Organizational aspects of disaster preparedness and response.

JAVMA, Vol 230, No. 11, June 1, 2007 V who may become involved in the organized response to any disaster or emergency must understand the basic concepts and components of the ICS. The ICS is the functional field organization and management unit of the NIMS and provides for coordination of personnel, equipment, and other resources at the scene of a disaster. The NIMS is a part of the NRP dictated by HSPD-5 (management of domestic incidents). The NRP provides a method for making federal assistance available, when requested, in those instances when state and local response efforts are overwhelmed. Other provisions of the NIMS include coordination of the many agencies involved in any disaster response, training and certification of personnel for specific activities, and classification and management of resources. In addition to creation of the NIMS, the NRP assigns and coordinates various roles and responsibilities during disaster responses and provides specific plans, called annexes, for emergency support functions, other support functions, and specific types of incidents.