NIMS and Use of Plain Language 

 

The use of plain language in emergency response is a matter of public safety, especially the 
safety of first responders and those affected by the incident. It is critical that all local responders, 
as well as those coming into the impacted area from other jurisdictions and other states as well as 
the federal government, know and utilize commonly established operational structures, 
terminology, policies and procedures. This is what NIMS and the Incident Command System 
(ICS) are all about—achieving interoperability across agencies, jurisdictions and disciplines. 

 

To further assist with plain language implementation, DHS released the Plain Language Guide – 
Making the Transition from Ten Codes to Plain Language in July 2008. The guide represents a 
first step in a DHS’ long-term commitment to help jurisdictions move towards the adoption of 
plain language. It assists emergency responders in making the transition from the use of “10-
codes” to “plain language” during radio communication by explaining how plain language 
improves interoperability between agencies, explains the value in using plain language, and 
provides advice regarding the efforts, resources, and key actions to implement plain language in 
a State, territory, region, or agency. Developed with emergency responder input, the guide 
provides a four-phased approach to the transition process, as well as best practices and lessons 
learned from related efforts. 

 

The Plain Language Guide – Making the Transition from Ten Codes to Plain Language is 
available at www.safecomprogram.gov under “highlights”. We are currently collecting 
additional lessons learned or proven practices for transitioning to plain language. If you have 
related information you would like to share, please contact the Office of Emergency 
Communications at oec@hq.dhs.gov. 

 

Additional background: While the NIMS Integration Center does not require plain language for 
internal operations, it strongly encourages it, as it is important to practice every day terminology 
and procedures that will need to be used in emergency incidents and disasters. It is required that 
plain language be used for multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction and multi-discipline events, such as 
major disasters and exercises. Beginning in FY 2006, federal preparedness grant funding was 
contingent on the use of plain language in incidents requiring assistance from responders from 
other agencies, jurisdictions, and functional disciplines. Accordingly, the use of 10-codes in daily 
operations did not result in the loss of federal preparedness funds. The importance of using plain 
language was further documented in the National Emergency Communications Plan 
(http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/natlemergencycommplan/) and noted as an 
FY2008 Compliance Objective of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 

 

This alert replaces the NIMS and Plain Language Alert issued on December 19, 2006. 

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