FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heather B. Habelka, Office of the Mayor, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Attends Nims Compliance Seminar For Chief Elected Officials 

Stratford, Conn. (February 21, 2006) – Mayor James R. Miron today attended the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance Seminar for Chief Elected Officials.

NIMS is a nationwide template to enable all government, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. NIMS was developed so responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines can work together better to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, including acts of terrorism. NIMS benefits include a unified approach to incident management; standard command and management structures; and emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid and resource management.

The seminar explained the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS. The course also contained "Planning Activity" screens to give Chief Elected Officials the opportunity to complete planning tasks during the course.

“While most emergency situations are handled locally, our community may face a major incident where help may be needed from other jurisdictions, including the state and the federal governments,” said Mayor Miron, “The information discussed today will be critical in streamlining Stratford’s approach to such situations concerning public health and safety.”

# # #