This guide to principles and best practices for disaster response management is intended to provide clear instruction and real world examples for first responders and personnel responsible for coordinated institutional disaster preparedness and response in accordance with US Department of Homeland Security directives. Beginning with an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System, the first portion of the work covers topics such as command, operations, planning, logistics and administration structures, as well as intelligence and investigations, multi-agency coordination, public information plans, information management and support technologies. Section two presents a discussion of using the National Incident management System including the national response framework, NIMS implementation, a policy efficacy evaluation. A collection of appendices include official directives, forms and policy papers on related subjects are included. Each chapter of this work includes case studies for both urban and rural disaster situations as well as tips, illustrations, sample forms and checklists. The authors are first responders with extensive experience in disaster management and Homeland Security policy. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)