectively.

Your response partners may use ICS when responding to an emergency or disaster. So, at a minimum, staff should be familiar with ICS terms and command structure.
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