Resource Typing Resource typing is designed to enhance emergency readiness and response at all levels of government through a comprehensive and integrated system that allows jurisdictions to augment their response resources during an incident. Specifically, it allows emergency management personnel to identify, locate, request, order, and track outside resources quickly and effectively and facilitate the response of these resources to the requesting jurisdiction. Resource typing is the categorization and description of response resources that are commonly exchanged in disasters through mutual aid agreements. The FEMA/NIMS Integration Center Resource Typing Definitions provide emergency responders with the information and terminology they need to request and receive the appropriate resources during an emergency or disaster. The Center is urging that federal, state, territory and local officials use the 120 Resource Typing Definitions as they develop or update response assets inventories. They are intended to help make the resource request and dispatch process more accurate and efficient. The 120 typed response assets are organized by: Category - function for which the resource is most useful (firefighting, law enforcement, health and medical, etc.); Kind - broad class of characterization, such as teams, personnel, equipment, and supplies - metrics have been developed for each kind and are measurements of capability or capacity; and Type - measure of minimum capabilities to perform its function - Type 1 implies a higher capability than Type II. Is resource typing part of the National Incident Management System? YES. Resource typing is a key component of the NIMS. This effort will assist all federal, state, territory, tribal and local jurisdictions locate, request and track resources to assist neighboring jurisdictions when their local capability is overwhelmed. Should States and local jurisdictions initiate their own resource typing efforts to reflect their needs? NO. Since resource typing and mutual aid are key components of NIMS there has been an increase in interest the FEMA/NIMS Integration Center definitions. The problem is that some states and localities are looking at the resource typing definitions and deciding to develop new resource typing definitions that better reflect their needs or resources. NIMS is based on the need for standard definitions and practices. Developing separate definitions will in effect negate the fundamental idea that responders should be using common definitions when ordering or receiving assets through mutual aid. Multiple resource definitions run counter to the NIMS doctrine that all responders use common, standardized terminology in response operations and when ordering or receiving assets through mutual aid. In any case, other resource definition systems would not be compliant with NIMS. What about the FEMA Resource Typing Initiative? The NIMS Integration Center is continuing the initiative and is inviting the emergency services community to work with it to enhance program, an important component of NIMS and National Response Plan implementation. It is very important that a consistent nationwide approach be used to type emergency assets and the Center seeks your involvement in the only official, national resource typing initiative in place. Resource typing is a dynamic process and in some instances changes are needed and in others, new definitions are required. Are the current 120 Resource Typing Definitions considered NIMS Standards? The definitions were not developed through a formal standards making process. However, use of the resource typing definitions to inventory, order, and track resources is a requirement for NIMS compliance. Resource typing is the categorization and description of resources by capacity and capability. The definitions are meant to describe the kinds of resources currently available in the United States for response operations. The Resource Typing Definitions provide emergency responders with the information they need to request and receive the appropriate resources during an emergency or disaster and help to make the resource request and dispatch process more efficient. The original typing definitions were prepared by groups of subject matter experts and local, state and federal responders. In addition there were more than 300 corresponding participants in the initiative that participated in the formation of definitions and review working drafts. Are resource typing groups still working on defining critical response assets? Yes. Eight discipline groups have been formed by the NIMS Integration Center to 'type' critical response assets. The functional areas include Animal Health, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire and Hazmat, Health and Medical, Law Enforcement, Public Works and Search and Rescue. The initiative will expand to include additional discipline groups if needed. Resources are being revised on an as-needed basis as errors or updates are recognized by the NIMS Center and stakeholders. Adjustments will be made to the current 120 typed definitions as capabilities and capacities improve and additional resources will be typed as they are identified by stakeholders. What can communities or jurisdictions do to support the resource typing effort? Communities and jurisdictions should begin to use the resource typing definitions to describe or inventory their resources. State and local jurisdictions may use Homeland Security grant funds to update or create an inventory of their resources in accordance with 120 Resource Typing Definitions. Additional information about the State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (DHS/OSLGCP) grants can be accessed at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/grants_programs.htm. Specific steps that can be taken include: o Educating the emergency response community in your area about NIMS and the Resource Typing Initiative; o Using the National Mutual Aid Glossary of Terms and Definitions and elements of the Resource Typing Definitions into your daily emergency management activities and operating procedures; and o Using the definitions, kinds and types used in the national system when requesting or ordering incident resources. What is the process for suggesting revisions or additional resources to type? Federal, state, territory, tribal, and local jurisdictions with authority over designated kinds of response assets should participate in this resource typing effort. It would be very helpful also for the private sector to participate. Suggestions or recommendations for changes or new resource typing definitions may be submitted to the NIMS Integration Center at NIMS-Integration- Center@dhs.gov. Orcall the Center at 202-646-3850 to ask for a Resource Typing comment sheet to use for your comments and suggestions. ###