Session 15 2
Session Objectives
1. Use of Supporting Technologies in Incident Management Explained
2. Supporting Technologies Concepts and Principles
3. Supporting Incident Management with Science and Technology
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Technology Requirements• Information management• Communications with staff• Communications with other responding agencies• Communications with stakeholders and partners• Communications with the public• Situational awareness – reporting from the incident
site and surrounding area• Damage assessments• Resource management• Credentialing• Other
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The discussion in this Objective will focus on four general areas within incident management where
supporting technologies play a key role:
• Information Management
• Internal and External Communications
• Resource Management
• Credentialing
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Information Management
Information management systems are used by response agencies to:
• Collect, update, and process data
• Track resources
• Display the readiness status of resources
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Information Management
Examples of resource management information management systems include:
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)• Logistics calculators• Transportation tracking systems• Resource tracking and inventory systems• Warehouse inventory systems
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Information Management
Existing Information Management Technologies:
• Web EOC• Virginia Interoperability Picture for Emergency
Management (VIPER)• Response Vision• NIMS Incident Resource Inventory System (IRIS)• The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) Data Collection
and Analysis Tool (DCAT)• Resource Order and Status System (ROSS)
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Information ManagementSupporting technologies can provide a platform for the collection,
processing and dissemination of incident-related information by:
• Clearly defining information needs• Identifying potential information sources• Providing templates for how information is reported• Accepting information from a variety of sources/media• Processing and aggregating information• Creating displays of information using a variety of presentations• Disseminating information• Updating reports and presentations as new information is
collected and processed
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Resource Management (EM)
“Coordinating and overseeing the application of tools, processes, and systems to provide
incident managers with timely and appropriate resources during an incident.”
-FEMA, n/d
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Task Groups
• Establishing systems to describe, inventory, request, and track resources
• Activating these systems before and during an incident
• Dispatching resources before and during an incident
• Deactivating and recalling resources during or after an incident
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Managing Resources in Large Incidents
• Having enough resources to do the job
• Knowing how to best allocate those resources
• Understanding where the request for resources should end, and limiting requests for outside assistance at that point
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Principles
• Interoperability and Compatibility
• Technology Support
• Technology Standards
• Broad-Based Requirements
• Strategic R&D Planning
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Interoperability / Compatibility
Interoperability and compatibility are achieved through the use of tools such as:
• Common communications and data standards
• Digital data formats• Equipment standards• Design standards
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Technology Support
• Technology support is the use and incorporation of new and existing technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of incident management
• Technology support permits organizations using NIMS to enhance all aspects of emergency management and incident response
• Technology support facilitates incident operations and sustains the R&D programs that underpin the long-term investment in the Nation’s future incident management capabilities
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Technology Standards
Agencies involved in incident management:• Federal, State and local emergency governments• NGOs• The Private Sector• National Professional Organizations• Voluntary Agencies• Code and standards groups
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Broad-Based Requirements
• New technologies needed and identified
• NIMS aggregates and prioritizes technology requirements
• Coordination and evaluation of research
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Strategic R&D Planning
• Identify future technology requirements
• Insert in national R&D agenda
• NIC
• DHS Science and Technology Directorate
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Supporting Incident Management with Science and technology
• Operational Scientific Support
• Technical Standards Support
• R&D Support
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Operational Scientific Support
• Identify and mobilize scientific resources
• Scientific and technological expertise
• NMS preparedness organizations
• Coordination by DHS
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Technical Standards Support
• Performance Measurements - Principles
• Consensus Based Performance
• Testing and evaluation
• Technical Guidelines for Training Emergency Responders on Equipment Use