The five activation levels of NIMS
The NIMS activation level is the organizational structure required to coordinate the response. There are five activation levels, from least to most severe.
- TYPE 5 can be handled by the Incident Commander (IC) with one or two resources
- TYPE 4 incidents require more resources, such as mutual aid, but usually is resolved within one workshift
- TYPE 3 requires an expanded IC Structure, a written Action Plan and multiple work periods
- TYPE 2 local capacity is exceeded, has full IC Staffing but less than 500 people
- TYPE 1 National resources required
Most incidents in Cuyahoga County are type 5 or 4