NIMS Activation Levels

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 is the most complex and requires national resources

Most incidents in Cuyahoga County are type 5 or 4

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