Fluent Essays

Group One - Questions 1,3 and 4.1. FEMA lists 15 functions in its Emergency Management Exercise Reporting System. FEMA defines a function as “an action or operation required in emergency response or recovery.” Any or all of those may be the primary or secondary focus of an exercise. Heres where we get to have some fun. Find your name below for your ESF assignment. Describe how your function would be used in a response. Again, feel free to draw from personal experience if you would like. Here is the list:Nicki will do Transportation.3. Envision an imaginary emergency operations plan for a small rural hospital ‘Anywhere General.”As the new disaster planner for AG, Administration has asked you to review that plan and make recommendations for change.Using the knowledge you gained during Foundations in emergency management course, write a brief (250-500 words) summary of that fictional plan. That summary - which you should address to AGs Board of Directors and CEO - should include parts of the plan you think are adequate and areas you think should be modified. Consider HICS.4. I will do Four! fema_emergency_support_functions.pdf nd_week_black_board_tasks.docx Unformatted Attachment Preview January 2008 National Response Framework: Overview Page i This document was developed expressly for emergency management practitioners as an overview of the process, roles, and responsibilities for requesting and providing all forms of Federal assistance. This overview also presents a summary of each of the 15 Emergency Support Function Annexes and 8 Support Annexes including their purpose, capabilities, membership, and concept of operations. The complete annexes are contained in the online NRF Resource Center. For further information on how the Nation conducts incident response, refer to the National Response Framework. January 2008 National Response Framework: Overview Page i Intentionally Left Blank Page ii National Response Framework: Overview January 2008 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 1 KEY PLAYERS ......................................................................................................... 2 Local Governments Tribal Governments State Governments Federal Government Nongovernmental Organizations Private Sector FEDERAL ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................. 4 Federal Support to States Federal-to-Federal Support REFERENCE TABS Emergency Support Function (ESF) Annex Summaries.......................................9 Introduction .................................................................................................11 ESF #1 - Transportation...............................................................................13 ESF #2 - Communications ............................................................................15 ESF #3 - Public Works and Engineering ..........................................................17 ESF #4 - Firefighting ...................................................................................19 ESF #5 - Emergency Management .................................................................21 ESF #6 - Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services .........23 ESF #7 - Logistics Management and Resource Support .....................................25 ESF #8 - Public Health and Medical Services ...................................................27 ESF #9 - Search and Rescue.........................................................................29 ESF #10 - Oil and Hazardous Materials Response...............................................31 ESF #11 - Agriculture and Natural Resources ....................................................33 ESF #12 - Energy .........................................................................................35 ESF #13 - Public Safety and Security ...............................................................37 ESF #14 - Long-Term Community Recovery .....................................................39 ESF #15 - External Affairs ..............................................................................41 Support Annex Summaries ...............................................................................43 Introduction .................................................................................................45 Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources .........................................................47 Financial Management ...................................................................................49 International Coordination ..............................................................................51 Private-Sector Coordination ............................................................................53 Public Affairs ................................................................................................55 Tribal Relations .............................................................................................57 Volunteer and Donations Management .............................................................59 Worker Safety and Health ..............................................................................61 January 2008 National Response Framework: Overview Page iii Intentionally Left Blank Page iv National Response Framework: Overview January 2008 INTRODUCTION The National Response Framework (NRF) presents the guiding principles that enable all response partners to prepare for and provide a unified national response to disasters and emergencies – from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. The Framework defines the key principles, roles, and structures that organize the way we respond as a Nation. It describes how communities, tribes, States, the Federal Government, and private-sector and nongovernmental partners apply these principles for a coordinated, effective national response. The National Response Framework is always in effect, and elements can be implemented at any level at any time. This Overview supports and provides additional guidance concerning the Framework. In particular, this document focuses on the essential processes for requesting and receiving Federal assistance and summarizes the key response capabilities and essential support elements provided through the Emergency Support Function (ESF) Annexes and Support Annexes. The Overview includes the following topics: 1. Key Players: Organizations and entities that may either need assistance or provide assistance 2. Federal Assistance: Descriptions of the processes for requesting and obtaining Federal assistance in support of States, tribes, local jurisdictions, and other Federal partners 3. Emergency Support Function Annexes: Summaries of the 15 ESF Annexes, which group Federal resources and capabilities into functional areas to serve as the primary mechanisms for providing assistance at the operational level 4. Support Annexes: Summaries of the 8 Support Annexes, which describe essential supporting aspects that are common to all incidents The Framework also includes Incident Annexes that address specific categories of contingencies or hazard situations requiring specialized application of Framework mechanisms. The Incident Annexes are not directly addressed or summarized in this support document. Readers should review the Incident Annexes on the NRF Resource Center, http://www.fema.gov/NRF. Details relating to requesting and receiving assistance, as well as the authorities under which assistance is provided, are available on the NRF Resource Center. Response Partner Guides, information on Stafford Act and non-Stafford Act assistance, all annexes, and a listing of legal authorities are available on this Web site. January 2008 National Response Framework: Overview Page 1 KEY PLAYERS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Local governments (counties, cities, or towns) respond to emergencies daily using their own resources. They also rely on mutual aid and assistance agreements with neighboring jurisdictions when they need additional resources. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides information on mutual aid and assistance agreements. When local jurisdictions cannot meet incident response resource needs with their own resources or with help available from other local jurisdictions, they may ask the State for assistance. TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS Tribal governments respond to the same range of emergencies and disasters that other jurisdictions face. They may require assistance from neighboring jurisdictions under mutual aid and assistance agreements and may provide assistance as well. The United States has a trust relationship with Indian tribes and recognizes their right to self-government. As such, tribal governments are responsible for coordinating resources to address actual or potential incidents. When local resources are not adequate, tribal leaders seek assistance from States or the Federal Government. For certain types of Federal assistance, tribal governments work with the State, but as sovereign entities they can also elect to deal directly with the Federal Government for other types of assistance. In order to obtain Federal assistance via the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), the State Governor must request a Presidential declaration on behalf of a tribe. STATE GOVERNMENTS The State helps local governments if they need assistance. States have significant resources of their own, including emergency management and homeland security agencies, State police, health agencies, transportation agencies, incident management teams, specialized teams, and the National Guard. If additional resources are required, the State may request assistance from other States through interstate mutual aid and assistance agreements such as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Administered by the National Emergency Management Association, EMAC is a congressionally ratified organization that provides form and structure to the interstate mutual aid and assistance process. 1 If an incident is beyond the local and State capabilities, the Governor can seek Federal assistance. The State will collaborate with the impacted communities and the Federal Government to provide the help needed. 1 For more detail about EMAC, see http://www.emacweb.org/. Page 2 National Response Framework: Overview January 2008 KEY PLAYERS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The Federal Government maintains a wide array of capabilities and resources that can assist State governments in responding to incidents. Federal departments and agencies provide this assistance using processes outlined later in this document. In addition, Federal departments and agencies may also request and receive help from other Federal departments and agencies. NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS Nongovernmental and voluntary organizations are essential partners in responding to incidents. Working through emergency operations centers and other structures, nongovernmental and voluntary organizations assist local, tribal, State, and Federal governments in providing sheltering, emergency food supplies, counseling services, and other vital support services to support response and promote the recovery of disaster victims. These groups often provide specialized services that help individuals with special needs, including those with disabilities. To engage these key partners most effectively, local, tribal, State, and Federal governments coordinate with voluntary agencies, existing Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs), community and faith-based organizations, and other entities to develop plans to manage volunteer services and donated goods, establish appropriate roles and responsibilities, and train and exercise plans and procedures before an incident occurs. PRIVATE SECTOR Forming the foundation for the health of the Nation’s economy, the private sector is a key partner in local, tribal, State, and Federal incident management activities. The private sector is responsible for most of the critical infrastructure and key resources in the Nation and thus may require assistance in the wake of a disaster or emergency. They also provide goods and services critical to the response and recovery process, either on a paid basis or through donations. January 2008 National Response Framework: Overview Page 3 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Federal disaster assistance is often thought of as synonymous with Presidential declarations and the Stafford Act. The fact is that Federal assistance can be provided to State, tribal, and local jurisdictions, and to other Federal departments and agencies, in a number of different ways through various mechanisms and authorities. Federal assistance does not always require coordination by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and may be provided without a Presidential major disaster or emergency declaration. Federal assistance for incidents that do not require DHS coordination may be led by other Federal departments and agencies consistent with their authorities. The Secretary of Homeland Security may monitor such incidents and may activate Framework mechanisms to provide support to departments and agencies without assuming overall leadership for the Federal response to the incident. FEDERAL SUPPORT TO STATES STAFFORD ACT Federal support to States and local jurisdictions takes many forms. The most widely known authority under which assistance is provided for major incidents is the Stafford Act. When an incident occurs that exceeds or is anticipated to exceed local, tribal, or State resources, the Governor can request Federal assistance under the Stafford Act. The Stafford Act authorizes the President to provide financial and other assistance to State and local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations, and individuals to support response, recovery, and mitigation efforts following Presidential emergency or major disaster declarations. Most incidents are not of sufficient magnitude to warrant a Presidential declaration. However, if State and local resources are insufficient, a Governor may ask the President to make such a declaration. Before making a declaration request, the Governor must activate the State’s emergency plan and ensure that all appropriate State and local actions have been taken or initiated, including but not limited to: Surveying the affected areas to determine the extent of private and public damage. Conducting joint preliminary damage assessments with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials to estimate the types and extent of Federal disaster assistance required. Ordinarily, only the Governor can initiate a request for a Presidential emergency or major disaster declaration. In extraordinary circumstances, the President may unilaterally make such a declaration. The Governor’s request is made through the FEMA Regional Administrator and based on a finding that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and that Federal assistance is necessary. Page 4 National Response Framework: Overview January 2008 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE The Governor’s request includes: Information on the extent and nature of State resources that have been or will be used to address the consequences of the disaster. A certification by the Governor that State and local governments will assume all applicable non-Federal costs required by the Stafford Act. An estimate of the types and amounts of supplementary Federal assistance required. Designation of the State Coordinating Officer. The FEMA Regional Administrator evaluates the damage and requirements for Federal assistance and makes a recommendation to the FEMA Administrator. The FEMA Administrator, acting through the Secretary of Homeland Security, then recommends a course of action to the President. The Governor, appropriate Members of Congress, and Federal departments and agencies are immediately notified of a Presidential declaration. Figure 1. Overview of Stafford Act Support to States January 2008 National Response Framework: Overview Page 5 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE NON-STAFFORD FEDERAL SUPPORT TO STATE AND LOCAL JURISDICTIONS While the Stafford Act is the most familiar mechanism by which the Federal Government may provide support to State, tribal, and local governments, it is not the only one. Often, Federal assistance does not require coordination by DHS and can be provided without a Presidential major disaster or emergency declaration. In these instances, Federal departments and agencies provide assistance to States, as well as directly to tribes and local jurisdictions, consistent with their own authorities. For example, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, local and tribal governments can request assistance directly from the Environmental Protection Agency and/or the U.S. Coast Guard. This support is typically coordinated by the Federal agency with primary jurisdiction rather than DHS. The Secretary of Homeland Security may monitor such incidents and may, as requested, activate Framework mechanisms to support Federal departments and agencies without assuming overall leadership for the incident. NATIONAL DEFENSE AND DEFENSE SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES The primary mission of the Department of Defense (DOD) and its components is national defense. Because of this critical role, resources are committed after approval by the Secretary of Defense or at the direction of the President. Many DOD components and agencies are authorized to respond to save lives, protect property and the environment, and mitigate human suffering under imminently serious conditions, as well as to provide support under their separate established authorities, as appropriate. The provision of defense support is evaluated by its legality, lethality, risk, cost, appropriateness, and impact on readiness. When Federal military and civilian personnel and resources are authorized to support civil authorities, command of those forces will remain with the Secretary of Defense. DOD elements in the incident area of operations and National Guard forces under the command of a Governor will coordinate closely with response organizations at all levels. In rare circumstances, the President can federalize National Guard forces for domestic duties under Title 10 (e.g., in cases of invasion by a foreign nation, rebellion against the authority of the United States, or where the President is unable to execute the laws of the United States with regular forces (10 U.S.C. 12406)). When mobilized under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the forces are no longer under the command of the Governor. Instead, DOD assumes full responsibility for all aspects of the deployment, including command and control over National Guard forces. Page 6 National Response Framework: Overview January 2008 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE Each State has jurisdiction for enforcement of State laws, using State and local resources, including the National Guard (to the extent that the National Guard remains under State authority and has not been called into Federal service or ordered to active duty). State governments may request Federal law enforcement assistance under the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Act without a Presidential emergency or major disaster declaration. In addition, Federal agencies may request public safety and security or general law enforcement support from another Federal agency during a large-scale incident. The ESF #13 – Public Safety and Security Annex provides further guidance on the integration of public safety and security resources to support the full range of incident management functions. FEDERAL-TO-FEDERAL SUPPORT INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS Federal departments and agencies routinely manage the response to incidents under their statutory or executive authorities. For example, the Department of Agriculture/Forest Service and various agencies of the Department of the Interior conduct wildland firefighting activities under existing memorandums of agreement (MOAs) with other Federal, State, and local entities. These types of responses do not require DHS coordination and are led by the Federal entity with primary jurisdiction. In these instances, the Secretary of Homeland Security may monitor such incidents and may, as requested, activate Framework mechanisms to provide support to departments and agencies without assuming overall leadership for the incident. FEDERAL-TO-FEDERAL SUPPORT COORDINATED BY DHS When a Federal entity with primary responsibility and authority for handling an incident requires Federal assistance above and beyond its interagency mechanisms (e.g., Executive orders, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), MOAs, etc.), that department or agency can request additional Federal assistance through DHS. When this happens, this support is: Coordinated by DHS using the multiagency coordination structures est ... Purchase answer to see full attachment