"The resource typing protocol provided by the NIMS describes resources using category, kind, components, metrics, and type data. The following data definitions will be used: (1) Resource: For purposes of typing, resources consist of personnel, teams, facilities, supplies, and major items of equipment available for assignment to or use during incidents. Such resources may be used in tactical support or supervisory capacities at an incident site or EOC. Their descriptions include category, kind, components, metrics, and type. (2) Category: A category is the function for which a resource would be most useful.... (3) Kind: Kind refers to broad classes that characterize like resources, such as teams, personnel, equipment, supplies, vehicles, and aircraft. For example...urban search and rescue (US&R) teams consist of two 31- person teams, four canines, and a comprehensive equipment cache. The cache is divided into five separate, color-coded elements and is stored in containers that meet specific requirements. (4) Metrics: Metrics are measurement standards. The metrics used will differ depending on the kind of resource being typed. The mission envisioned determines the specific metric selected. The metric must be useful in describing a resourc's capability to support the mission. As an example, one metric for a disaster medical assistance team is the number of patients it can care for per day. Likewise, an appropriate metric for a hose might be the number of gallons of water per hour that can flow through it. Metrics should identify capability and/or capacity. (5) Type: Type refers to the level of resource capability. Assigning the Type I label to a resource implies that it has a greater level of capability than a Type II of the same resource (for example, due to its power, size, or capacity), and so on to Type IV. Typing provides managers with additional information to aid the selection and best use of resources. In some cases, a resource may have less than or more than four types; in such cases, either additional types will be identified, or the type will be described as "not applicable". The type assigned to a resource or a component is based on a minimum level of capability described by the identified metric(s) for that resource..." (DHS, NIMS, 2004, pp.121-124)