President George W. Bush directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer NIMS under Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5. NIMS will provide an across the board approach for federal, state and local governments to more effectively and efficiently work together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents.
NIMS utilizes standardized procedures for managing personnel, communications, facilities and resources and will improve Missouri's ability to use federal funding to enhance state and local preparedness. It is vital for federal, state and local governments to utilize standardized terminology, organizational structures, interoperable communications, action plans, and command structures to efficiently and effectively address potential emergencies.
Blunt is directing all executive departments to immediately incorporate NIMS into their emergency preparedness plans, polices and procedures. The executive order calls for all departments to ensure appropriate personnel meet NIMS training standards defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before Oct. 1, 2006 and report compliance information to the director of the State Emergency Management Agency.
