K-12 and Higher Education
More Than One Hundred Twenty Five Years of Extensive Expertise in Crisis Leadership and Change Management
Our Expertise
Incident Management Solutions (IMS) supports K-12 and higher education emergency management by delivering a comprehensive suite of planning, training, and exercise services. This support typically includes developing custom, all-hazards Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) that comply with federal mandates like the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Clery Act. IMS also designs and conducts a progressive program of drills and exercises—ranging from tabletop discussions to full-scale operations—to test key functions like lockdown, evacuation, parent-student reunification, and mass casualty response. Furthermore, they provide specialized training on the Incident Command System (ICS) for school leadership and staff, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to everything from weather emergencies and health crises to active assailant threats, culminating in the development of After-Action Reports to drive continuous improvement.
Planning
Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a critical role in emergency management planning for K-12 schools and higher education institutions by serving as expert consultants and technology providers. As consultants, IMS helps educational entities develop or update comprehensive, all-hazards Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs), ensuring they align with national standards like the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This planning process typically involves conducting Hazard Vulnerability Analyses (HVA), defining clear roles and responsibilities using the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, and integrating protocols for prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. As a technology solution, IMS often provides software platforms for managing incident data, simplifying compliance documentation, conducting virtual drills, and streamlining communication pathways between staff, first responders, and the broader campus community.
Training
Incident Management Solutions (IMS) specializes in providing the core foundational training necessary for K-12 and higher education staff to implement standardized emergency response protocols. This training focuses heavily on the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS), which provides a common organizational structure, terminology, and command flow for managing incidents across all levels of a school or university and coordinating with external first responders. Beyond NIMS/ICS certification courses, IMS offers specific classroom instruction on critical functional areas such as Incident Management Team (IMT) roles, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions, crisis communication, and lifesaving techniques like STOP THE BLEED, ensuring all personnel—from administrators to teachers—understand their specific responsibilities before an emergency occurs.
Leadership
Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening emergency management leadership within K-12 and higher education institutions. Their services are designed to elevate leadership capabilities by focusing on executive-level consulting to establish robust Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) that incorporate all-hazards risk assessments. Critically, IMS provides targeted leadership training for executives and incident managers, grounding them in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) principles necessary for effectively managing an Incident Management Team (IMT) or Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This guidance ensures that school and university leaders are not only prepared for a crisis on paper but are also proficient in the operational command and coordination required for a seamless and compliant emergency response.
Drills and Exercises
Incident Management Solutions (IMS) plays a crucial role in emergency management drills and exercises by ensuring K-12 and higher education institutions effectively validate their emergency plans and train personnel. IMS professionals design, develop, and facilitate a full spectrum of exercises, ranging from low-stress discussion-based tabletop exercises that test plan logic and clarify roles, to complex functional and full-scale exercises that simulate real-world events and activate the Incident Command System (ICS). Following these simulations, IMS evaluates performance, provides a detailed After-Action Report (AAR), and helps develop an Improvement Plan (IP), translating lessons learned into concrete steps to strengthen and refine the school's overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Clients Served
Incident Management Solutions has been serving K-12 and Higher Education since 1996.
Complimentary Consultation
There is no charge for us to discuss your matter with you and recommend a path forward.