06D1-00-Examine the Hurricane Katrina Case Study
National Response Framework (NRF) – FACT SHEET What Is the National Response Framework? The National Response Framework is a guide that details how the Nation conducts all-hazards response– from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. This document establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident response. The Fram ework identifies the key response principl es, as well as the roles and structures that organize national response. It describes how communities, States, the Federal Government and private-sector and nongovernmental partners apply these principles for a coordinated, effective national response. In addition, it describes special circumstances where the Federal Go vernment exercises a larger role, including incidents where Federal interests are involved and catastrophic incidents wh ere a State would require significant support. It lays the groundwork for first responders, decision-makers and supporting en tities to provide a unified national response.
In addition to releasing the NRF base document, the Em ergency Support Function Annexes and Support Annexes are available on-line at the NRF Resource Center ( www.fema.gov/nrf). The annexes are a total of 23 individual documents designed to provide concept of operations, procedures and stru ctures for achieving response directives for all partners in fulfilling their roles under the NRF.
Audiences The NRF is written especially for govern ment executives, private-sector business, and nongovernmental leaders and emergency management practitioners. The NRF’s clear, simple style makes the serious work of incident management understandable for newly elected or appointed governme nt officials, business executives, as well as seasoned practitioners. Ž The NRF is addressed to senior elected and appointed leaders, such as Federal department or agency heads, State governors, mayors, tribal leaders or city mana gers – those who have a responsibility to provide for effective emergency management.
Ž The NRF also informs emergency management practitioners, explaining the operating structures and tools used routinely by first responders and emergency managers at all levels of government.
Ž The NRF Resource Center (www.fema.gov/NRF ) is an important online reference center that provides stakeholders at all levels of government, the privat e sector and non-governmental organizations access to the NRF and supporting documents.
Identifies Response Doctrine The NRF retains the same core principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in which first responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines can work together more closely to effectively respond to natural disasters and emergencies, including acts of terrorism. Draws Focus on Preparedness The NRF is built on the following five principles:
Ž Engaged partnerships Ž Tiered response Ž Scalable, flexible and adaptable operational capabilities Ž Unity of effort through unified command Ž Readiness to act Effective preparedness is a critical precondition for successful response. Th e NRF encourages a higher level of readiness by drawing a sharper focus on the value of th e following preparedness activities: planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, and applying lessons learned. Mastery of these key functions supports unity of effort, and thus our ability to save lives, protect property, and meet basic human needs. Guides the Conduct of All-Hazards Response Through engaged partnerships with elected and appointed officials, dedicated emergency management practitioners, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector, and by applying common NIMS principles and response doctrine, government at all levels can respond more effec tively to incidents and better serve our communities and the nation.
