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National Response Framework

Introducing ...
National Response
Framework
January 2008
NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK
What Is the National Response Framework?
The National Response Framework 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.
This important document establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident response.
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. It also identifies special circumstances where the Federal
Government exercises a larger role, including incidents where Federal interests are involved and catastrophic incidents
where a State would require significant support. The Framework enables first responders, decisionmakers, and supporting
entities to provide a unified national response.
How Did the Framework Evolve?
In recent years, our Nation has faced an unprecedented series of disasters and emergencies, and as a result our national
response structures have evolved and improved to meet these threats. The National Response Framework reflects those
improvements and replaces the former National Response Plan (NRP).
This Framework represents a natural evolution of the national response architecture. Although the NRP was originally called
a plan, it was actually a framework written to guide the integration of local, tribal, State, and Federal response efforts. By
adopting the term “framework” within the title, this document is now more accurately aligned with its intended purpose.
Who Needs To Know About This Framework?
The Framework is written for senior elected and appointed leaders, such as Federal department or agency heads, Governors,
mayors, tribal leaders, and city or county officials – those who have a responsibility to provide an effective response to
preserve the safety and welfare of the community.
At the same time, the Framework informs emergency management practitioners, explaining the operating structures and
systems used routinely by first responders and emergency managers at all levels of government.
The Framework document is augmented with online access to supporting documents, further training, and an evolving
resource for exchanging lessons learned.
An effective, unified national response requires layered, mutually
supporting capabilities.
The Framework systematically incorporates public-sector agencies
at all levels, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs). It also emphasizes the importance of personal preparedness
by individuals and households.
Sharing Resources and Best Practices
Looking for additional information?
The National Response Framework (NRF) Resource Center provides ready access to information and tools needed for all response
partners to fulfill their roles under the Framework.
Key Documents
n National Response Framework
(NRF): Delineates our
Nation’s response doctrine,
responsibilities, and
structures.
References
n National Incident Management
System (NIMS): Establishes
n Authorities and References
a systematic approach
n Stafford Act Support
for managing incidents
Overview
nationwide.
n Federal-to-Federal Support
n ESF, Support, and Incident Annexes:
Overview
Provide concept of operations,
n Task Books/Position
procedures, and structures for
Descriptions
achieving response objectives.
n Standard Operating
n National Strategy for Homeland
Procedures
Security: Reflects the National
Preparedness Guidelines, which
n Glossary of Terms/Acronyms
include the National Planning
n Additional Links
Scenarios.
n Response Partner Guides: Provide
a ready reference of key roles
and actions for local, tribal,
State, Federal, and private-
Learning Resources
sector response partners.
n Job Aids
n Training Courses
n Online Videos
Comprehensive Information With Just One Click
http://www.fema.gov/NRF
A Framework for Sharpening National Response
The National Response Framework is a guide
Response Doctrine: Key Principles
to how the Nation conducts all-hazards
response.
n Engaged Partnership. Leaders at all levels must communicate and
Guided by the input and help of many
actively support engaged partnerships by developing shared goals and
hundreds of stakeholders, the Framework
aligning capabilities so that no one is overwhelmed in times of crisis.
represents a natural evolution of the na­
n Tiered Response. Incidents must be managed at the lowest possible
tional response architecture. Specifically,
jurisdictional level and supported by additional capabilities when
the Framework:
needed.
n Scalable, Flexible, and Adaptable Operational Capabilities. As
• Reflects lessons learned and defines the
incidents change in size, scope, and complexity, the response must
core principles for managing incidents.
adapt to meet requirements.
• Broadens the focus from a purely Federal
n Unity of Effort Through Unified Command. Effective unified
plan to one that is truly national.
command is indispensable to response activities and requires a clear
understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each participating
• Methodically describes the who, what,
organization.
and how of emergency preparedness and
response.
n Readiness To Act. Effective response requires readiness to act
balanced with an understanding of risk. From individuals, households,
• Articulates the five key principles of
and communities to local, tribal, State, and Federal governments,
response doctrine.
national response depends on the instinct and ability to act.
National Response Framework Components
The Framework’s clear, simple writing style makes the serious work of incident management understandable for government
and business executives as well as emergency management practitioners. The Framework is structured as follows:
Sharpens the focus on who is involved with emergency management activities at the local, tribal,
Chapter I:
Roles and
State, and Federal levels and with the private sector and NGOs.
Responsibilities
Describes what we as a Nation collectively do to respond to incidents.
Chapter II:
Response
Actions
Chapter III:
Explains how we as a Nation are organized to implement response actions.
Response
Organization
Emphasizes the importance of planning and summarizes the elements of
Chapter IV:
Planning
national planning structures.
Summarizes the content and plan for the online NRF Resource Center.
Chapter V:
Additional
Resources