The NIMS structure provides a framework for different agencies to collaborate seamlessly during incidents and emergencies. How the NIMS Structure Makes Cooperative Multi-Agency.
Through standardized systems like ICS, EOC structures, MACS groups, and resource management protocols, the system enables effective decision-making that safeguards lives and minimizes damage to property.
This article will discuss the MAC Groups and other NIMS command and coordination structures. The MAC Group is composed of elected and public safety senior officials and decision-makers as well as high-level subject-matter experts who contribute to incident management. How the NIMS Structure Makes Cooperative Multi-Agency
MAC Groups
MAC groups are NIMS structures that make cooperative decisions during incidents. These groups are made up of elected and appointed officials. They operate at the policy level of incident management and enhance unity of effort. They also support resource prioritization and allocation.
NIMS structures enable emergency personnel to work together during incidents by providing common organizational structures, terminology, and processes.
This interconnectivity is critical in order to allow individuals from diverse geographic areas with different roles and responsibilities to work together in a unified manner during incidents.
The fourth NIMS command and coordination structure is the Joint Information System (JIS). JIS integrates incident information and public affairs into a unified organization that provides consistent, coordinated, accurate, accessible, timely, and complete information to the public and stakeholders during incidents.
It operates across and supports the other three NIMS command and coordination structures: ICS, EOC, and MAC Group. The Public Information Officer and the Joint Information Center are two supporting elements of JIS.
EOC
If you’re looking for a career path that includes multiple roles and responsibilities, then this is the right field for you. NIMS structures are designed to help agencies share information and resources, which is critical for effective response and recovery efforts.
This system also helps ensure that all agencies involved in decision-making are able to contribute their knowledge and expertise in a coordinated manner.
The EOC makes decisions about incident management, planning, resource allocation, and communications. It also monitors and maintains situational awareness. It also coordinates with other NIMS structures, including MAC Groups and JIS.
MAC groups are offsite locations that facilitate coordination and communication during a crisis or disaster.
They also support the Incident Commander and ICS general staff by providing a means for elected and appointed officials to communicate at a policy level, ensuring unity of effort at the senior level. Moreover, full activation of an EOC can include personnel from assisting agencies.
Joint Information System (JIS)
The NIMS Joint Information System (JIS) coordinates all public messaging at the EOC, ICS, and MAC Group levels. This includes the exchange of emergency print and broadcast news releases, as well as making sure all spokespersons from responding agencies are gathered in one place for news conferences or to answer media inquiries.
The MAC Group is a coordination structure for agencies and organizations that may not have jurisdictional or functional responsibilities for incident management but are impacted by or committed to providing resources for an event.
MAC Groups support policy-level decisions during an incident, such as resource prioritization and allocation, by providing information sharing, information gathering, and coordination between agencies.
MAC Group members are typically agency administrators, executives, or their designees from affected or stakeholder agencies or organizations.
They also can be volunteer organizations or community groups that have agreed to serve as liaisons. These groups serve the NIMS principles of flexibility, standardization, and unity of effort.
MACS
During emergencies and disasters, it is important to ensure that the public is protected from disease outbreaks or other threats. This can be done by collaborating with community organizations and other public entities.
The MAC Groups are responsible for communicating with the public and providing updates during incidents or emergencies.
They also help to coordinate recovery efforts and assist in disaster preparedness. These groups are often made up of government agencies but can include nonprofit organizations or other local community groups.
The wrong answer to this question is the Emergency Operations Center. It is a supportive structure for the MAC Groups and other coordination entities.
