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The article reports that the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has updated its National Incident Management System (NIMS). The NIMS standardizes the protocols, processes and procedures used by every level of government to coordinate and conduct responses to an incident. Contact information fora free copy of the NIMS is provided.

The article highlights a study by the nonprofit organization Trust for America's Health which asserts that the United States' preparation for public health emergencies still has gaps. According to the study, the improvements in state preparedness are encouraging, but the job of preparing the country for major health emergencies is not nearly done.

The article reports on various U.S. government agencies that are offering over $3.5 billion in funding to states, territories and local governments for the development of a variety of homeland security and emergency preparedness. They include the $1.7 billion from the Department of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Grant Program and the $968 million in Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grants.

The article discusses a study from the Government Accountability Office that reveals that interagency coordination groups located in major cities in the U.S. are not being appropriately utilized in national emergency plans. Federal executive boards are designed to strengthen federal management practices and improve intergovernmental relations. The agency recommends that the boards be integrated in those national emergency plans.

Highlights the April 27, 2005 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office which suggests that additional action is needed, although federal and industry efforts to address security concerns at the nation's chemical plants are ongoing. Efforts to protect the nation since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; Unknown extent of security preparedness at chemical facilities; U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's comments on the serious gaps in preparations for major chemical releases that left Americans vulnerable.