This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) independent training course manual from the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) introduces (in written form in this reproduction) the Communications and Information Management component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. Effective emergency management and incident response activities rely on flexible communications and information systems that provide a common operating picture to emergency management/response personnel and their affiliated organizations. Establishing and maintaining a common operating picture and ensuring accessibility and interoperability are the principal goals of the Communications and Information Management component of NIMS. Properly planned, established, and applied communications enable the dissemination of information among command and support elements and, as appropriate, cooperating agencies and organizations.

Topics covered include common operating picture, interoperability, common terminology, mutual aid and assistance agreements, exercises, scenarios, and more.

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