NIMS Adoption and Compliance

All volunteer fire departments applying for state grants that include matching federal funds needs to certify that they have adopted the National Incident Management System. 

The Texas Division of Emergency Management is the designated repository for NIMS Adoption and Compliance certification records. 

Requirements for NIMS adoption

TDEM requires that a VFD submit ONE of the following documents to certify NIMS adoption:  

• Volunteer Fire Department NIMS Resolution Form  OR  Career Fire Department NIMS Resolution Form 

• A copy of the meeting minutes where a VFD formally adopts NIMS. 

• A letter signed by the Fire Chief verifying that the department has adopted NIMS.  

• Where a VFD is employed by a City or County, a copy of the proclamation or action of the governing body which officially declares the adoption of NIMS. 

Requirements for NIMS compliance

To comply with NIMS, VFD’s must: 

• Formally adopt NIMS at the community level through proclamation, resolution, meeting minutes, or other written documentation. 

• Manage all incidents using the Incident Command System (ICS) using organizational structures and procedures as defined by NIMS. 

• Participate in interagency mutual aid agreements. 

• Participate in all- hazard exercises based upon NIMS that involves first responders from multiple disciplines and multiple jurisdictions. 

• Process VFD members through the training as shown on the NIMS Training Matrix.