Introduction to: National Response Plan (NRP) Updated Based on Notice of Change to the NRP, May 25, 2006

The National Response Plan (NRP) Builds on what works from previous plans and incident response Forges new approaches and mechanisms to address today’s threats Addresses the complete spectrum of incident management activities Uses the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to establish a framework for coordination among Federal, State, local, tribal, nongovernmental, and private-sector organizations

The Mandate Homeland Security Act of 2002 and HSPD-5 required a comprehensive national approach to domestic incident management through the development of: National Incident Management System (NIMS): Standardizes incident management processes, protocols, and procedures for use by all responders National Response Plan (NRP): Establishes . . . Federal coordination structures/mechanisms Direction for incorporation of existing plans Consistent approach to managing incidents

Relationship: NIMS and NRP Aligns command, control, organization structure, terminology, communication protocols, & resources/resource-typing Used for all events Resources Knowledge Federal Response or Support NRP Integrates & applies Federal resources, knowledge, & abilities before, during, & after an incident Implemented for incidents requiring Federal coordination Abilities State Response or Support Local Response Incident

NRP Premises The NRP is based on the following premises: Incidents are typically managed at the lowest possible geographic, organizational, and jurisdictional level Incident management activities are initiated and conducted using the principles contained in the NIMS

Existing Authorities The NRP: Uses the foundation provided by the Homeland Security Act, HSPD-5, and the Stafford Act to provide a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to domestic incident management Does NOT alter or impede the ability of Federal agencies to carry out their specific authorities under applicable laws, Executive orders, and directives

The NRP Is Always in Effect NRP coordination mechanisms are flexible and scalable Activation levels range in scope and may include: Full NRP Implementation NRP Incident Annex Implementation Activation Levels Ongoing Situation Monitoring & Reporting

NRP Applicability The NRP applies to all Federal departments and agencies that have primary jurisdiction for or participate in operations requiring a Federal response, including: Major disasters, emergencies, and terrorist incidents including threats Other events of lesser severity requiring a coordinated Federal response

Incidents of National Significance The NRP distinguishes between: Incidents that require the Secretary of Homeland Security to manage the Federal response, termed Incidents of National Significance, and The majority of incidents occurring each year that are handled by responsible jurisdictions or agencies DHS Secretary must declare an event as an Incident of National Significance

Incidents of National Significance Considerations for declaring Incidents of National Significance: 1. A Federal department or agency, responding under its own authorities, requests DHS assistance 2. Resources of State and local authorities are overwhelmed Stafford Act major disasters or emergencies Other catastrophic incidents 3. More than one Federal department or agency is involved Credible threats or indications of imminent terrorist attack Threats/incidents related to high-profile, large-scale events 4. The President directs DHS to assume responsibility for incident management

Incidents of Lesser Severity Incidents requiring a Federal response that are of lesser severity than an Incident of National Significance: Are managed by the Federal department/agency with jurisdictional authority May be managed using the NRP framework and annexes

Proactive Federal Response In the case of a catastrophic incident . . . Primary mission is to: Save lives Protect critical infrastructure, property, and the environment Contain the event Preserve national security Standard assistance-request procedures may be expedited or suspended * Selected Federal response resources will mobilize, deploy, and begin necessary operations Notification/full coordination with States will occur, but the coordination will not delay rapid deployment

Federal-to-Federal Support A Federal entity with primary responsibility and statutory authority for an incident that needs support or assistance beyond its normal operations may request DHS coordination and facilitation through the NRP Generally, this support is funded by the Federal entity with primary responsibility and statutory authority for the incident, according to the Economy Act, unless other statutory authorities exist

NRP: The Full Spectrum of Incident Management Pre-Incident Incident Post-Incident Prevention Preparedness Response Recovery Mitigation

Incident Management Prevention: Actions taken to avoid an incident or to intervene to stop an incident from occurring Response: Activities that build, sustain, and improve the operational capability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents Recovery: Post-disaster activities that help return property to normal conditions Mitigation: Activities designed to reduce or eliminate risks to persons or property or to lessen the actual or potential effects or consequences of an incident

NRP Structure Base Plan Describes the domestic incident management structures and processes Appendixes Include acronyms, definitions, authorities, and a compendium of national interagency plans Emergency Support Function Annexes Describe the structures and responsibilities for coordinating incident resource support Support Annexes Provide guidance for the functional processes and administrative requirements Incident Annexes Address contingency or hazard situations requiring specialized application of the NRP

Unit Summary In summary, the NRP: Establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident management across a spectrum of activities including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery Is predicated on the National Incident Management System, or NIMS Provides the structure and mechanisms for national-level policy and operational direction for domestic incident management for all hazards Does not alter or impede the ability of Federal, State, local, or tribal departments and agencies to carry out their specific authorities or perform their responsibilities under all applicable laws, Executive orders, and directives

Resources Web: http://www.dhs.gov/nationalresponseplan

Resources Web: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims

Resources Web: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/index.htm