Sec. 674.601. - Findings.

The President of the United States in Homeland Security Directive 5 (HSPD), directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (hereinafter referred to as "NIMS"), which would provide a consistent nationwide approach for federal, State, local and tribal governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity. The collective input and guidance from all federal, State, local and tribunal homeland security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development of effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS. It is necessary and desirable that all federal, State, local and tribal emergency agencies and personnel coordinate their efforts to effectively and efficiently provide the highest levels of incident management. To facilitate the most efficient and effective incident management it is critical that federal, State, local and tribal organizations utilize standardized terminology, standardized organizational structures, interoperable communications, consolidated action plans, unified command structures, uniform personnel qualification standards, uniform standards for planning, training, and exercising, comprehensive resource management, and designated incident facilities during emergencies or disasters. The NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel, communications, facilities and resources will improve the City's ability to utilize funding to enhance State and local agency readiness, maintain first responder safety and streamline incident management processes. The Incident Command System components of NIMS are already an integral part of various incident management activities throughout the State and City, including current emergency management training programs. The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission) recommended adoption of a standardized Incident Command System. (Ord. 2005-945-E, § 1)