Resource Typing: How to Ensure Your Team is Ready for Any Situation
Ryan Garver
Founder
When managing incident response, getting the right resources where they are needed quickly is a key part of the job. This will require coordination with many people, often spanning organizations and jurisdictions. Having a common language to describe needed resources and capabilities can reduce confusion and speed delivery when it matters. This language has been developed by FEMA as an integral part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Introduction to Resource Typing
NIMS defines resource typing as:
Resource typing is defining and categorizing, by capability, the resources requested, deployed and used in incidents. Resource typing definitions establish a common language and defines a resource’s (for equipment, teams, and units) minimum capabilities. NIMS resource typing definitions serve as the common language for the mobilization of resources.
NIMS resource typing is a standardized process for categorizing and describing the capabilities of resources of all types. This includes personnel, equipment, and other supplies. It provides a common language and framework for organizations to describe their resources and for jurisdictions to request and receive resources from other jurisdictions while minimizing confusion.
Resources are categorized based on their size, capacity, and capabilities. For most common resources FEMA and other organizations have established standard names, definitions, and levels. For example, a Hand Crew Level 2 should have between 18-20 personnel including a Crew Boss, three Incident Commander Type 5, and three Fallers (1 Type 2, and 2 Type 3) among a host of other specific details. This resource type also has specific minimum levels of experience for portions of the team as well as equipment such as protective equipment (PPE) and communications gear. Other resource types will include vehicles, facilities, and service delivery capacities (eg: “up to 600 meals per day”).
Breaking down these definitions, while the described resources cover a wide gamut of purposes, there are common elements. Most of these elements are described by NIMS. For example, you’ll notice that generally, a resource of type 1 is more capable than one of type 2. The larger the type number the less “capable” that resource should be. Resources are also broken into different “kinds” which include personnel, facilities, and equipment.
These types specify minimum requirements. A specific water tender may have a 2-person team and carry 1500 gallons of water, which exceeds the type 3 minimums, but the next level up requires a minimum 2500-gallon capacity, so this vehicle would be typed as a Support Water Tender Type 3 (assuming the other minimum requirements are met as well).
Typing For The Rest Of Us
The benefits of standardized resource typing can be had even for small volunteer organizations. It can be beneficial to have clearly defined criteria for members to strive for as they level up their skills and experience. Giving members a “career path” can keep them motivated and aligned with the needs of the organization.
Resource typing can also provide a powerful tool for coordinating with served agencies and other outside organizations, particularly if they are familiar with ICS and NIMS. Being able to show your organization’s readiness in a language that they use themselves can build confidence and streamline communication when it’s most important.
Ideally, your organization would use a preestablished typing from FEMA, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, or even the ARRL. In the absence of any existing standards, you can define your own. Your goal should be to identify those resources that are widely used and can be deployed in coordination with outside jurisdictions and served agencies. The resource should also aim to be interoperable with resources from other organizations. Working with similar groups to establish these standards can make your services more appealing and can open up a broader reach for your organization to deploy and do what they do best.
Get familiar with NIMS and their methodology for resource typing. There are many resources to learn more. One specific to defining and using resource types is the National Incident Management System Guideline for Resource Management Preparedness. This guide covers the main goals and principles that should be used when creating a set of standards for your own team.
Conclusion
Resource typing is a critical part of incident management. It provides a standardized language and framework for organizations to describe their resources and for jurisdictions to request and receive resources from other jurisdictions while minimizing confusion.
For small volunteer organizations, resource typing can create a skills map for members and align their training and experience with the needs of the organization. Additionally, it can provide a powerful tool for coordinating with served agencies and other outside organizations.
By embracing resource typing, teams can ensure they are prepared for any situation, communicate effectively with external partners, and provide a valuable service to their communities.