Joint Information System

The initial response phase of a disaster is chaotic and stressful. Responders are busy treating the injured, rescue the trapped, extinguish fires, and everything in between. Soon there will be multiple agencies from all levels of government and private sector participating in the incident. Establishing communications and information sharing will bring organization to the chaos and should be a top priority. Unfortunately, most post-incident debriefings contain many comments and concerns about the lack of communication and information during the incident. All incidents, regardless of size, must have fast and reliable information to ensure interoperability between resources, and to keep the public informed of pertinent information.
There are
All discrepancies and rumors need to be addressed immediately and redistribute accurate information if necessary.
Due to the size of some incidents, some agencies may release information related to their policies and procedures. It is important that all information releases are coordinated utilizing the Joint Information System (JIS) to ensure information consistency (PIO guide, 2007). The JIS provides the means to organize, integrate, and coordinate information and make sure it is accurate, timely, and consistent, then information can be released externally. The JIS provides the mechanism for processing information, and the Joint Information Center (JIC) is a physical location where the JIS is utilized.
Ideally in the early stages of an incident, the PIO will consult with the incident commander (IC) to consider establishing the JIC. Once established, the JIC may be staffed by representatives from all agencies and jurisdiction involved in the incident (PIO guide, 2007). A single JIC is ideal, but occasionally due to the size and complexity of some incidents, more than one JIC may be established. Just as NIMS is flexible and adaptable, the JIC is also, and can accommodate a virtual location or multiple locations if
The success and safety of managing a disaster hinge on effective communication. Component II in the NIMS document states:
Incident communications are facilitated through the development and use of common communication plans and interoperable communications equipment, processes, standards, and architectures. During an incident, this integrated approach links the operational and support units of the various organizations to maintain communications connectivity and situational awareness. Communication and information management planning should address the incident-related policies, equipment systems, standards, and training necessary to achieve integrated communications (NIMS, 2008, p.