INTRODUCTION
January 2008 National Response Framework Page 5
It is important that each level of government adapt and apply the general roles
outlined in the Framework. To do this, organizations should define key leadership and
staff functions, adopt capabilities-based planning as the method to build response
capabilities, and impose the discipline needed to plan and operate effectively. Partner
Guides that summarize core Framework concepts and are tailored specifically to leaders at
different levels and types of organizations are provided through the online NRF Resource
Center.
Even when a community is overwhelmed by an incident, there is still a core, sovereign
responsibility to be exercised at this local level, with unique response obligations to
coordinate with State, Federal, and private-sector support teams. Each organization or
level of government therefore has an imperative to fund and execute its own core
emergency management responsibilities.
Below is a brief summary of emergency management roles at the local, tribal, State, and
Federal levels, as well as the roles of private-sector organizations. Emergency management
is the coordination and integration of all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve
the capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against
threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other manmade disasters.
Local Governments. Resilient communities begin with prepared individuals and
depend on the leadership and engagement of local government, NGOs, and the
private sector. Individuals, families, and caregivers to those with special needs should
enhance their awareness of risk and threats, develop household emergency plans that
include care for pets and service animals, and prepare emergency supply kits.
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Individuals
can also volunteer in their communities.
Local police, fire, emergency medical services, public health and medical providers,
emergency management, public works, environmental response professionals, and others in
the community are often the first to detect a threat or hazard, or respond to an incident.
They also are often the last to leave an incident site or otherwise to cope with the effects of
an incident. The local senior elected or appointed official (the mayor, city manager, or
county manager) is responsible for ensuring the public safety and welfare of residents. In
today’s world, senior officials and their emergency managers build the foundation for an
effective response. They organize and integrate their capabilities and resources with
neighboring jurisdictions, the State, NGOs, and the private sector. Increasingly, businesses
are vital partners within communities wherever retail locations, service sites, manufacturing
facilities, or management offices are located. NGOs and not-for-profit organizations also
play a key role in strengthening communities’ response efforts through their knowledge of
hard-to-reach populations, outreach, and services.
States, Territories, and Tribal Governments. States, territories, and tribal
governments have responsibility for the public health and welfare of the people in
their jurisdiction. State and local governments are closest to those impacted by
incidents, and have always had the lead in response and recovery. During response, States
play a key role coordinating resources and capabilities throughout the State and obtaining
resources and capabilities from other States. States are sovereign entities, and the
Governor has responsibility for public safety and welfare. While U.S. territories,
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More information on preparing a household emergency plan is available at http://www.ready.gov.