WISER (Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders)
WISER is a system that was developed by by the National Library of Medicine and was designed to assist First Responders in hazardous material incidents.WISER provides a wide range of information on hazardous substances, including substance identification support, physical characteristics, and human health information, and containment and suppression guidance.
WISER also sends and receives information over the wide area wireless network, receiving new information from dispatch, HSDB, or other sources.
The WISER system concept is designed to work in a standalone or connected mode. The end user is preloaded with the most critical information. A wireless network sends new information between handhelds and routes requests for more information. If a wireless connection is not available, the handheld device still has full functionality with access to the critical local data available on the device.
Notification: Use your crisis plan’s notification list to ensure all of the communication chain is aware and know you are involved. Ensure your leadership is aware and know that you are involved.
Coordination: Contact local, state, federal partners now. If a potential criminal investigation, contact FBI now. Initiate alert notification and call extra communication staff. Connect with the EOC to make your presence known.
Media:
Be first: Provide a statement that your agency is aware of the emergency and is involved.
Be Credible: Give directions to media the whereabouts to get updates form your agency.
Be right: Start media monitoring for misinformation that must be corrected now.
Public: Use your initial media statement as first message to public. Give pre-cleared facts you have and refer them to other information sites. Remind them that your agency has a process in place to mitigate the crisis. Make important first phone calls, based on your plan.
Resources: Conduct the crisis risk assessment and implement assignments and hour of operation accordingly.
NIMS was developed to provide a consistent nationwide approach for all levels of government to work together to prepare for and respond to domestic incidents.
For more information about NIMS, please visit the NIMS Resource Center on FEMA's website or call the Fillmore County Emergency Management office at 507-765-4937.