The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides an integrated framework that defines the roles and responsibilities of federal, state and local first responders during emergency events. NIMS was developed for responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines to better work together to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. NIMS also provides the framework for the National Response Framework (NRF).

NIMS features include:

• a unified approach to incident management;
• standard command and management structures; and
• an emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid and resource management.