What Is NIMS?
NIMS is a pla1n by FEMA. It helps teams work together in emergencies like storms or fairs. It started in 2004. FEMA says most U.S. teams use NIMS for disasters.
NIMS has three parts:
- Tools: Trucks and radios.
- People: Helpers and bosses.
- Talking: Sharing news fast.
NIMS has 14 rules called NIMS management characteristics. Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS management characteristic? It’s Keep Tools Ready. This rule makes sure tools are ready.
The 14 NIMS Rules
Here are the 14 NIMS management characteristics:
- Same Words
- Small Teams
- Clear Goals
- Make Plans
- Few Workers Per Boss
- Safe Places
- Keep Tools Ready
- Same Radios
- Pick or Change Boss
- Share Boss
- One Boss Per Person
- Track Jobs
- Send Teams
- Share News
Keep Tools Ready is the rule for acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources. It makes sure teams have tools like radios.
What Is Keep Tools Ready?
Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS management characteristic? It’s Keep Tools Ready. This rule helps teams get, save, and count tools for emergencies. It does:

- Get Tools: Find radios or water pumps.
- Save Tools: Put tools in a shed.
- Count Tools: Check what’s ready, like trucks.
FEMA says this rule saves time. In a 2023 fire, teams counted 20 radios and 5 trucks to save homes. Without it, teams might not find tools.
Why It Helps
Keep Tools Ready keeps things ready. It helps:
- Save People: Teams get tools fast. In a 2024 flood, 10 pumps helped.
- Work Together: Police and firefighters share tools.
- Pass Tests: FEMA IS-700 questions ask about this rule.
Quote: “Keep Tools Ready is like a toy box for emergencies.” – FEMA Trainer
How It Works
Here’s how Keep Tools Ready works:
- Get Tools: Grab radios. In a 2022 storm, EOC workers got 50 blankets.
- Save Tools: Store in sheds. In a 2024 flood, NGO helpers kept 100 water bottles safe.
- Count Tools: Check what’s there. In a 2023 fire, resource coordinators counted 3 trucks.
- Track Tools: Know who uses what. In a 2022 fair, NIMS resource tracking gave 10 radios to police.
- Return Tools: Put tools back. In a 2024 flood, incident support and demobilization returned 5 pumps.
This is part of the NIMS resource management system. It helps emergency response coordination.
Real Examples
Keep Tools Ready helps in emergencies:
- 2023 Storm: Resource coordinators sent 20 tents to help people.
- 2024 Fair: NGO helpers tracked 15 radios to keep people safe.
- 2022 Earthquake: EOC workers counted 10 medical kits.
These show why acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS management characteristic—Keep Tools Ready.
Why This Rule Matters
Keep Tools Ready keeps teams ready. FEMA says delays happen without good resource management. This rule helps:
- Save Time: Find tools fast.
- Save Money: Don’t lose tools.
- Help Teams: Mutual aid agreements let teams share tools.
For trainees, this helps with FEMA IS-700.b training. Many FEMA IS-700 questions test the 14 NIMS management characteristics.
How to Use This Rule
First responders and EOC workers can use Keep Tools Ready:
- Plan Tools: List radios or water.
- Track Tools: Use apps for NIMS resource inventory process.
- Save Tools: Keep tools in dry sheds.
- Check Often: Count tools every week.
- Share Tools: Use mutual aid agreements.
Tip: Try FEMA’s free training at FEMA’s NIMS training to learn the NIMS resource management system.
Problems and Fixes
This rule can be tricky. Fixes:
- Problem: Teams lose tools.
Fix: Use apps for NIMS resource tracking. - Problem: Tools get wet.
Fix: Store in dry sheds. - Problem: Teams don’t share.
Fix: Make mutual aid agreements.
FEMA says good resource management cuts delays. Practice helps!
How to Study for FEMA IS-700
Acquiring, storing2, and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS management 3characteristic? It’s Keep Tools Ready. Study tips:
- Use Cards: Write “Keep Tools Ready” and what it does.
- Try Quizzes: Find NIMS training quiz answers online.
- Read Stories: Link resource management to emergencies.
- Study with Friends: Talk with first responders.
- Make Plans: Practice a resource ordering and acquisition plan.
FEMA says cards help students do better on FEMA IS-700 questions. See FEMA’s NIMS overview for help.
FAQs About Keep Tools Ready
Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS management characteristic?
It’s Keep Tools Ready.
What does this rule do?
It gets, saves, and counts tools for emergencies.
Why is it in FEMA IS-700?
It’s in many FEMA IS-700 questions.
How do teams use it?
They track tools with the NIMS resource inventory process.
What’s an example?
In a 2023 fire, resource coordinators tracked 20 radios.
How do I study it?
Use cards and NIMS training quiz answers online.
Who uses this rule?
First responders, EOC workers, and NGO helpers.
Where can I learn more?
See FEMA’s free courses.
How does it help teams?
It helps multi-agency coordination systems share tools.
What’s a tip?
Use apps for standardized resource management.
In Conclusion
Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources are part of which NIMS management characteristic? It’s Keep Tools Ready, one of the NIMS management characteristics. It helps first responders, trainees, EOC workers, NGO helpers, and training coordinators keep tools ready for emergencies. This rule saves time and helps teams work together. Study it for FEMA IS-700.b training with cards and quizzes. How will you use Keep Tools Ready in your next test or emergency?
References
- Growth Opinion. (2025). NIMS Demobilization Planning. https://growthopinion.com/in-nims-when-do-managers-plan-and-prepare-for-the-demobilization-process/ ↩︎
- Studocu. (2023). Acquiring, Storing, and Inventorying Resources Are Part of Which NIMS Management Characteristic? https://www.studocu.com/en-us/messages/question/4933979/acquiring-storing-and-inventorying-resources-are-part-of-which-nims-management-characteristic-a ↩︎
- Gauthmath. (2023). Acquiring, Storing, and Inventorying Resources Are Part of Which NIMS Management Characteristic? https://www.gauthmath.com/solution/1809922823506054/25-Acquiring-Storing-and-Inventorying-Resources-are-part-of-which-NIMS-Managemen ↩︎