1. National Legislation and Coordination Mechanisms
Expert Meeting on NMHSs’ Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Mechanisms and Early Warning Systems
Herbert White Dissemination Services Manager
National Weather Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
November 26, 2007

2. Outline The U.S. National Response Plan
Authorities and Mandates
Basic Tenets
Applicability
Key Issue: Opportunities through coordination mechanisms
Key Issue: Challenges in adopting and enforcing DRR legislations
Management System Key Components

3. The National Response Plan (NRP) Authorities and Mandate
The NRP:
Uses foundation provided by:
Stafford Act of 1979 as amended
Homeland Security Act
HS Presidential Directive 5
Establishes :
Federal coordination structures/mechanisms
Direction for incorporation of existing plans
Comprehensive, consistent approach to managing domestic incidents
Does NOT alter or impeded the ability of Federal agencies to carry out their specific authorities under applicable laws, Executive Orders, and directives

4. The National Response Plan
Basic tenets:
Builds on what works from previous plans and incident response
Addresses the complete spectrum of incident management activities
Uses the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to establish a framework for standardized coordination methods among Federal, state, local, tribal, non-governmental, and private-sector organizations

5. The National Response Plan
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, emergency, and terrorist incidents including threats
Other events of lesser severity requiring a coordinated Federal response

6. Key Issue Opportunities through coordination mechanisms.
Partnerships are essential to implement the following concepts for a safer world:
Make natural disaster reduction a public value
Emphasize pre-event mitigation
Improve real-time warning systems and supportive services
Identify means for financing mitigation
Improve information dissemination and access
Recognize that natural disaster reduction is a global issue

7. Key Issue Challenges in adopting and enforcing DRR legislations.
Overcoming complacency by:
Sharing the concepts with the rest of society
Expanding the circle of influence
Maintaining focus: Hazards are infrequent and cyclical

8. Management System Key Components

9. Collaboration, Partnerships and Coordination
A Safer Society
END