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County computer lab is set for filing NIMS report |
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Written by Publisher
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Friday, 27 February 2009 |
Photo by Ted Lutz
The McKean County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) hosted a meeting Wednesday evening in Smethport on requirements for municipalities and first-responders under the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Participants include, left to right: Michael Hajjar, emergency management specialist for the state EMA; Bruce Manning, director of the McKean County EMA; Tom Geer, mayor of Mt. Jewett; Gary Olson, emergency management coordinator for Wetmore Township; Elaine Bodistow, secretary-treasurer for Wetmore Township; and Dave "Chip" Peterson, a supervisor for Wetmore Township. Municipalities must meet NIMS requirements to qualify to apply for certain federal grants.
By Ted Lutz
Republican Staff
SMETHPORT – Area municipalities have been dragging their feet for five years in trying to meet basic requirements under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Now the McKean County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) plans to set up a computer lab and “walk” municipal officials through the preparation of a key NIMS document.
Bruce Manning, director of the county EMA, said Wednesday that the computer lab would begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at the County 911 Center on Route 6 near Smethport. He is hoping all 22 county municipalities will be represented to take advantage of step-by-step instruction in completing the NIMS “Capability Assessment Support Tool” (NIMCAST). Computers will be available for each municipality.
This document assesses the NIMS implementation requirements already met by municipalities.
Manning said Lewis Run to date is the only county municipality to file a complete NIMS document. He said several other municipalities are “close.”
The federal Department of Homeland Security developed the NIMS program for handling emergencies following the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001.
In a proclamation issued Dec. 20, 2004, Gov. Ed Rendell mandated the utilization of NIMS “for all incident management” in Pennsylvania.
Municipalities are expected to meet basic guidelines for training and file documentation under NIMS. Failure to become “NIMS compliant” could prevent municipalities from seeking certain federal grants, it has been noted.
Manning discussed the NIMS program Wednesday at a meeting at the County 911 Center with about 30 representatives of municipalities, volunteer fire departments and other “first-responders.”
He pointed out that he is merely advising and helping municipalities and agencies in the preparation of the NIMS reports.
“Don’t shoot the mailman,” Manning told the group.
“I don’t have the power to tell you what to do,” he said.
“But there are consequences.”
Municipalities failing to meet basic NIMS rules could lose their eligibility to seek grants for fire departments and police agencies.
Manning said he understands why municipalities have been slow to complete NIMS training and file the paperwork.
“It’s overwhelming,” he said.
That’s why he’s scheduled the March 19 computer lab to help municipal officials “focus” on the completion of the NIMCAST.
According to a document prepared by Manning, NIMS was developed “so responders from different jurisdictions” can “work together better to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, including acts of terrorism.”
NIMS includes various levels of training for all types of personnel involved in emergencies.
“About anybody who’s going to do anything (at a major incident) needs training,” Manning said.
Even elected municipal officials are expected to undergo basic training classes either on the Internet or in classrooms.
“In my opinion, it’s a lot better in the classroom,” Manning said.
Under NIMS, municipalities also are expected to review and update their “emergency operation plans” at least once a year.
Michael Hajjar, an emergency management specialist with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), also took part in Wednesday’s meeting at the County 911 Center.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 30 July 2009 )
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