National Response Framework

National Response Framework
Name	National Response Framework
Type	FEMA doctrine
Jurisdiction	United States
Date created	January 2008
Date amended	October 2019 (4th Edition)
Supersedes	National Response Plan
Status	Active
Purpose	Guide national response to all disasters and emergencies
Agency	Department of Homeland Security
Website	https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/response

National Response Framework. The National Response Framework is a guide to how the United States conducts all-hazards response, from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. It is built on scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities across the nation. The framework describes specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from serious local events to large-scale terrorist attacks or major natural disasters.

Overview

The framework establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident response, providing the structure and mechanisms for national-level policy and operational coordination. It is one of five frameworks that comprise the National Preparedness System, alongside those for prevention, protection, mitigation, and recovery. The document is published and maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security. Its development and revisions are informed by lessons learned from events like Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks.

Core capabilities

The framework organizes response activities into a set of 14 core capabilities, which are distinct critical elements necessary for an effective response. These are grouped into three mission areas: Planning, Public Information and Warning, and Operational Coordination under the "Common" group; Mass Care Services, Logistics, and Search and Rescue under the "Response" group; and capabilities like Infrastructure Systems and Environmental Response under the "Cross-Cutting" group. These capabilities are designed to be delivered through the combined efforts of the whole community, including individuals, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and all levels of government.

Guiding principles

Key principles articulated in the framework include engaged partnership, tiered response, scalable operations, and unity of effort through unified command. A fundamental premise is that incidents are generally handled at the lowest possible jurisdictional level, with support from neighboring communities and the state, as outlined in the Stafford Act. The principle of a "whole community" approach emphasizes the role of individuals, faith-based organizations, and community groups. The framework also stresses the importance of resilience and the progressive nature of response, where actions build upon one another.

Roles and responsibilities

The framework delineates roles for local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal governments, as well as the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Local first responders and emergency managers have primary responsibility for initial response. State governments, through the office of the Governor, coordinate resources and can request a federal disaster declaration. At the federal level, the Secretary of Homeland Security is the principal federal official for domestic incident management, while FEMA administers the federal response support structure. Other key federal agencies include the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Red Cross.

Relationship to other plans

The framework is part of a larger interconnected system of national planning doctrine. It works in concert with the National Incident Management System, which provides the template for managing incidents. It is also aligned with the National Preparedness Goal and integrates with other federal operations plans like the Federal Interagency Operational Plans. Furthermore, it must be consistent with international agreements and plans such as those coordinated through the North American Aerospace Defense Command or under the auspices of the United Nations.

Implementation and coordination

Implementation occurs through ongoing coordination, training, and exercises at all levels of government and with private partners. The framework is activated for actual incidents through established protocols, often beginning with the activation of a local Emergency Operations Center. Coordination across jurisdictions is facilitated by mechanisms like Emergency Support Function annexes and multi-agency coordination centers. The National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. serves as the primary federal hub. Continuous improvement is driven by after-action reports from events like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Category:Emergency management in the United States Category:United States Department of Homeland Security Category:Disaster preparedness in the United States