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CONCEPT OF
OPERATIONS
A.
General
Local and State responders handle most disasters and
emergencies. The Federal Government is called upon to provide
supplemental assistance when the consequences of a disaster
exceed local and State capabilities. If required, the
Federal Government can mobilize an array of resources to support
State and local efforts. Various emergency teams, support
personnel, specialized equipment, operating facilities,
assistance programmes, and access to private sector resources
constitute the overall Federal disaster operations' system. The
NDRP describes the major components of the system, as well as
the structure for coordinating Federal response and recovery
actions necessary to address State-identified
requirements and priorities.
The NDRP employs a multi-agency operational structure that
uses the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS), based
on a model adopted by the fire and rescue community. ICS can be
used in any size or level of disaster to control response
personnel, facilities, and equipment. ICS principles include use
of common terminology, modular organization, integrated
communications, unified command structure, action planning,
manageable span-of-control, pre-designated facilities, and
comprehensive resource management. The basic functional modules
of ICS (e.g., operations, logistics) can be expanded or
contracted to meet requirements as an
event progresses.
Consistent with ICS principles, the NDRP can be partially or
fully implemented, in anticipation of a significant event or in
response to an actual event. Selective implementation through
the activation of one or more of the system's components, allows
maximum flexibility in meeting the unique operational
requirements of the situation and interacting with differing
State systems and capabilities.
B.
Concurrent Implementation of Other Federal Emergency Plans
An incident involving hazardous substances, weapons of mass
destruction, or other lethal agents or materials may require a
response under another Federal emergency operations plan
(National Contingency Plan, Federal Radiological Emergency
Response Plan, etc.). These plans delineate measures necessary
to handle or contain released materials and keep the public
properly informed and protected.
Several of these plans designate a Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
to coordinate the Federal response. The form of emergency
determines the LFA. In general, an LFA establishes operational
structures and procedures to assemble and work with agencies
providing direct support to the LFA, in order to obtain an
initial assessment of the situation, develop an action plan, and
monitor and update operational priorities. The LFA ensures that
each agency exercises its concurrent and distinct authorities
and supports the LFA in carrying out relevant policy. Specific
responsibilities of an LFA vary according to the agency's unique
statutory authorities.
If the incident also involves concurrent implementation of
the NDRP, the LFA and NHMA coordinate to the maximum extent
practicable (o ensure effective, unified Federal actions,
consistent with their distinct authorities and
responsibilities.Direct NKMA support to an LFA is limited to
NHMA's ownauthorities, resources, and expertise as an individual
agency.
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