NIMS- Where do I start?

Are we compliant already? Click here to see if your Jurisdiction is compliant.

1.      The first step is to pass a resolution, fax it to Deb Watts @ (217) 558-1335.

2.      The second step is to setup a NIMSCAST account with Deb Watts at IEMA. She is the NIMS coordinator for the state of Illinois and is the only one that can set this up. Keep in mind that whoever sets it up is doing so on behalf of the entire jurisdiction. You may want to check with your fire chief, if you have a fire dept that is part of the city and not a fire protection district to make sure they have not already started the process. If you are a sheriff’s department check with your ESDA or EMA director.  Deb will need some basic information to get you start so when you email her please include the following info in your email.

                        o   Jurisdiction Name, City, Village or County

o   Jurisdiction Address

o   Point of Contact’s Name

o   Their Rank

o   Their Department, Police, Fire, ESDA or so on.

o   Their Email Address

o   Their Phone number

Her email is deb.watts@illinois.gov. Once she has it setup she will call you to explain how to access and navigate the system.

 3.      Once you have the account setup you need to start with the 2008 NIMSCAST if you have a member on one of our SRT or MFF teams. The best thing to do is to print it off so you can have a working copy on your desk. It is an online tool and is only as good as your internet connection. The requirement is that you were compliant the year prior to the grant year you are receiving funds from. We are currently still work with FY 2009 money so you need to have completed the 2008 NIMSCAST to be considered compliant for FY 2009. 

 Please understand these are not ILEAS requirements they are FEMA requirements and we are required to follow them as the grant administer. We are here to help make this as easy as possible so please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you having questions.