Emergency Support Function #1
Transportation Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Transportation
Support Agencies:
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Department of Defense
Department of Homeland Security
Department of State
General Services Administration
Tennessee Valley Authority
U.S. Postal Service

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #1 — Transportation assists Federal agencies, State 
and local governmental entities, and voluntary organizations requiring transportation 
capacity to perform response missions following a major disaster or emergency.  ESF #1 
also serves as a coordination point between response operations and restoration of the 
transportation infrastructure.
B. Scope
Federal transportation assistance provided by ESF #1 includes, but is not limited to:
1. Processing and overall coordination of requests for Federal and civil 
transportation support received from organizations eligible under the Federal 
Response Plan (FRP), including requests for military transportation;
2. Operating national and field Movement Coordination Centers (MCCs), as 
required, to obtain transportation services and provide visibility of transportation 
assets into and out of the disaster area;
3. Assessing the damage to the transportation infrastructure, analyzing the effects of 
the disaster on the national and regional transportation system, monitoring the 
accessibility of transportation capacity and congestion in the transportation 
system, and implementing management controls as required;
4. Assisting in the design and implementation of alternate transportation services, 
such as mass transit systems, to temporarily replace system capacity lost to 
disaster damage;


5. Coordinating the clearing and restoration of the transportation infrastructure;
6. Coordinating activities conducted under the direct authority of Department of 
Transportation (DOT) elements, such as air and marine traffic control and search 
and rescue; and
7. Providing DOT-owned aircraft for transportation of personnel and cargo, to the 
extent these assets are not required for internal priority DOT missions.
II. Policies
A. Federal transportation planning will consider using civil transportation capacity, as 
well as capacity owned or operated by Federal agencies.
B. Federal transportation planning will recognize State transportation policies and plans 
used to control the movement of relief personnel, equipment, and supplies, as well as 
State-established priorities for determining precedence of movement.
C. DOT Headquarters (HQ) will facilitate coordination between DOT regions in the 
event of multiregion ESF #1 operations.
D. Initial movements of Federal personnel, equipment, and supplies will be managed 
using a Time-Phased Force and Deployment List (TPFDL).  TPFDLs for various 
scenarios will be developed and maintained through an interagency process led by the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prior to a disaster to facilitate the prompt 
deployment of resources when disaster strikes.  Each ESF is responsible for 
compiling, submitting, and updating information for inclusion in the TPFDL.
E. All users of transportation should use established shipper-carrier relationships to 
move materials into a disaster area and, if possible, include transportation as part of 
each contract for acquisition of goods.  The establishment of predisaster contracts and 
arrangements for transportation is encouraged.  Requests for ESF #1 assistance 
should be considered only after such arrangements are no longer available or not 
feasible.  However, it is essential to the orderly flow of resources for ESFs to advise 
ESF #1 of all transportation movements arranged directly.
F. Military transportation will be provided in accordance with the Military Support 
section of the FRP Basic Plan (page 15).


III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
A major disaster will severely damage the civil transportation system throughout the 
impacted area.  Most local transportation activities will be hampered by damaged 
facilities, equipment, and infrastructure, as well as disrupted communications.  At the 
same time, the disaster will create significant demands for national, regional, and local 
transportation of resources to provide for relief and recovery.  Federal assistance may be 
required to meet these demands for movement of essential resources, as well as for 
clearing and restoration of the transportation system.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. The area/regional civil transportation infrastructure will sustain damage, limiting 
access to the disaster area.  Access will improve as routes are cleared and repaired 
or as detours are built.
2. The requirements for transportation capacity will exceed State and/or locally 
controlled or accessible assets, demanding assistance from the Federal 
Government.
3. Infrastructure damage and communications disruptions will inhibit efficient 
coordination of transportation support during the immediate postdisaster period.
4. Gradual clearing of access routes and improved communications will permit an 
increased flow of emergency relief, although localized distribution patterns might 
remain unusable for a significant period.
5. The movement of relief supplies may create congestion in the transportation 
network both nationally and regionally, requiring imposition of controls.
6. ESF #1 can assist in the procurement of adequate transportation services and 
restoration of the system.
7. Local distribution of resources from a mobilization center to individual victims 
will normally be the responsibility of mission-assigned Federal agencies, as well 
as the affected State and local authorities, although ESF #1 can assist in the 
procurement of vehicles and supporting equipment for such operations.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
1. The Disaster Transportation Management System (DTMS) provides a structure 
for managing the acquisition of transportation services and the deployment of 
relief and recovery resources from around the Nation into the disaster area.  The 
DTMS includes two components:
a. TPFDLs, which are planned, prioritized lists of the most critical Federal assets 
to be deployed rapidly to the disaster site; and
b. MCCs to assist in the procurement of transportation assets and track the 
move-ment of resources to the disaster area.  The MCC team is led by DOT 
and includes representatives from the Department of Defense (DOD), DHS, 
General Services Administration (GSA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Forest Service.  All FRP agencies must notify the MCC when 
transportation arrangements are made, so that resources can be tracked and 
reception plans executed.
2. When a disaster occurs, the Secretary of Transportation will appoint a DOT Crisis 
Coordinator to manage the overall DOT/ESF #1 response, usually the 
Administrator of the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA).  
The Crisis Coordinator will provide policy direction over all national and regional 
ESF #1 response operations.  The Director, Office of Emergency Transportation 
(OET), in RSPA will provide principal support to the Crisis Coordinator and 
manage ESF #1 operations at HQ.  OET is also responsible for ESF #1 planning.
3. In the disaster area, direction of the ESF #1 mission is provided by the DOT 
Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinator (RETCO).  The RETCO is the 
Secretary of Transportation's representative for emergency preparedness and 
response matters and is the senior regional ESF #1 official for planning and 
execution.
4. Regional ESF #1 organization, notification, deployment, and support operations 
will be conducted in accordance with the respective ESF #1 annexes to the 
regional FRP supplements.
5. Communications will be established and maintained with ESF #5 — Information 
and Planning to report and receive assessments and status information.
6. All requests for Federal assistance and mission assignments for transportation 
support will be submitted to ESF #1 for coordination, validation, and/or action in 
accordance with this annex.
B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Structure
a. National-level policy direction and management will be provided by the DOT 
Crisis Coordinator.  Principal ESF #1 operations will be conducted at the 
DOT HQ Crisis Management Center (CMC).  The DOT Crisis Coordinator 
will provide guidance and direction to ESF #1 representatives assigned to the 
Emergency Support Team (EST) at DHS, as well as to the support agencies 
and regional response organization.
b. The DOT Crisis Coordinator will represent the department in deliberations of 
the Catastrophic Disaster Response Group (CDRG) during disasters.


c. The OET Director will activate the headquarters ESF #1 organization and the 
DOT CMC.  The CMC will operate from Room 8336, DOT HQ Building, 400 
Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC.  The CMC is staffed by representatives 
of DOT operating administrations and selected ESF #1 support agencies, and 
serves to coordinate and support ESF #1 activities and internal departmental 
functions.
d. The MCC will be established at DHS by the DOT Crisis Coordinator at the 
request of the EST Director.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. The RETCO is responsible for coordinating Federal transportation response 
activities within the assigned jurisdiction.
b. The RETCO will activate those elements of the regional ESF #1 response 
organization required to meet the demands of the disaster, including ESF 
representatives to the Regional Support Team (RST), Emergency Response 
Team (ERT), and field MCC.
C. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
a. Headquarters
Immediately upon notification of an imminent or actual disaster, priority 
attention will be directed toward:
(1) Establishing necessary emergency operating facilities, such as the CMC, 
and incident reporting systems;
(2) Establishing communications with the Office of the Secretary, the 
impacted RETCO, DOT elements, and appropriate ESF #1 support 
agencies;
(3) Establishing communications with DHS and other appropriate agencies 
to obtain the location of possible damage areas, degree of damage, and 
other available information, including aerial imagery;
(4) Providing appropriate representation to the CDRG and staff to the EST 
(including the MCC if required);
(5) Implementing plans internal to DOT to ensure adequate staff and 
administrative support; and
(6) Providing assistance to regional ESF #1 operations.


b. Region
The RETCO will give priority attention to:
(1) Establishing necessary emergency reporting systems and operating 
facilities;
(2) Establishing communications with the Federal Coordinating Officer 
(FCO), the State Coordinating Officer, DOT operating administrations, 
and ESF #1 support agencies; and
(3) Establishing communications with the DOT CMC.
2. Continuing Actions
a. All ESFs will make maximum use of GSA standing schedules to secure 
transportation support resources and services, generally as part of a contract 
for acquisition of goods.  ESF #1 will acquire transportation services when 
normal channels of procurement are unable to provide the service.  In all 
cases, the MCC must be advised of all transportation movements arranged 
directly by the ESFs or other team elements (e.g., Logistics Section).
b. Through the MCC, ESF #1 will maintain surveillance over the availability of 
Federal and civil transportation capacity.  Shortages will be reported 
immediately to the DOT CMC, which will assist in identifying sources and 
may consider imposing priorities and allocations if the Defense Production 
Act has been implemented.
c. The RETCO will coordinate with appropriate State and local agencies to 
facilitate the movement of people and goods to, from, and within the disaster 
area.
d. The RETCO will be responsible for the administrative support of individuals 
involved in regional emergency transportation operations and for managing all 
financial transactions undertaken through mission assignments issued to DOT.
e. The RETCO will coordinate with appropriate DOT regional operating 
administrations on the implementation of specific DOT statutory authorities 
providing immediate assistance, such as air traffic control, search and rescue, 
long-term recovery of the transportation infrastructure, and mitigation efforts 
to lessen the effects of future disasters.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Transportation
1. Coordinate the provision of Federal and civil transportation capacity in support of 
Federal agencies, State and local governmental entities, and voluntary 
organizations, including contracting for such resources when required.
2. Provide staffing to and manage the MCC(s).
3. Manage the financial aspects of the ESF #1 response, including the funding of 
mission assignments and the process for reimbursement from DHS.
4. Supervise the assessment of damage to the transportation infrastructure and the 
analysis of the impact of the disaster on transportation operations, nationally and 
regionally.
5. Coordinate and implement, as required, emergency-related response and recovery 
functions performed under DOT statutory authorities, including the prioritization 
and/or allocation of civil transportation capacity, air and marine traffic control, 
search and rescue, emergency highway funding for federally owned highways and 
highways on the Federal Aid System, hazardous material containment response, 
and damage assessment.
6. Provide technical assistance to Federal, State, and local governmental entities in 
determining the most viable transportation networks to, from, and within the 
disaster area, as well as alternate means to move people and goods within the area 
affected by the disaster.
7. Identify resource requirements for transportation and coordinate their allocation.
B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
a. Manage mobilization centers for ESF #7 — Resource Support to receive 
goods shipped in support of the disaster.
b. Provide staffing to the MCC(s).
2. Department of Defense
a. Provide support in the emergency operation of inland waterways, ports, and 
harbors under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 
including dredging operations.
b. Assist in restoring the transportation infrastructure.
c. Provide organic military transportation capacity from the U.S. Transportation 
Command (USTRANSCOM) to move essential resources and assist in the 
contracting for civilian airlift.  USTRANSCOM also will provide staff to the 
MCC(s).
d. Assist in the development and support the execution of TPFDLs for high-
priority response resources.
3. Department of Homeland Security
a. Coordinate the acquisition, movement, and distribution of DHS-owned relief 
goods into the disaster area, in accordance with the Logistics Management 
Support Annex.
b. Initiate transportation actions prior to MCC activation, keep DOT informed of 
early transportation actions, and assume responsibility for closeout of actions 
after the HQ and field MCCs deactivate.
c. Supervise the development of the TPFDLs.
d. Provide staffing to the MCC(s).
e. Provide airlift and marine transportation capability.
4. Department of State
Coordinate requests for, and offers of, transportation assistance from foreign 
governments.
5. General Services Administration
a. Assist in identifying sources for and contracting transportation services.
b. Provide staffing to the MCC(s).
6. Tennessee Valley Authority
a. Participate in the coordination of transportation and navigation on Tennessee 
Valley Authority (TVA)-managed waterways during a disaster.
b. Assist in damage assessment.
7. U.S. Postal Service
Provide U.S. Postal Service (USPS) vehicles not immediately required for mail 
delivery for transportation of relief resources, particularly for distribution in the 
disaster area.
VI. Terms and Definitions
A. Civil Transportation Capacity
The total quantity of privately owned transportation services, equipment, facilities, and 
systems from all transport modes nationally or in a prescribed area or region.
B. Disaster Transportation Management System
A system for managing the acquisition of transportation assets and organizing the 
movement of resources into the disaster area.  The DTMS includes the TPFDL and MCC.
C. DOT Crisis Coordinator
A senior-level official appointed by the Secretary of Transportation to manage the depart-
ment's emergency response operations during a situation having significant impact on 
civil transportation capacity or the transportation infrastructure.  For disasters, the 
Administrator, RSPA, will normally serve as Crisis Coordinator.


D. Federally Arranged Transportation Support
The identification of available civil transportation capacity, and assistance in procuring 
such capacity, in support of Federal agencies, State and local governmental entities, and 
voluntary organizations unable to obtain required services through normal procurement 
channels.
E. Movement Coordination Center
An ESF #1 element within the EST in Washington, DC, and in the field.  When 
established, the MCC coordinates acquisition of transportation capacity and maintains 
visibility over validated transportation requests for assistance from inception through 
delivery to a mobilization center.
F. Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinator
A senior-level executive from a DOT operating administration who is designated by DOT 
order to serve as the regional representative of the Secretary of Transportation for 
emergency transportation preparedness and response.
G. Time-Phased Force and Deployment List
A tool to manage the rapid, early movement of Federal personnel, equipment, and critical 
relief supplies in response to an impending or actual disaster.  TPFDLs improve 
efficiency of air and ground support, contributing to the effective functioning of 
personnel, logistics, and transportation management processes.  Typical resources 
deployed and tracked include special units such as Urban Search and Rescue task forces 
and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, as well as generators, plastic sheeting, and 
meals-ready-to-eat.  Detailed information is included about the cargo (quantity, 
dimensions, weight, points of departure/arrival, required delivery date, etc.) and 
passengers.  Collectively, this information is known as the Time-Phased Force and 
Deployment Data.


Emergency Support Function #2
Communications Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
  Department of Commerce
  Department of Defense
  Department of the Interior
  Federal Communications Commission
  General Services Administration

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #2 — Communications ensures the provision of 
Federal telecommunications support to Federal, State, and local response efforts 
following a presidentially declared major disaster, emergency, or extraordinary situation 
under the Federal Response Plan (FRP).  This ESF supplements the provisions of the 
National Plan for Telecommunications Support in Non-Wartime Emergencies, hereafter 
referred to as the National Telecommunications Support Plan (NTSP).
B. Scope
ESF #2 coordinates Federal actions to be taken to provide the required national security 
and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications support to Federal, State, and 
local disaster response elements.  This ESF will coordinate the establishment of required 
temporary NS/EP telecommunications and the restoration of permanent 
telecommunications.  Where appropriate, services may be furnished under provisions of 
the Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) system.  ESF #2 applies to all Federal 
departments and agencies that may require telecommunications services or whose 
telecommunications assets may be employed during a disaster response.
II. Policies
A. The NTSP serves as a basis for planning and use of national telecommunications 
assets and resources in support of the provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.  The NTSP is issued by the Director, Office of 
Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Executive Office of the President, in 
accordance with National Security Council policy direction, and is applicable to all 
Federal agencies.


B. The NTSP contains the authority for the National Communications System (NCS) to 
develop plans and coordinate and manage telecommunications support for Federal 
organizations in nonwartime emergencies.  This authority is derived from Executive 
Order 12472, Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness 
Telecom- munications Functions, April 3, 1984.
C. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is honoring the agreement between 
OSTP and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dated June 7, 1995, 
stating the Office of the Manager, NCS, will execute FRP primary agency functional 
responsibilities on its behalf.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
1. A disaster condition may result from a significant natural disaster, nuclear 
accident, or any other incident that causes extensive damage and/or results in a 
high volume of requests from all levels of government authority for services 
required to save lives and alleviate human suffering.  These authorities require 
accurate and timely information on which to base decisions and guide response 
actions.  Concurrently, commercial telecommunications facilities may sustain 
widespread damage.  At a time when the need for real-time electronically 
processed information is greatest, the capability to acquire it may be seriously 
restricted or nonexistent.  In such situations, all surviving telecommunications 
assets of the various levels of government, augmented by extra-regional assets, 
will be needed immediately to ensure a proper response to the needs of victims of 
the event.
2. When activated, ESF #2 will coordinate and support NS/EP telecommunications 
requirements across the emergency continuum.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. Initially, State and local government officials focus on coordinating lifesaving 
activities concurrent with reestablishing control in the disaster area.  Working 
with the telecommunications industry, these officials will restore and reconstruct 
telecommunications facilities as the situation permits.
2. Initial damage reports may be fragmented and provide an incomplete picture con-
cerning the extent of damage to telecommunications facilities.
3. Weather and other environmental factors may restrict the ability of suppliers to 
deploy mobile or transportable telecommunications equipment into the affected 
area.
4. The affected region's ability to communicate with the rest of the country may be 
impaired.  Some key individuals may be isolated from their regional offices 
and/or operational centers.
5. The type of disaster and the potential for related disasters will require the careful 
consideration of a site for establishing a Disaster Field Office (DFO) in the least 
vulnerable location supportable by available telecommunications facilities.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
During an emergency, the following guidelines will be observed to allow ESF #2 to meet 
its disaster response responsibilities:
1. Telecommunications management will occur on a bottom-up basis; decisions will 
be made at the lowest level, with only those issues requiring adjudication or 
additional resources being referred to the next higher management level.  DHS's 
Telecommunications Information Management and Control System (TIMACS) 
will be used for Stafford Act expenditures for telecommunications support;
2. Uniform emergency telecommunications management and operational plans, 
procedures, and handbooks will be used throughout the entire ESF #2 operating 
environment;
3. The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) has overall responsibility for the 
coordination of telecommunications support in the response area.  When General 
Services Administration (GSA) assistance is requested during a disaster response, 
a Federal Emergency Communications Coordinator (FECC) is appointed.  The 
FECC prioritizes conflicting requests and recommends solutions to the FCO;
4. DHS controls its communications assets (i.e., Mobile Air Transportable Telecom-
munications System (MATTS)/Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS)), 
in the disaster area but coordinates their use with the FECC.  Other agencies that 
provide telecommunications assets in support of the disaster response also would 
control their organic assets, but would coordinate their use with the FECC; and
5. The FECC will be the telecommunications industry's single Federal point of 
contact (POC) in the disaster area for Federal telecommunications requirements 
and will coordinate industry's response.  The FECC will coordinate with the State 
telecommunications officer to ensure Federal communications requirements do 
not conflict with State needs.


B. Organizational Structure (After a Presidentially Declared Disaster 
Response Requiring the Appointment of an FECC)
1. National-Level Response Structure
Response operations for a major disaster will normally begin when the FRP is imple-
mented.  DHS will selectively activate ESFs based on the nature and scope of the 
event and the Federal resources required to support State and local responses.
National-level ESF #2 operations will normally commence at the same time that the 
ESF #2 position on the Emergency Support Team (EST) is activated under the FRP.  
The EST, which comprises representatives from all the ESFs, is located at DHS 
Headquarters (HQ).  Once notified of a disaster, the National Coordinating Center 
(NCC) for Tele- communications staff assesses anticipated/actual damage, identifies 
NS/EP service requirements, prioritizes requirements, monitors the developing 
situation/ 
response, renders status reports, and coordinates service provisioning and restoration 
as required.  The NCC staff makes assessments based on reports from FECC and 
NCC industry representatives, who coordinate with their parent company Emergency 
Operations Centers (EOCs).  The Manager, NCC, appoints ESF #2 representatives to 
the EST, providing for 24-hour coverage if required.  If the Catastrophic Disaster 
Response Group (CDRG) is convened to address priority issues, the Deputy Manager, 
NCS, will represent ESF #2 at such meetings.  The Manager, NCS, may dispatch an 
NCS Disaster Area Liaison Officer (DALO) to the disaster site to assist the FECC in 
coordinating national-level telecommunications support to the disaster response.  The 
FECC also may request the deployment of an NCS DALO through the Manager, 
NCS.  DHS will dispatch an agency representative to the disaster area to assist in 
coordinating DHS's telecommunications support.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
For a major disaster, the FCO will request the appointment of an FECC.  GSA will 
ensure a qualified person capable of performing the required functions is identified 
(that person could be the GSA Regional Emergency Services Communications 
Planner (RECP) who serves as NCS Regional Manager for that region).  The FECC 
will deploy to the scene of a presidentially declared disaster as the principal Federal 
telecommunications manager in the disaster area.  The FECC will normally deploy to 
the affected State EOC as part of the Advance Element of the Emergency Response 
Team (ERT-A) and will assist ESF #7 — Resource Support in selecting a DFO site.  
DHS will provide an agency representative to assist in coordinating DHS's 
telecommunications support in the setup of the DFO.  Federal disaster response 
operations are coordinated from the Regional Operations Center (ROC) until the DFO 
is operational, which is normally a period of 48 to 96 hours.  The FECC deploys to 
the disaster area and works with DHS communications personnel to establish 
telecommunications services for the DFO.  At the DFO, the FECC is assisted by the 
Emergency Communications Staff (ECS), a group of government and industry 
telecommunications managers trained in emergency response and DFO operations.  
Conflicts regarding priorities and/or resources that cannot be resolved by the FCO 
and FECC will be passed to the CDRG and, if still not resolved, to the Joint 
Telecommunications Resources Board (JTRB).
C. Notification Procedures
1. Headquarters
The NCC is always available to assist industry and Federal response operations 
during day-to-day planning and coordination of national telecommunications support, 
including disaster response activities.  If ESF #2 is activated, DHS will notify the 
Manager, NCC, immediately.  The Manager, NCC, will then alert all NCC personnel 
and assume national-level coordination of telecommunications assets as necessary.  
During nonduty hours, the National Communications System Defense Information 
Systems Agency-Global Operations Security Center (NCS/DISA-GOSC) will alert 
the Manager, NCC, who will direct that an NCC Initial Response Team (IRT) be 
formed to assess the situation.
Immediately upon receipt of information about the disaster or emergency, and upon 
notification of any FRP activation, the NCC will contact DHS for information and 
guidance on the situation and ongoing response planning, and coordinate ESF #2 
response preparations.  If the Manager, NCC, determines that an FECC will be acti-
vated, the Manager will notify the appropriate GSA Regional Emergency Coordinator 
(REC) that DHS has requested an FECC.  The GSA REC will notify the appropriate 
GSA regional office to activate the FECC.
2. Region
The FECC will coordinate with the Manager, NCC, to request Individual 
Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) support.
D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
a. Immediately upon notification of a disaster, the Manager, NCC, will begin 
gathering damage assessment data from the NCC government and industry 
representatives.  The Manager, NCC, in coordination with DHS and GSA,  
will determine the appropriate level of response for national-level ESF #2 
elements.  The initial focus of the NCC will be to identify:
(1) Operational telecommunications assets available for use within the 
affected area;
(2) Telecommunications assets not within the affected area that may be 
brought physically or employed electronically to support the affected 
area; and
(3) Actual and planned actions of the commercial telecommunications 
companies toward recovery and reconstruction of their facilities.
b. The FECC will determine the ESF #2 regional and disaster area response 
requirements with the applicable DHS Regional Director.
c. Until the FECC and the ECS are deployed and operational, DHS communi-
cations staff will accumulate damage information obtained from the DHS 
Regional Director, other Federal agencies, and industry sources.  Additionally, 
DHS communications staff may make initial estimates of the level of Federal 
telecommunications support that may be required.  This information will be 
provided to the FECC upon arrival in the affected area.  The FECC will also 
receive a status report on the telecommunications situation, Federal telecom-
munications assets that have arrived in the disaster area, telecommunications 
services provided, and any open telecommunications requests.
d. The ECS will be organized in the disaster area and expanded as necessary by 
drawing on experienced personnel from unaffected areas.
e. NCC personnel, in coordination with the FECC, will begin an inventory of 
Federal communications assets available to support the recovery mission.  
Federal agencies with communications assets may be asked to contribute these 
assets to the response effort.  The Manager, NCC, will be kept informed of 
these assets and their status.
f. Potential NCC actions include the following:
(1) Obtaining the location of the proposed DFO;
(2) Obtaining the latest weather report for the area, including present condi-
tions, the 24-hour forecast, and the long-range forecast;
(3) Obtaining information from ESF #1 — Transportation about road, rail, 
and all transportation conditions in the area and whether they can be 
used to get mobile telecommunications systems into the area; and
(4) Determining from DHS and/or ESF #7 — Resource Support the location 
of possible sources of secondary response facilities in the disaster area 
(e.g., staging areas or satellite DFOs).
g. The FECC, when activated, will assess the need for mobile and transportable 
telecommunications equipment.  The FECC, through the NCC, may request 
NCS member organizations to identify assets for possible deployment.
h. The NCC, in coordination with the FECC, will assess the need for telecom-
munications industry support and ensure such support is available as needed.
2. Continuing Actions
a. The FECC will prepare and process any required reports.
b. The representatives of the NCS member organizations that have been asked to 
provide assets will confirm to the NCC that those assets have been prepared 
for movement to the disaster area, as and when needed, and will report when 
they have been deployed and have become operational.
c. The FECC, assisted by the ECS, will:
(1) Coordinate Federal telecommunications support to responding Federal 
agencies, State, and local governments, and quasi-governmental and 
voluntary relief organizations as directed by the FCO;
(2) Recommend release of Federal telecommunications resources when they 
are no longer required; and
(3) Maintain a record for audit of all telecommunications support provided.  
NCS member organizations' procedures will be used to accomplish this 
audit.
d. The NCC will provide damage information to the EST ESF #2 representative 
and the FECC regularly, and to other Federal agencies upon request.
e. Requests for telecommunications support will come from many sources.  The 
FECC will forward unresolved requests to the NCC.  When the allocation of 
telecommunications resources cannot be resolved by the NCC to the 
satisfaction of the parties involved, the issues will be presented to the CDRG 
and then, if necessary, to the JTRB for resolution.
f. The NCC develops and promulgates information collection guidelines and 
procedures to enhance assessment, allocation, and coordination of government 
and industry telecommunications assets.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Homeland Security
1. The Manager, NCS, will ensure the provision of adequate telecommunications 
support to Federal response operations.  The Manager, NCS, through the NCC, 
will provide information and assistance to the JTRB as required.
2. The Manager, NCS, is responsible for:
a. Supporting the JTRB as required in accordance with standard operating 
procedures issued by the Director, OSTP;
b. Ensuring all information regarding potential and/or actual emergency 
situations with significant telecommunications implications is brought to the 
attention of the Director, OSTP;
c. Coordinating response activities with DHS, GSA, and other JTRB member 
organizations;
d. Monitoring the status of crucial situations that have the potential for 
developing into a major disaster, emergency, or extraordinary situation, and 
those that may require emergency telecommunications support;
e. Coordinating with ESF #12 — Energy regarding telecommunications industry 
requests for support under the Electric Service Priority (ESP) initiative, emer-
gency fuel resupply, and safe access for telecommunications work crews into 
disaster areas;
f. Supporting the ESP initiative by providing updated data to and from the 
Department of Energy (DOE) and the participating telecommunications 
companies;
g. Monitoring the recovery efforts and, as required, coordinating the provision of 
telecommunications needed by the Federal Government;
h. Providing situation status to the JTRB as required;
i. Appointing an NCS DALO to provide on-site assistance to the FECC in 
coordinating national-level telecommunications support in the disaster area; 
and
j. Activating IMAs to support disaster responses at the DFO, national, and 
regional levels.
3. The Manager, NCC, is responsible for:
a. Monitoring the status of crucial situations that have the potential for 
developing into a major disaster, emergency, or extraordinary situation to 
determine that adequate NS/EP telecommunications services are being 
provided to support response operations;
b. Assessing the impact on existing Federal Government NS/EP 
telecommunications services;
c. Coordinating the restoration and/or rerouting of existing Federal Government 
NS/EP telecommunications services and the provisioning of new NS/EP 
telecommunications services;
d. Coordinating with telecommunications service providers and prioritizing 
requirements as necessary when providers are unable to satisfy all 
telecommunications services requirements, when there are conflicts between 
multiple FECCs, or when the allocation of available resources cannot be fully 
accomplished at the field level;
e. Coordinating, when requested by the FECC, with NCS member organizations 
to obtain additional telecommunications specialists to augment the ECS;
f. Coordinating with Federal agencies those special telecommunications industry 
requests for assistance that support NS/EP activities, including support under 
the ESP initiative, emergency fuel resupply, and safe access for 
telecommunications work crews into disaster areas; and
g. Coordinating with appropriate government and industry representatives in 
support of FECC requests to meet user requirements for cellular telephone 
assets.


B. Support Agencies
1. ESF #2 support agency representatives will be aware of their parent 
organizations' capabilities to provide mobile or transportable resources for 
telecommunications activities.
2. Any agency having substantial communications assets in the disaster area should 
have representation on the ECS.
3. Agencies will coordinate required connection to commercial or government 
telecommunications resources through the FECC.
4. The agencies listed below provide the indicated support to ESF #2 efforts under 
the FRP.
a. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
(1) Provide radio communications systems for support of firefighters, law 
enforcement officers, and disaster response operations.
(2) Provide engineers, technical personnel, and liaison staff to assist the 
ECS and to maintain the National Interagency Radio Support systems.
(3) Provide National Interagency Radio Support systems for use by damage 
reconnaissance teams to report information from the disaster area to the 
DFO, and such other applications as determined by the radio 
communications coordinator.
(4) Provide a communications officer to accompany radio systems for the 
purpose of user training and operator maintenance indoctrination.
(5) Provide additional radio systems required for the establishment of a 
DFO radio net.
b. Department of Commerce
(1) National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(a) Develop plans and procedures concerning radio spectrum 
assignments, priorities, and allocations for use by Federal 
agencies.
(b) Develop, maintain, and publish policies, plans, and procedures for 
the control and assignment of radio frequencies, including the 
authority to amend, modify, or revoke such assignments, in those 
parts of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated to the Federal 
Government.
(c) Maintain and publish the Emergency Readiness Plan for Use of the 
Radio Spectrum.


(2) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),  
National Weather Service
Provide public dissemination of critical pre-event and post-event information 
over the all-hazards NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) system, the NOAA 
Weather Wire Service, and the Emergency Managers' Weather Information 
Network (EMWIN).
c. Department of Defense
Provide assistance in civil emergencies in accordance with national policies, 
consistent with defense priorities as set forth in the Department of Defense 
(DOD) Directive 3025.1, Military Support to Civil Authorities.  The Secretary 
of Defense has designated the Secretary of the Army as the executive agent 
for DOD support to civil emergencies.
d. Department of Homeland Security
(1) Provide a representative(s) to serve on the FECC's staff to coordinate 
the employment of DHS's telecommunications assets, including 
MATTS/ 
MERS, in the disaster area; coordinate DHS requests for telephone 
service and connectivity; and provide expertise on MATTS/MERS and 
DHS networks.
(2) Coordinate the establishment of telecommunications support in the DFO 
with the FECC.
(3) Install computers and local area networks at the DFO as required.
(4) Provide radio equipment and other organic telecommunications support.
(5) Provide communications support to State and local officials to assist in 
disseminating warnings to the populace concerning risks and hazards.
(6) Provide frequency management and site engineering expertise to the 
ECS.
(7) Provide representation on the ECS and coordinate DHS resources and 
TSP requests with the FECC.
(8) Provide video teleconference expertise to the ECS.
e. Department of the Interior
Provide radio and radio-telephone systems from assets not required to meet 
Department of the Interior (DOI) emergency missions.
f. Federal Communications Commission
(1) Review the policies, plans, and procedures that are developed by all 
entities licensed or regulated by the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) to provide NS/EP telecommunications services to 
ensure such policies, plans, and procedures are consistent with the public 
interest, convenience, and necessity.
(2) Perform such functions as required by law with respect to all entities 
licensed or regulated by the FCC, including (but not limited to) the 
extension, discontinuance, or reductions of common-carrier facilities or 
services; the control of common-carrier rates, charges, practices, and 
classifications; the construction authorization, activation, deactivation, 
or closing of radio stations, services, and facilities; the assignment of 
radio frequencies to FCC licensees; the investigation of violations of 
pertinent law and regulation; and the initiation of appropriate 
enforcement actions.
g. General Services Administration
(1) Each Regional Administrator, GSA, will ensure a GSA RECP who will 
serve as an NCS Regional Manager (NCSRM) and FECC, is identified 
for each of the 10 standard Federal Regions.  The Regional 
Administrator will authorize the GSA RECP/NCSRM to accept 
guidance from the DHS Regional Director during the predeployment 
phase of a telecommunications emergency.  National-level guidance will 
be provided by the GSA Federal Telecommunications Service (FTS) 
Emergency Communications Coordinator.  The Regional Administrator 
will authorize the GSA RECP/ 
NCSRM or designated alternate(s) to perform the functions of the FECC 
upon request by the FCO or senior Federal official.
(2) The GSA RECP/NCSRM will prepare and maintain a Regional Support 
Plan for each designated standard Federal Region, coordinating plan 
development with counterpart GSA RECP/NCSRMs in contiguous 
regions.  The GSA RECP/NCSRM will supervise the training of 
potential FECCs within the assigned region.
(3) When requested, the FECC will deploy to the scene of a presidentially 
declared major disaster, emergency, or extraordinary situation to survey 
the status of telecommunications and to determine residual capabilities 
and the extent of damage within the affected area.  The FECC will 
coordinate with other Federal agencies to determine their emergency 
telecommunications service requirements.
(4) When activated, the FECC will:
(a) Accumulate damage information obtained from the DHS Regional 
Director, the NCC, other Federal agencies, and industry sources 
and conduct telecommunications status evaluations;
(b) Advise the FCO on all telecommunications matters;
(c) Act as the single government POC in the disaster area for industry 
for all telecommunications requests and actions;
(d) Assess the need for mobile or transportable equipment;
(e) Release Federal telecommunications resources as soon as 
commercial carrier services can support the response mission;
(f) Coordinate with Federal, State, and local organizations, and the 
major voluntary relief organizations as well as other ESFs 
involved with disaster recovery, to ascertain their 
telecommunications requirements;
(g) Ensure required services are provided in support of the Federal 
disaster response and recovery effort;
(h) Coordinate the distribution of cellular telephone assets by 
appropriate government and industry representatives in support of 
user requirements;
(i) Assemble and lead the ECS;
(j) Maintain an audit trail of all telecommunications support provided;
(k) Prioritize telecommunications requirements;
(l) Ensure an ESF #2 representative is deployed to support the RST;
(m) Coordinate frequency management for the disaster area including 
frequencies used by deployed military assets;
(n) Coordinate the use of military telecommunications assets;
(o) Coordinate TSP requests;
(p) Ensure ESF #2 representatives are provided to support damage 
assessment personnel;
(q) Provide an ESF #2 representative to support the ERT-A;
(r) Coordinate telecommunications support to the disaster 
mobilization center as necessary; and
(s) Prepare and process any required reports.
h. Other Federal Agencies
(1) NCS member organizations will be prepared to assist the Manager, 
NCS, in the deployment and use of agency-owned/leased or otherwise 
unique telecommunications assets to support the response effort.
(2) All other Federal agencies will:
(a) Use organizational resources to meet their mission requirements 
before requesting that the FECC obtain emergency telecommuni-
cations support;
(b) Notify the FECC promptly of all telecommunications requirements 
and available assets.  This will eliminate the possibility of service 
duplications and ensure prompt provision of needed services and 
facilities to the proper user;
(c) Coordinate with the FECC when telecommunications support 
(other than that provided or already coordinated through the 
FECC) has been requested by a representative of an organization at 
a disaster location;
(d) Coordinate any requests for commercial or government telecom-
munications resources through the FECC;
(e) Coordinate with the NCC as necessary for any required national-
level telecommunications support;
(f) Notify the FECC promptly when their telecommunications 
resources are to be withdrawn or discontinued; and
(g) Notify the FECC when telecommunications resources provided by 
the FECC are no longer required.
VI. References
A. Executive Order 12472, Assignment of National Security and Emergency 
Preparedness Telecommunications Functions, April 3, 1984.
B.  National Plan for Telecommunications Support in Non-Wartime Emergencies,  
Office of Science and Technology Policy, January 1992.
C. Department of Defense Directive 3025.1, Military Support of Civil Authorities, 
January 15, 1993.
D. Office of Science and Technology Policy Letter of Agreement with the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, June 7, 1995.


Emergency Support Function #3
Public Works and Engineering Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture
  Department of Commerce
  Department of Health and Human Services
  Department of the Interior
  Department of Labor
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  Environmental Protection Agency
  Tennessee Valley Authority

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #3 — Public Works and Engineering provides 
technical advice and evaluation, engineering services, contracting for construction 
management and inspection, contracting for the emergency repair of water and 
wastewater treatment facilities, potable water and ice, emergency power, and real estate 
support to assist the State(s) in meeting goals related to lifesaving and life-sustaining 
actions, damage mitigation, and recovery activities following a major disaster or 
emergency.
B. Scope
Activities within the scope of ESF #3 include:
1. Participation in predisaster activities, such as pre-positioning assessment teams 
and contractors, and deployment of other advance elements;
2. Participation in needs/damage assessments immediately following a disaster;
3. Emergency clearance of debris to enable reconnaissance of the damaged areas and 
passage of emergency personnel and equipment for lifesaving, property 
protection, and health and safety;
4. Removal and disposal management of debris from public property;
5. Provision of expedient emergency access routes, which includes repairs to 
damaged streets, bridges, ports, waterways, airfields, and other facilities necessary 
for emergency access to disaster victims;
6. Emergency restoration of critical public facilities, including the temporary 
restoration of water supplies and wastewater treatment systems;
7. Emergency demolition or stabilization of damaged structures and facilities 
designated by State or local governments as immediate hazards to public health 
and safety, or as necessary to facilitate lifesaving operations (temporary protective 
measures to abate immediate hazards to the public for health and safety reasons 
until demolition is accomplished);
8. Emergency contracting to support public health and safety, such as providing for 
potable water, ice, power, or temporary housing;
9. Technical assistance, including inspection of private residential structures and 
commercial structures;
10. Support to other ESFs as outlined in the Federal Response Plan (FRP); and
11. Provision of emergency power to public facilities.
II. Policies
A. The Director of Military Support (DOMS) is the responsible national-level 
Department of Defense (DOD) office for military support to civilian authorities.  
DOD has responsibility for ESF #3 and has designated the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers (USACE) as its operating agent for ESF #3 planning, preparedness, 
response, and recovery.
B. The USACE will develop work priorities in cooperation with the State government 
and in coordination with the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO).
C. A USACE division(s) will appoint an overall mission coordinator for all ESF #3 
response and recovery activities on the RST and ERT as appropriate.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
In a major disaster or emergency, response and recovery operations may be beyond the 
State and local response capabilities.  Structures may be destroyed or severely weakened.  
Homes, public buildings, bridges, and other facilities may have to be reinforced or 
demolished to ensure safety.  Debris may make streets and highways impassable.  Public 
utilities may be damaged and be partially or fully inoperable.  A major disaster may 
affect the lives of many State and local response personnel and their facilities, and 
prevent them from performing their prescribed emergency duties.  Similarly, equipment 
in the immediate disaster area may be damaged or inaccessible.  Sufficient resources may 
not be available to State and local agencies to meet emergency requirements.  Federal 
assistance may be required to identify and deploy resources from outside the affected 
area to ensure a timely, coordinated effective response.


B. Planning Assumptions
1. Access to the disaster areas will be dependent on the reestablishment of ground 
and water routes.  In many locations, debris clearance and emergency road repairs 
will be given top priority to support immediate lifesaving emergency response 
activities.
2. Early damage assessments will be general, incomplete, and may be inaccurate.  
Rapid assessment of the disaster area is required to determine critical response 
times and potential work loads.
3. To minimize threats to public health, emergency environmental waivers and legal 
clearances will be needed to dispose of emergency debris and materials from 
demolition activities.  Under Federal regulations, local authorities are responsible 
for obtaining required waivers and clearances.  Federal agencies are responsible 
for complying with appropriate Federal environmental and historic preservation 
statutes.
4. Significant numbers of personnel having engineering and construction skills and 
construction equipment and materials will be required from outside the disaster 
area.
5. Primary agencies (including USACE) and support agencies will perform tasks 
under their own authorities, as applicable, in addition to missions received under 
the authority of the FRP.
6. Previously inspected structures will require reevaluation if aftershocks occur 
following an earthquake.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
ESF #3 support will supplement State and local emergency response actions.  Close 
coordination will be maintained with Federal, State, and local officials to determine 
potential taskings and to track the status of response activities.  The priority of taskings 
will be deter-mined jointly between Federal and State officials.  The ESF #3 team will 
provide damage information to ESF #5 — Information and Planning for overall damage 
assessment, and inform the Emergency Response Team (ERT) Operations Section of the 
damage situation and ESF activities.  Support agency representatives will collocate with 
USACE field personnel to coordinate support with their agencies as necessary.
B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Structure
a. Catastrophic Disaster Response Group
The USACE representative to the Catastrophic Disaster Response Group 
(CDRG) is the Chief of the Operations Division of the Directorate of Civil 
Works.  The alternate representative is the Chief, Civil Emergency Management 
Branch, Operations Division, Directorate of Civil Works.
b. Emergency Support Team
The ESF #3 representative(s) to the Emergency Support Team (EST) will be 
responsible for coordinating mission assignments and resources to support 
disaster operations.  The USACE representative(s) to the EST will be assigned 
by the Civil Emergency Management Branch, Operations Division, 
Directorate of Civil Works.
c. Agency Operations Elements
Headquarters USACE (HQUSACE) will operate from the HQUSACE 
Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  HQUSACE may request support 
agency liaison representatives to report to HQUSACE EOC if the disaster 
situation warrants.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. Regional Operations Center
A USACE division will provide the necessary representation on the RST.  
These representative(s) will remain in the Regional Operations Center (ROC) 
until deactivated or released by the RST Director.
b. Advance Element of the Emergency Response Team
The USACE division having responsibility for the State in which the disaster 
occurs will ensure necessary representatives are immediately provided for the 
formation of the Advance Element of the ERT (ERT-A).  The damage assess-
ment representative will be an infrastructure specialist assigned from the 
division.
c. Disaster Field Office ESF #3 Cell
A supplemental ESF #3 component to the ERT-A will deploy to the DFO and 
evolve into the ESF #3 cell after the DFO is established.  Among the ESF #3 
roles are preparing statements of work, cost estimates, and estimated 
completion dates for mission assignments; tracking and executing mission 
assignments; maintaining cognizance of all other ERT activities; assessing 
information; determining resource requirements; setting priorities; 
disseminating information; and taking other response and recovery actions as 
required.  In addition to assigning the representatives from the ERT-A to the 
full ERT, the designated USACE division also will provide necessary staff for 
response and recovery operations.
d. Defense Coordinating Officer
DOD/DOMS will provide a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) to serve as 
the single point of contact (POC) to the FCO and ESF representatives for all 
requests for military assistance other than that provided by ESF #3.  USACE 
will support the DCO and deployed joint forces as requested.


e. Response and Recovery Operations
USACE districts may be required to establish field offices (Emergency 
Response and Recovery Offices) to support assignments and missions.  
Divisions and districts will carry out mission assignments based on 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance and within established 
procedures.
C. Notification
1. Headquarters
The DHS Homeland Security Center (HSC) will notify the Army Operations Center 
(AOC) of an emergency situation.  The AOC will then immediately notify the CDRG 
members from USACE and DOMS.  The AOC and HQUSACE EOC will exchange 
telephonic notifications to ensure each is aware of the situation.  The EOC will notify 
ESF #3 EST members and subordinate USACE commands.
2. Region
Upon occurrence of a major disaster and/or notification of FRP activation, 
HQUSACE will designate the lead division(s) and instruct the division commander to 
implement the local notification plans.  Concurrently, the responsible DHS region 
will request support from the predesignated USACE division commander.
D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
a. HQUSACE
(1) Send EST representatives to DHS as required.
(2) Provide CDRG representation as needed.
(3) Activate the EOC and begin notification procedures.
(4) Establish communications with DHS, DOD/DOMS through the AOC, 
and USACE subordinate commands.
(5) Provide liaison to DHS to coordinate congressional relations activities 
with DHS's Congressional Relations Officer.
(6) Provide public affairs liaison to the DHS Joint Information Center (JIC).
b. Regions (Division and District)
(1) Designate personnel to staff the RST, ERT-A, and ESF #3 cell in 
accordance with the FRP.
(2) Activate the EOC and identify facilities for USACE field offices.
(3) Notify support agencies' regional offices of ESF #3 activation.
(4) Gather essential elements of information and report to the ROC, 
HQUSACE, DFO, and EOC.
(5) Identify requirements for remote sensing and imagery to ESF #5.
2. Continuing Actions
a. HQUSACE
(1) Continue EOC operations.
(2) Ensure proper and adequate coordination is in effect at all levels.
b. Regions (Division and District)
(1) Support DHS and State emergency agencies as required.
(2) Work with State and local governments to maximize the use of available 
regional assets and to identify resources required from outside the 
region.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency
1. Army Operations Center
a. Notify HQUSACE, DOMS, and CDRG member directly if possible.
b. Notify HQUSACE EOC of FRP activation.
2. HQUSACE
a. Review the FRP annually.  Submit comments as appropriate and revise this 
annex as necessary.
b. Develop additional USACE guidance as required to execute assigned 
missions.
c. Participate in training and exercises including those of support agencies.
d. Conduct periodic meetings and workshops with support agencies at the 
national level to maintain capabilities, and to plan for and prepare to respond 
to a disaster in the event of activation.
B. Support Agencies
1. Predisaster Actions
a. Provide HQUSACE with POCs at the national level for coordinating plans 
and responses.
b. Designate representatives at the regional level.


2. Specific Agency Responsibilities
a. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
(1) Provide engineering and contracting/procurement personnel and equip-
ment to assist in emergency removal of debris, demolition, repair of 
roads and bridges, temporary repair of essential public facilities, and 
water supply.  The Forest Service will be the regional contact for this 
support.
(2) Provide technical personnel to evaluate damage to water control 
facilities.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be the 
regional contact for this support.
b. Department of Commerce
Provide direct technical support and advice on procurement of external 
consulting services for assessing the structural and fire safety of damaged 
buildings and lifelines (public works and utilities).  The Interagency 
Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction, Building and Fire Research 
Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, will be the 
contact.
c. Department of Health and Human Services
(1) Supply engineering and environmental health personnel to assist in 
assessing the status of wastewater and solid-waste facilities.
(2) Provide guidance related to health problems associated with hazardous 
materials.
(3) Assist in determining the suitability for human consumption of water 
from local sources.
d. Department of the Interior
(1) Provide engineering support to assist in evaluating damage to water 
control systems, such as dams, levees, and water delivery facilities and 
structures.
(2) Provide technical assistance in contract management, contracting, 
procurement, construction inspection, and environmental and 
archeological assessments.
(3) Name a POC (in the Bureau of Reclamation) for all Department of the 
Interior (DOI) support for ESF #3.
e. Department of Labor
Provide supplemental assistance for debris removal or demolition activities 
performed by ESF #3.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
will be the regional contact for this support.


f. Department of Veterans Affairs
Provide engineering personnel and support, including design estimating and 
construction supervision for repair, reconstruction, and restoration of eligible 
facilities.
g. Environmental Protection Agency
(1) Assist, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human 
Services, in determining the suitability for human consumption of water 
from local sources and in identifying hazardous materials having the 
potential to affect drinking water supplies.
(2) Assist in locating disposal sites for debris clearance activities.
(3) Identify locations and provide safety guidance for areas affected by 
hazardous materials.  Ensure the protection and cleanup of these areas.
(4) Assist in identifying water and wastewater needs.
h. Tennessee Valley Authority
Provide personnel to assist in damage assessment, structural inspections, 
debris clearance monitoring, and restoration of facilities in general.




Emergency Support Function #4
Firefighting Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Support Agencies: Department of Commerce
  Department of Defense
  Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Fire Administration
  Department of the Interior
  Environmental Protection Agency

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #4 — Firefighting detects and suppresses wildland, 
rural, and urban fires resulting from, or occurring coincidentally with, a major disaster or 
emergency requiring Federal response assistance.
B. Scope
ESF #4 manages and coordinates firefighting activities, including the detection and 
suppression of fires on Federal lands, and provides personnel, equipment, and supplies in 
support of State and local agencies involved in rural and urban firefighting operations.
II. Policies
A. Processes and procedures established in the National Interagency Mobilization Guide 
will be followed in responding to a major disaster or emergency under the Federal 
Response Plan (FRP).
B. National support will be accomplished through the National Interagency Coordination 
Center (NICC) located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) at Boise, ID.
C. Coordination with, and support of, State and local fire suppression organizations will 
be accomplished through the State Forester, in cooperation with the State Fire 
Marshal, State emergency management agency, or other appropriate State agency 
operating under the Incident Command System (ICS).
D. Priority will be given to saving lives and protecting property, in that order.
E. The primary agency for this ESF will be the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
Forest Service, at the national level.  For operations that occur in the State of Alaska, 
operational lead for firefighting response will be the Department of the Interior 
(DOI), Bureau of Land Management.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
1. The management of a large firefighting operation is complex, often involving 
thousands of resources and many different agencies and jurisdictions.  Fire 
resulting from, or independent of but occurring coincidentally with, a major 
disaster or emergency may place extraordinary demands on available resources 
and logistics support systems.
2. A major disaster or emergency may result in many urban, rural, and wildland 
fires.  The damage potential from fires in urban areas during and after a major 
disaster (such as an earthquake) exceeds that of all other causes.  Numerous fires 
may have the potential to spread rapidly, cause extensive damage, and pose a 
serious threat to life and property.  Urban fire departments not incapacitated by an 
earthquake may be totally committed to fires in urban areas.  Normally available 
firefighting resources may be difficult to obtain and use because of massive 
disruption of communication, transportation, utility, and water systems.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. Many urban, rural, and wildland fires may result from or occur coincidentally 
with an earthquake or as the result of another significant event.  Large, damaging 
fires may be common.
2. At the time of a major disaster or emergency, there may be wildland fires burning 
elsewhere in the United States.  These fires will draw on the same resources (e.g., 
air, crews, overhead, engines, or other tactical and support resources) that would 
be needed to support firefighting and other emergency operations.  It must be 
assumed that some firefighting resources will become scarce, resulting in the 
disaster-related firefighting operations competing for resources through 
established resource ordering channels.
3. Telephone communications may be interrupted, making radio communications 
necessary.  Early ordering of radio starter systems from NICC is a high priority.
4. Wheeled-vehicle access may be hampered by bridge failures, landslides, etc., 
making conventional travel to the fire location extremely difficult or impossible.  
Aerial attack by airtankers, helicopters, and smoke jumpers may be essential in 
these situations.  Helicopter availability may be scarce, and damage to airports or 
runways will cause congestion at usable airports.
5. Agencies that commonly support large fire suppression operations, including the 
military and General Services Administration (GSA), may receive urgent requests 
from nonfire-related agencies for personnel, equipment, and supplies.  Many 
resources commonly available for use in fighting large wildland fires will be 
scarce or unavailable.
6. Wildland firefighting techniques may have to be applied to rural and urban fire 
situations, particularly where water systems are inoperative.  Aerial delivery of 
fire retardants or water for structural protection may be essential.  In the case of 
multiple fires, firebreaks may be cleared and burning-out and backfiring 
techniques may be used.
7. Efficient and effective mutual aid among the various Federal, State, and local fire 
suppression agencies requires the use of ICS with compatible firefighting 
equipment and communications.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
1. ESF #4 will manage and coordinate Federal firefighting activities.  This will be 
accomplished by mobilizing firefighting resources in support of State and local 
wildland, rural, and urban firefighting agencies.  ESF #4 will use established 
firefighting and support organizations, processes, and procedures.  Responsibility 
for situation assessment and determination of resource needs lies primarily with 
local Incident Commanders in coordination with the Emergency Response Team 
(ERT) at the Disaster Field Office (DFO).
2. Requests for firefighting assistance and resources will be transmitted from the 
DFO to the appropriate Geographic Area Coordination Center.  For resources 
beyond those available within the geographic area, the requests will be sent to 
NICC at Boise, ID.  NICC will contact the National Fire Suppression Liaison 
Officer in the event of national-level shortages or unavailability of needed 
resources.
3. Resolution of such shortages will be pursued by the Emergency Support Team 
(EST) and, when necessary, by the Catastrophic Disaster Response Group 
(CDRG).  Actual firefighting operations will be managed under the ICS.  
Situation and damage assessment information will be transmitted through 
established fire suppression intelligence channels and directly between the 
national-level and regional-level ESFs according to ESF #5 — Information and 
Planning procedures.
B. Organization
ESF #4 has a parallel structure at the national and regional levels.
1. National-Level Response Support Structure
a. The National Director for Fire and Aviation Management, Forest Service, will 
represent the USDA on the CDRG.
b. National ESF #4 activities will operate under the direction of the Assistant 
Director for Operations, Fire and Aviation Management, Forest Service.  
Assistance will be provided as necessary by the Forest Service and DOI Fire 
Directors at NIFC.
c. The Disaster and Emergency Operation Specialist will serve as the National 
Fire Suppression Liaison Officer.  The National Fire Suppression Liaison 
Officer or a representative will be located at Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) Headquarters (HQ) during a disaster when ESF #4 is 
activated.  This position is a member of the EST and is the link to the National 
Director for Fire and Aviation Management at Forest Service HQ.
d. The national ESF #4 will provide broad policy and coordination support to the 
CDRG and, based on recommended DHS requirements, may be operational 
on a 24-hour basis.  Support agencies will have representatives available by 
telephone or pager on a 24-hour basis when necessary.
e. National logistics support and interregional mobilization of resources will be 
provided by NICC.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
Federal firefighting response support is coordinated by the Regional/Area Fire 
Coordinator provided by the Forest Service Regional/Area Office.  The 
Regional/Area Fire Coordinator has responsibility for establishing and maintaining 
coordination with the National Fire Suppression Liaison Officer, Forest Service 
Region, regional support agencies, and ERT.  ESF #4 will be represented by a Fire 
Suppression Support Coordinator at the DFO.  Regional firefighting response and 
logistics support will be provided by Geographic Area Coordination Centers and the 
NICC in accordance with established Mobilization Guides.  Support agencies will 
have representatives available by telephone or pager on a 24-hour basis for the 
duration as necessary.
C. Notification
1. Upon notification by DHS of a potential or actual event requiring response, the 
National Fire Suppression Liaison Officer, Forest Service, will notify all other 
ESF #4 members by telephone or pager.
2. The Regional/Area Fire Coordinators and NICC also will be notified by telephone 
or pager.
D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
The National Fire Suppression Liaison Officer or representative will:
a. Locate at DHS within 2 hours of notification;
b. Establish communication links with DHS, national primary and support 
agencies, USDA Emergency Operations Center (EOC), National Director for 
Fire and Aviation Management at Forest Service HQ, and Forest Service 
Director at NIFC;
c. Establish communication links with the Regional/Area Fire Coordinators; and
d. Obtain an initial fire situation and damage assessment through established 
intelligence procedures.
2. Continuing Actions
The National Fire Suppression Liaison Officer or representative will:
a. Obtain, maintain, and provide fire situation and damage assessment 
information through established intelligence procedures;
b. Determine and resolve, as necessary, issues regarding resource shortages and 
slow processing, interagency conflicts, and policy matters involving the 
CDRG;
c. Maintain close coordination with the CDRG, support agencies, NICC, and 
DFO; and
d. Maintain a complete log of actions taken, resource orders, records, and 
reports.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
1. Provide qualified representatives to serve as National Fire Suppression Liaison 
Officer, Regional/Area Fire Coordinator, and Fire Suppression Support 
Coordinator at the DFO.
2. Task support agencies as necessary to accomplish ESF #4 support responsibilities.
3. Provide logistics support through the Geographic Area Coordination Center 
and/or NICC for mobilizing resources for firefighting.
4. Assume full responsibility for suppression of wildfires burning or threatening 
national forest system lands.
5. Provide and coordinate firefighting assistance to other Federal land management, 
State forestry, and local fire organizations as requested under the terms of existing 
agreements and the FRP.
6. Arrange for direct liaison with fire chiefs in the designated area to coordinate 
requests for firefighting assistance in structural or industrial fire protection 
operations.
7. Provide information to ESF #5 as assessments of fire-caused damages are 
obtained.
B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Commerce
a. Provide fire/weather forecasting as needed from NIFC at Boise, ID, or from a 
nearby National Weather Service Forecast Office under the terms of existing 
interagency agreements.
b. Provide urban and industrial hazard analysis support through the Building and 
Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology.
c. Provide fire/weather support under the terms of the National Agreement for 
Meteorological Services in Support of Agencies with Land Management and 
Fire Protection Responsibilities.
2. Department of Defense
a. Assume full responsibility for firefighting activities on U.S. military 
installations.
b. Support firefighting operations on nonmilitary lands with personnel, 
equipment, and supplies under the terms of the existing interagency 
agreement, including the arrangement of liaisons as required.
c. Provide contracting services through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to 
urban and rural firefighting forces to obtain heavy equipment and/or 
demolition services as needed to suppress disaster-related fires.
3. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Fire Administration
Provide advice and assistance relating to structural firefighting and establish 
communications with State Fire Marshals in adjoining States.
4. Department of the Interior
a. Assume full responsibility for fighting wildfires burning on lands within its 
jurisdiction.
b. Assist the Forest Service in managing and coordinating firefighting 
operations.
c. Provide firefighting assistance to other Federal land management 
organizations as requested under the terms of existing agreements and the 
FRP.
5. Environmental Protection Agency
Provide technical assistance and advice in the event of fires involving hazardous 
materials.
C. Other Organizations
State forestry organizations in most States are responsible for wildland firefighting on 
non-Federal lands.  States may assist other States in firefighting operations and may assist 
Federal agencies through agreement.
VI. Reference
National Interagency Mobilization Guide available from NICC.


VII. Terms and Definitions
A. Fire Suppression Support Coordinator
The person representing ESF #4 at the DFO.
B. Incident Command System
An on-site incident management system applicable to all types of emergencies.  Includes 
standard organizational structure, agency qualifications, training requirements, 
procedures, and terminology enabling participating agencies to function together 
effectively and efficiently.
C. National Fire Suppression Liaison Officer
The Disaster and Emergency Operations Specialist, Fire and Aviation Management, 
Forest Service.  This person is a member of the EST operating at the national level.  
Primary responsibility is to provide liaison among the EST, the National Director of Fire 
and Aviation Management, Forest Service HQ, and other support agencies.
D. National Interagency Coordination Center
The organization responsible for coordination of national emergency response for 
wildland fire suppression, located at the NIFC in Boise, ID.
E. Regional/Area Fire Coordinator
The person primarily responsible for operation of ESF #4 at the regional level.

Emergency Support Function #5
Information and Planning Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture
  Department of Commerce
  Department of Defense
  Department of Education
  Department of Energy
  Department of Health and Human Services
  Department of the Interior
  Department of Justice
  Department of Transportation
  Department of the Treasury
  American Red Cross
  Environmental Protection Agency
  General Services Administration
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  Small Business Administration
Support Organizations: Civil Air Patrol
  Voluntary Organizations

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #5 — Information and Planning collects, analyzes, 
processes, and disseminates information about a potential or actual disaster or emergency 
to facilitate the overall activities of the Federal Government in providing assistance to 
one or more affected States.  Fulfilling this mission supports planning and decision 
making at both the field/regional operations and headquarters (HQ) levels.
B. Scope
During disaster operations, ESF #5 becomes the Information and Planning Section of the 
Regional Support Team (RST) or the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at the Disaster 
Field Office (DFO), as well as the Emergency Support Team (EST) at Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) HQ.


II. Policies
The Information and Planning Section operates at all levels of disaster response, whether at the 
disaster site itself, the region, or DHS.  It does the following:
A. Activates as needed in anticipation of, or immediately following, a disaster or 
emergency;
B. Performs as a staff-level function in support of Federal leadership at the field, 
regional, and HQ levels;
C. Processes information that is common to one or more operational elements and that 
contributes to the overall perspective of the emergency;
D. Coordinates activities of on-the-ground assessment personnel;
E. Serves as site of overall coordination of situation assessment operations;
F. Tasks support agencies to provide technical expertise and information necessary to 
develop accurate assessment and analysis of a developing or ongoing situation;
G. Contacts other ERT or EST organizational elements to provide daily information 
updates for reporting and analysis requirements of ESF #5.  Other ERT and EST 
elements are responsible for information processing and information displays unique 
to their own operations;
H. Collocates with the State Information and Planning Section when feasible for ERT 
operations; and
I. Executes, at the ERT and EST locations, procedures stipulated in the current version 
of the Information and Planning Section Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
A disaster or other significant event will be of such severity and magnitude as to require 
Federal response and recovery assistance to supplement State and local efforts to save 
lives and protect property.  Information and Planning (ESF #5) will support initial 
assessment of developing situations and will provide timely and appropriate information 
to support Federal emergency managers in determining, with the appropriate State(s), 
whether Federal assistance will be required.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. In a disaster situation, there is a need for a central collection point on the RST, 
ERT, and EST, where situation information can be compiled, analyzed, and 
prepared for use by decision makers.
2. The State is the most immediate source of vital information for the RST and/or 
the ERT regarding damage and initial response needs.  Regional data, using State 
and local government sources and Federal agency inputs, become the primary 
information sources for the EST.
3. There is an immediate and continuous demand by officials involved in response 
and recovery efforts for information about the developing or ongoing disaster or 
emergency situation.
4. There may be a need to rapidly deploy field observers or assessment personnel to 
the disaster area to collect additional critical information about resource 
requirements for victims or to conduct an immediate situation assessment to 
determine initial Federal response requirements.
5. Information and Planning Section staff, deployed as part of the Advance Element 
of the ERT (ERT-A), needs to operate without local support for up to 72 hours.  
The ESF #5 staff needs to be self-sufficient in terms of equipment, supplies, and 
communications connectivity during this initial period.
6. Initial Information and Planning Section activities on the RST/EST may require 
24-hour operations.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
1. In response to a disaster situation or incident, emergency personnel from the 
affected State and the Federal Government should jointly assess the situation 
initially to determine if there is a need for Federal response operations.  Executing 
these assessment duties involves Information and Planning personnel in the form 
of ERT-A staff.
2. In the initial period of an incident, the main avenue for the collection of disaster 
information should be from local sources (primarily first responders and other 
government elements), which should report information to the State Emergency 
Operations Center (EOC).  At the State EOC, reports should be directed to the 
appropriate operational element(s) needing the information—both State and 
Federal response elements, including the Information and Planning Section.  
Information should be passed to Federal elements through the DHS State Liaison 
from the appropriate DHS Regional Office.
3. Information and Planning activities in the region commence with the activation of 
a RST by the DHS Regional Director, based on the need to monitor a potential or 
developing incident.  As the situation develops and it is determined that Federal 
response and recovery assistance will be required, deployment to the disaster 
response location may begin.  ESF #5 personnel should participate in initial 
response operations as part of the ERT-A, and later the full ERT in the DFO.  The 
RST is responsible for all situation reporting to the EST and other operating 
elements until the DFO is operational.
4. Information and Planning activities at the HQ level should begin concurrently 
with RST activities for an incident.  In addition, ESF #5 elements on the EST may 
be activated at DHS at any time to monitor and report on situations that have a 
disaster potential.
5. As the DFO becomes operational, regional Information and Planning activities 
should transition from the State EOC and the ROC to the DFO.  The focus of the 
information collection process should change from one involving overall 
assessment of the severity and extent of the damage to one describing the status of 
the response and recovery efforts.
B. Organization of the Information and Planning Section
Leadership for the Information and Planning Section rests with an Information and 
Planning Section Chief  who reports directly to the RST Director in the Regional Opera-
tions Center (ROC), or the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) who heads the ERT at a 
DFO.  On the RST or ERT, a Deputy Information and Planning Section Chief may 
support the Section Chief.  A second deputy may be necessary in a situation where a 
night shift would be operating.  On the EST, the Section Chief has no deputy but may 
have an administrative assistant.
1. Basic Organizational Structure for the ROC or DFO
The organization chart in Figure ESF #5-1 shows a full Information and Planning 
Section that might operate at an ERT or, on a smaller scale, on a RST.  The ESF #5 
Section Chief may adjust the size and structure of the section to fit the needs of the 
specific situation.  The Section Chief consults the RST Director or FCO to determine 
the timetable for situation report (SITREP) inputs, SITREP publishing times, and 
times for daily status briefings.  These consultations may include discussions with the 
HQ EST because of report deadlines established by the White House and other 
leadership elements.
a. Situation Status Branch
(1) Collects, analyzes, and displays information regarding the disaster 
situation and the location of critical resources.  The latter include special 
teams, task forces, deployed personnel, and highlights from resource-
tracking information maintained by the Logistics Section.
(2) Maintains the Situation Room for information displays, and collects and 
analyzes information to be used in the SITREPs, the status briefings, and 
by other responders.
(3) Develops appropriate media for displaying information, including the 
overall emergency team organizational chart and daily meeting 
information.



Figure ESF #5-1 — Organization of the ESF #5 Section of the Emergency Response Team

Information and Planning Section Chief
Deputy Chief(s)
Situation Status Branch Chief, supervising:
Information Analysis
Field Observer(s)
Planning Support Branch Chief, supervising:
Planning Specialists
Planning Analysts(s)
Documentation Branch Chief, supervising:
Reports Specialists
Briefing Support Specialist(s)
Computer Graphic Specialist(s)
Documentation Specialist(s)
Clerical Support Specialist(s)
Technical Services Branch Chief, supervising:
Remote Sensing Specialist(s)
GIS Coordinator
GIS Specialist(s)
Technical Specialists (Meteorologist, Seismologist, other specialists as required)
Staffing Summary:
Chief/Deputy Chiefs, 3
Situation Status Personnel, 7 to 9
Planning Personnel, 5 to 7
Documentation Personnel, 16
Technical Services Personnel, 7
Full-Strength Staff, 38 to 42


b. Planning Support Branch
(1) Receives information from the Situation Status Branch and uses it to 
support the different planning needs of the FCO and the ERT leadership.
(2) Analyzes long-term trends and assists team leadership with the 
development of strategic plans and formats.
(3) Identifies critical planning issues and provides general planning support 
to the ERT.
(4) Facilitates daily or special planning meetings.
(5) Produces and disseminates, as needed, daily action plans based on the 
functional plans of other sections, contingency plans based on specific 
issues, and long-range management plans concerning personnel or 
operational priorities.
(6) Produces and disseminates a Daily Intelligence Summary for the FCO 
and other disaster managers.


c. Documentation Branch
(1) Receives information from the Situation Status Branch, as well as from 
other ESFs and team elements, to prepare its products, which include 
SITREPs, status and informal briefings, and special reports.
(2) Uses status reports of agencies leading the Federal response under other 
plans in describing response efforts in the SITREPs.
(3) Maintains archival files and records for each current disaster and 
provides clerical support to the Information and Planning Section.
(4) Solicits inputs to and prepares the after-action report signed by the FCO.
d. Technical Services Branch
(1) Coordinates remote sensing and reconnaissance requirements.
(2) Establishes and maintains a geographic information system (GIS) 
capability within the DFO including:
(a) Acquiring and/or setting up a GIS computer suite and/or coordi-
nating through DHS for temporary use of a deployable GIS 
computer suite if available; and
(b) Generating GIS products and analyses, including maps and tables, 
and/or coordinating with DHS to obtain these products.
(3) Provides hazard-specific technical advice to support operational 
planning.
(4) Uses additional subject matter experts (SMEs) or technical specialists 
such as a meteorologist or seismologist as needed.
2. Basic EST Organization
The basic functions for the EST Information and Planning Section do not differ from 
those of the ERT.  However, the same tasks are accomplished with no designated 
branches because in the HQ environment some support requirements can be provided 
from DHS staff that are not available to the ERT in the field.  An organization chart is 
shown in Figure ESF #5-2.  The Section Chief directly supervises all section staff.


 

Figure ESF #5-2 — Organization of the ESF #5 Section of the Emergency Support Team

Information and Planning Section (IPS) Chief
IPS Administrative Assistant
IPS Lead Planning Coordinator
IPS Planning Specialist (1 or 2)
IPS Briefing/Teleconference Coordinator
IPS Information Specialist (2 to 4)
IPS Analyst



C. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
The Information and Planning Section begins operations at the occurrence of the 
event/ 
incident or upon a preincident emergency declaration.  In some instances, this could 
precede the onset of a disaster (e.g., during an approaching hurricane), when the RST 
and HQ Information and Planning Section would operate a small monitoring group.
a. Regional ESF activities for Information and Planning begin on the RST.  State 
information processing operations should commence simultaneously at the 
State EOC or another State-designated location.  Then the ERT-A, including 
key Information and Planning staff, should deploy to the disaster response 
location.  At that time, some regional staff may join State staff at the EOC to 
begin situation assessment activities, and other staff may go to the DFO to 
arrange space and equipment for the full Information and Planning Section.  
Additional staff should be activated as needed by the Section Chief.


b. The HQ Information and Planning Section initiates activities in its operations 
area at DHS and establishes initial liaison with the RST and/or the ERT-A.   
In the case of a developing incident, such as a major flood or hurricane, the 
Information Coordination Unit (ICU) at HQ provides intelligence to the 
incoming EST members.
2. Continuing Actions
Information and Planning Section actions last as long as necessary.  Over time, 
disaster operations will transition from response to recovery.  This transition does not 
change the mission of Information and Planning, nor does it affect the basic functions 
of information gathering, analysis, dissemination, and planning.  As the tempo of 
disaster operations slows, the staff of the Information and Planning Section is 
gradually reduced.
a. The focus shifts to the economic impact of the disaster, the effectiveness of 
program delivery, and the identification of recovery issues.  Normally, there 
will be an increased need for specific economic and demographic information 
provided by the Technical Services Branch.
b. The emphasis in planning during the recovery phase shifts from the daily 
action plan to long-range management plans.  Much of this planning will be 
done by staff within individual ERT and EST sections or branches; 
Information and Planning staff collates the information and facilitates the 
process.
c. Situation reporting and formal briefings should continue through the recovery 
phase, although the frequency of both should be gradually reduced.
d. At least one Information and Planning staff member, normally a reports 
specialist, should remain on the FCO's staff until the DFO is closed.  This 
facilitates the preparation of the after-action report, daily briefings, and talking 
points.
e. A reduced staff should remain active at DHS to develop briefings, special  
reports, and SITREPs as needed.  When the requirement for regular reporting 
diminishes, this function should transition to the ICU.  FCO SITREPs can 
substitute for the HQ SITREPs during this period.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Homeland Security
1. Coordinates the overall Federal effort to collect, analyze, process, synthesize, 
report, and display essential elements of information (EEI) and to facilitate 
support for planning efforts in disaster operations.
2. Coordinates Federal situation assessment including remote sensing and reconnais-
sance operations, activation and deployment of assessment personnel or teams, 
and GIS support to operating disaster entities.
3. Provides staffing support for Information and Planning Section activities at the 
State EOC, RST, and ERT at the regional level and at DHS.
B. Support Agencies
 Department of Agriculture (USDA)
 Department of Commerce (DOC)
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
   National Weather Service (NWS)
   National Ocean Service (NOS)
   Environmental Research Laboratories (ERL)
  National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
 Department of Defense (DOD)
  Director of Military Support (DOMS)
  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
  National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA)
 Department of Education (DOEd)
 Department of Energy (DOE)
 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
 Department of the Interior (DOI)
  U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
 Department of Justice (DOJ)
 Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
  U.S. Customs Service
 American Red Cross
 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
 General Services Administration (GSA)
 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
 Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
 Small Business Administration (SBA)

1. As support agencies to ESF #5, primary agencies for other ESFs should identify a 
staff liaison or a point of contact (POC) at the regional, DFO, and HQ levels to 
provide disaster information and intelligence on ESF activities to the Information 
and Planning Section.  In addition, all agencies as appropriate should identify a 
staff liaison or a POC at the regional and HQ levels to provide technical expertise, 
data, advice, and staff support for disaster operations and situation assessment 
activities that fall within the domain of each agency, as follows:
a. Nautical and aeronautical charting, surveys, tidal and geodetic services, and 
geo-referenced coastal imagery (DOC/NOAA/NOS);
b. Meteorology (DOC/NWS);
c. Structural engineering (DOC/NIST);
d. Economic and business impacts, banking, and small business recovery 
assistance (DOC, Treasury, and SBA);
e. National security (DOD);
f. Schools (DOEd);
g. Mental health (HHS);
h. Seismology (DOI/USGS);
i. Hydrology, stream flows, and water-level data (DOI, USACE, and DOC/ 
NOAA);
j. Airborne pollution dispersion prediction (DOC/NOAA/ERL);
k. Shelter status reports and housing transition issues and planning (American 
Red Cross);
l. Legal issues and law enforcement (DOJ);
m. Environmental impacts, pollution and hazardous materials (EPA and 
DHS/USCG);
n. Real-time assessment of disaster impact and magnitude (DHS/U.S. Customs 
Service);
o. Nuclear power plants (NRC);
p. Dam safety (USACE); and
q. Remote sensing technology and assistance (DOI/USGS, DOD/NIMA, and 
NASA).
 This list is not exhaustive.  Support capabilities of other entities may be used as 
needed.
2. Agencies should provide personnel to support assessment operations as requested.
3. Agencies should provide personnel to work in the appropriate ESF of the ERT or 
EST.  They should also provide periodic reports, as requested, on agency response 
operations to the Information and Planning Sections of the ERT and EST.
C. Support Organizations
1. Civil Air Patrol
a. Provide a liaison to the DFO to work with the Operations and ESF #5 Sections 
to facilitate coordination of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) support operations and to 
ensure CAP activities are reported in the SITREP.  Input to the SITREP also 
may be submitted through the Defense Coordinating Element.
b. Designate an appropriate CAP Wing Staff person to coordinate CAP-DHS 
planning and response activities between the CAP-U.S. Air Force region and 
the DHS regional staff.


2. Voluntary Organizations
Report information on their disaster response and recovery activities through the DHS 
Voluntary Agency Liaison in the Human Services Branch of the ERT Operations 
Section.  Information should include status of relief activities such as feeding, 
sheltering, cleanup, unsolicited donated goods and services management, or any other 
relief activity being provided to the affected community.
VI. References
A. Information and Planning Section Standard Operating Procedures, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, July 1996 (or latest version).
B. The Federal Disaster Operations System — An Overview, 9000.0-VW, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, June 1997.
C. All Hazards Notification, 4340.1-PR, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
December 1996.
D. Memorandum of Understanding Between the Civil Air Patrol and the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, August 10, 1996.
E. Civil Air Patrol Support in Disasters — A Standard Operating Procedure, 9347.1-PR, 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 1997.
VII. Terms and Definitions
A. Types of Plans Employed during ERT and EST Operations
1. Action Plan:  A verbal or written plan reflecting FCO/State Coordinating Officer 
(SCO) priorities with tactical objectives for the next operational period.
2. Contingency Plan:  Targets a specific issue or event that arises during disaster 
operations and presents alternative actions to respond to the situation.
3. Functional Plan:  A subset of the action plan developed by individual elements, 
setting out their operational priorities for addressing the most pressing problems.
4. Long-Range Management Plan:  Used by the FCO and team management in a 
large-scale disaster to address internal staffing and disaster organization and team 
requirements.
5. Strategic Plan:  Addresses long-term issues such as impact of weather forecasts, 
time-phased resource requirements, and problems such as permanent housing for 
displaced disaster victims, environmental pollution, and infrastructure restoration.
B. Essential Elements of Information
To assess quickly and accurately the affect of a disaster on the population and 
infrastructure of an area, emergency managers require early intelligence on the areas 
noted below.  This information facilitates accurate assessment of what response activities 
and materiel are required to save lives, relieve human suffering, and expedite response 
and recovery operations.  During the early hours of a disaster and in the absence of 
"ground truth" information such as actual on-site surveys or imagery, GIS, computerized 
predictive modeling, and damage estimation software may be used to develop initial 
estimates of damage.  As soon as possible, actual on-site ground surveys will be 
performed.  Sources may include a Federal-State Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) 
and information from Federal, State, and local government agencies, among others, to 
establish "ground truth" for the following EEI as needed:
- Boundaries of the disaster area
- Social, economic, and political impacts
- Jurisdictional boundaries
- Status of transportation systems and critical transportation facilities
- Status of communications systems
- Access points to the disaster area
- Status of operating facilities
- Hazard-specific information
- Weather data affecting operations
- Seismic or other geophysical information
- Status of critical facilities and distribution systems
- Status of remote sensing and reconnaissance activities
- Status of key personnel
- Status of ESF activation
- Status of disaster or emergency declaration
- Major issues and activities of ESFs
- Resource shortfalls and status of critical resources
- Overall priorities for response
- Status of upcoming activities
- Donations
- Historical and demographic information
- Status of energy systems
- Estimates of potential impacts based on predictive modeling (as applicable)
- Status (statistics) on recovery programs (human services, infrastructure, SBA)
- Status and analysis of initial assessments (needs assessments and damage 
assessments, including PDAs)
- Status of efforts under other Federal emergency operations plans
C. Information Coordination Unit
A DHS team that monitors and reports daily on potential or actual disasters.  Prior to an 
incident, the ICU provides daily situation updates about all ongoing or pending activities.  
During a disaster, ICU members become part of the EST Information and Planning 
Section, Situation Status Branch.
D. Monitoring Period
The period preceding an incident characterized by assessment and preparatory activities 
leading to either response activity or stand down.  During this period, DHS monitors 
causative factors and phenomena, keeps in close contact with the affected DHS region(s) 
and appropriate Federal agencies, and may call for remote sensing data or other 
assessment actions.
E. Operational Period
The period of time scheduled for completion of a given set of operations actions as 
specified in the action plan, usually 24 hours.  This period usually defines the reporting 
period for SITREPs and plans that address operational priorities.
F. Situation Assessment
The evaluation and interpretation of information gathered from a variety of sources — 
including weather information and forecasts, computerized models, GIS data mapping, 
remote sensing sources, ground surveys, etc. — that, when communicated to emergency 
managers and decision makers, can provide a basis for response and recovery decision 
making.
G. Situation Reports
Periodic summaries of the disaster situation, including the status of operations, 
geographical information, identification of operational priorities and requirements, 
reports from specific ESFs on their major response and recovery activities, unmet needs, 
and recommended actions, as well as data on human services, infrastructure, and 
mitigation programs.
H. Situation Room
An area in the State EOC, ROC, DFO, or DHS used for the display of information 
summarizing the status of disaster operations.
I. Status Briefing
A briefing by ERT or EST personnel that summarizes the current situation, operational 
priorities, and the status of Federal response operations in support of a disaster.


Emergency Support Function #6
Mass Care Annex



Primary Agency: American Red Cross
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture
  Department of Defense
  Department of Health and Human Services
  Department of Homeland Security
  Department of Housing and Urban Development
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  General Services Administration
  U.S. Postal Service

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 — Mass Care coordinates Federal assistance in 
support of State and local efforts to meet the mass care needs of victims of a disaster.  
This Federal assistance will support the delivery of mass care services of shelter, feeding, 
and emergency first aid to disaster victims; the establishment of systems to provide bulk 
distribution of emergency relief supplies to disaster victims; and the collection of 
information to operate a Disaster Welfare Information (DWI) system to report victim 
status and assist in family reunification.
B. Scope
1. This annex describes the response actions of ESF #6 and the responsibilities of 
primary and support agencies in accomplishing those response actions in support 
of the delivery of mass care services by State and local governments.
 The American Red Cross independently provides mass care services to disaster 
victims as part of a broad program of disaster relief, as outlined in charter 
provisions enacted by the U.S. Congress, act of January 5, 1905.  The 
responsibilities assigned to the American Red Cross as the primary agency for 
ESF #6 at no time will supersede those responsibilities assigned to the American 
Red Cross by its congressional charter.
2. Initial response activities will focus on meeting urgent needs of disaster victims 
on a mass care basis.  Initial recovery efforts may commence as response 
activities are taking place.  As recovery operations are introduced, close 
coordination will be required between those Federal agencies responsible for 
recovery operations and voluntary organizations providing recovery assistance, 
including the American Red Cross.
3. ESF #6 encompasses:
a. Shelter
Emergency shelter for disaster victims includes the use of preidentified shelter 
sites in existing structures; creation of temporary facilities or the temporary 
construction of shelters; and use of similar facilities outside the disaster-
affected area, should evacuation be necessary.
b. Feeding
Feeding will be provided to disaster victims and emergency workers through a 
combination of fixed sites, mobile feeding units, and bulk distribution of food.  
Such operations will be based on sound nutritional standards and will include 
meeting requirements of disaster victims with special dietary needs.
c. Emergency First Aid
Emergency first aid will be provided to disaster victims and workers at mass 
care facilities and at designated sites within the disaster area.  This service will 
be supplemental to emergency health and medical services established to meet 
the needs of disaster victims.
d. Disaster Welfare Information
DWI regarding individuals residing within the affected area will be collected 
and provided to immediate family members outside the affected area through 
a DWI system.  DWI will also be provided to aid in reunification of family 
members within the affected area who were separated at the time of the 
disaster.
e. Bulk Distribution of Emergency Relief Items
Sites will be established within the affected area for bulk distribution of emer-
gency relief items to meet urgent needs of disaster victims.
4. ESF #6 does not include recovery activities.  (As a private, nonprofit 
organization, the American Red Cross independently provides recovery assistance 
under its congressional charter.)
II. Policies
A. All mass care activities and services will be provided without regard to economic 
status or racial, religious, political, ethnic, or other affiliation.
B. All mass care activities and services will be provided in accordance with existing 
Federal statutes, rules, and regulations.
C. Federal support agency personnel assigned to ESF #6 will work in accordance with 
their parent agency rules and regulations, and will be self-sufficient for a minimum of 
72 hours following a disaster occurrence.
D. The American Red Cross Disaster Services, National Headquarters (HQ), will coordi-
nate ESF #6 planning activities to ensure an immediate and automatic ESF #6 
response.
E. Actions initiated by American Red Cross chapters and its national HQ in response to 
a disaster event are independent of actions taken by the American Red Cross as the 
primary agency for ESF #6.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
1. The magnitude of damage to structures and lifelines will rapidly overwhelm the 
capacity of State and local governments to assess the disaster and respond 
effectively to basic and emergency human needs.  Damage to roads, airports, 
communications systems, etc., will hamper emergency response efforts.  The 
movement of emergency supplies will be seriously impeded.  Many professional 
emergency workers and others who normally would help during a disaster will be 
dead, injured, involved with family problems resulting from the disaster, or 
unable to reach their assigned posts.  State, county, and municipal emergency 
facilities will be severely damaged or inaccessible.
2. Hundreds of thousands of disaster victims will be forced from their homes, 
depending on such factors as time of occurrence, area demographics, building 
construction, and existing weather conditions.  There will be large numbers of 
dead and injured, which also may leave a large number of specialized population 
groups (e.g., senior citizens and children) without support.  Thousands of family 
members may be separated immediately following a sudden-impact disaster, such 
as children in school and parents at work.  Thousands of transients, such as 
tourists, students, and foreign visitors, may be involved.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. A major disaster or emergency occurs that produces significant casualties and 
widespread damage.
2. Mass care facilities will receive priority consideration for structural inspections to 
ensure safety of occupants.
3. Mass care operations and logistical support requirements will be given high 
priority by Federal agencies.
C. Planning Factors
1. The nature and extent of the disaster require a planned, immediate, and automatic 
response from the entire emergency management community.
2. Individuals in areas of high risk are expected to have prepared for and be self-
sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.
3. Local units of voluntary agencies active in disaster will to the maximum extent 
possible provide immediate feeding, shelter, and emergency first aid services in 
response to the disaster event under their own auspices and authorities.  These 
units will plan to provide these services without external support for at least the 
first 72 hours following the onset of a disaster.
4. The ESF #6 planning basis for sheltering is that approximately 20 percent of the 
affected population will seek public shelter.  Some victims will find shelter with 
friends and relatives, some will leave the area, and some will remain at or near 
their damaged homes.
5. A certain percentage of the sheltered population will require shelter for an 
extended period of time.
6. The restoration of communications systems, disrupted by damages and overloads, 
may take weeks.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
1. ESF #6 will work directly with its State functional or agency counterpart to 
provide the support needed as identified by the State.  Requests for assistance will 
be channeled from local jurisdictions through a designated State liaison to the 
Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) or designee and then to ESF #6 for action.  
Assistance will be provided from ESF #6 to the State, or at the State's request, 
directly to an affected local jurisdiction.
2. The American Red Cross will deploy administrative staff to establish a temporary 
field HQ for ESF #6 to support initial response.  The field HQ staff will immedi-
ately establish a direct reporting link with American Red Cross Disaster Services 
at National HQ.  This response includes deploying staff with the Advance 
Element of the Emergency Response Team (ERT-A) and to the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) Regional Support Team (RST), as well as convening 
the ESF #6 regional element.
3. ESF #6 leadership will convene at the American Red Cross National HQ 
following Federal Response Plan (FRP) implementation to evaluate the situation, 
implement plans established to support mass care operations, and consider and 
respond to requests for mass care-related resources.


B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Support Structure
a. The ESF #6 staff will operate under the direction of the Senior Vice President, 
Chapter Services, of the American Red Cross at National HQ in Washington, 
DC.  The American Red Cross National HQ will provide administrative 
support to the ESF #6 staff.
b. The Senior Vice President, Chapter Services, will represent ESF #6 as a 
member of the Catastrophic Disaster Response Group (CDRG).
c. Representatives of all agencies designated to support ESF #6 will be available 
on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the emergency response period.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. The regional-level response structure may comprise representatives on the 
RST and representatives on the ERT-A.  When fully operational, the regional-
level response structure includes the ESF #6 section in the Disaster Field 
Office (DFO).
b. Liaisons from Federal support agencies will be available to the ESF #6 section 
at the DFO as necessary, and available on a 24-hour basis for the duration of 
the emergency response period.
c. Liaisons from ESF #6 to other ESFs and/or related functions will be identified 
and deployed by the ESF #6 section in the DFO.
C. Activation
1. The DHS Homeland Security Center (HSC) will activate ESF #6 by contacting 
the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center, which will activate agencies 
whose support is required.
2. This activation may include deploying staff to the Emergency Support Team 
(EST) at DHS, the affected RST, the ERT-A, and the full Emergency Response 
Team (ERT).
V. Response Actions
A. Initial Actions
1. The national ESF #6 response structure will:
a. Assess the disaster situation and forecast mass care response needs;
b. Provide technical assistance to the regional ESF #6 section and EST; and
c. Validate requests from the regional ESF #6 section for mass care resources.


2. The regional ESF #6 section will:
a. Establish communications with the national ESF #6 response structure;
b. Assess the disaster situation and determine the adequacy of mass care 
response activities;
c. Provide technical assistance to the State agency responsible for mass care;
d. Validate requests from the affected State for mass care resources;
e. Manage the process for requests for Federal assistance;
f. Provide reports to the national ESF #6 response structure and DFO; and
g. Anticipate future mass care requirements.
B. Continuing Actions
1. The national ESF #6 response structure will:
a. Assess the disaster situation and mass care response needs;
b. Provide technical assistance to the regional ESF #6 section and EST;
c. Coordinate resource requests with the Federal support agencies and EST;
d. Provide status reports on mass care activities in the region(s); and
e. Anticipate future mass care requirements.
2. The regional ESF #6 section will:
a. Coordinate the resources necessary to support the conduct of all required mass 
care services;
b. Maintain contact with the State agency responsible for mass care to coordinate 
assistance.  ESF #6, in conjunction with the State counterpart, will evaluate 
the needs for mass care and, when scarce resources are involved, present those 
needs to the national ESF #6 response structure for guidance in resource 
allocation;
c. Manage the request for Federal assistance process for mission assignments 
and taskings;
d. Manage logistical support and related fiscal activities;
e. Anticipate future mass care requirements; and
f. Coordinate with Federal and voluntary organization recovery programs for the 
transition of mass care response to recovery operations.


VI. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  American Red Cross
1. Support the management and coordination of sheltering, feeding, emergency first 
aid services, bulk distribution of emergency relief items, and DWI services to the 
disaster-affected population.
2. Provide DWI to appropriate authorities in response to disaster welfare inquiries 
and family reunification requests.
3. Manage mass care logistical and related fiscal activities.
B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Agriculture
a. Food and Nutrition Service
(1) Locate and secure supplies of food, including federally owned surplus 
foods, to supplement those in the disaster area.
(2) Provide statistics on the quantities and locations of food furnished by the 
Food and Nutrition Service.
b. Forest Service
(1) Provide available departmental resources (e.g., cots, blankets, sleeping 
bags, personnel) for shelters.
(2) Provide logistical guidance and support.
2. Department of Defense
a. Director of Military Support
Provide available resources (personnel, equipment, and supplies) in the 
absence of other national disaster system resource capabilities (including 
contracting).
b. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(1) Provide potable water and ice for mass care use and bulk distribution to 
disaster victims.
(2) Provide assistance in inspecting mass care shelter sites after the disaster 
to ensure suitability of facilities to safely shelter disaster victims.
(3) Provide assistance in constructing temporary shelter facilities, if 
necessary, in the disaster area.
3. Department of Health and Human Services
a. Provide Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) workers to 
augment personnel assigned to shelters.
b. Provide casualty information from within the disaster-affected area in support 
of a DWI system.
c. Provide technical assistance for shelter operations related to food, vectors, 
water supply, and waste disposal.
d. Assist in the provision of medical supplies and services.
4. Department of Homeland Security
a. Assist in the release of information for notification of relatives.
b. Assist in establishing priorities and coordinating the transition of mass care 
operations with recovery activities based on disaster situation information and 
the availability of resources that can be appropriately applied.
c. Provide available resources such as cots, blankets, meals-ready-to-eat, and 
other Initial Response Resources (IRR) and logistical support, including 
communications, for disaster operations as appropriate.
d. Assist in the provision of medical supplies and services.
5. Department of Housing and Urban Development
a. Provide information on available habitable housing units, owned or in the pos-
session of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), within 
or adjacent to the disaster or affected area for use as emergency shelters.
b. Provide available HUD staff to assist when needed with mass care operations.
6. Department of Veterans Affairs
a. Provide for food preparation and stockpiling in its facilities during the 
immediate emergency.
b. Provide medical supplies and personnel to support mass care operations.
c. Provide available facilities suitable for mass shelter.
7. General Services Administration
a. Provide communications links to the DWI center from the disaster area.
b. Provide other logistical support for mass care requirements as requested.
8. U.S. Postal Service
a. Provide change of address cards for victims to notify the U.S. Postal Service 
(USPS) of relocation addresses for mail forwarding, and assist in the 
distribution, collection, and mailing of those cards.
b. Provide an electronic file of address change information furnished by disaster 
victims.


VII. References
A. American Red Cross Disaster Services Program, Foundations of the Disaster Services 
Program, ARC 3000, April 1996.
B. American Red Cross Disaster Services Program, Mass Care — Preparedness and 
Operations, ARC 3041, April 1987.
C. American Red Cross Disaster Services Program, Disaster Welfare Inquiry, ARC 
3044, April 1996.
D. American Red Cross Disaster Services Regulations and Procedures, Disaster Health 
Services — Preparedness and Operations, ARC 3050, April 1988.
E. Statement of Understanding between the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
and the American National Red Cross, October 1, 1997.


Emergency Support Function #7
Resource Support Annex



Primary Agency: General Services Administration
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
  Department of Commerce
  Department of Defense
  Department of Energy
  Department of Homeland Security
  Department of Labor
  Department of Transportation
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  Office of Personnel Management

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #7 — Resource Support provides operational 
assistance in a potential or actual presidentially declared major disaster or emergency.
B. Scope
ESF #7 support to Federal organizations during the immediate response phase of a 
disaster includes emergency relief supplies, space, office equipment, office supplies, 
telecommunications (in coordination with ESF #2 — Communications if activated), 
contracting services, transportation services (in coordination with ESF #1 — 
Transportation), security services, Federal law enforcement liaisons, and personnel 
required to support immediate response activities.  ESF #7 provides support for 
requirements not specifically identified in the other ESFs.  It addresses the effort and 
activity necessary to evaluate, locate, procure, and provide essential material resources, 
including excess and surplus property.  ESF #7 support may continue until the disposition 
of excess and surplus property, if any, is completed.
II. Policies
A. In accordance with assigned responsibilities and upon implementation of the Federal 
Response Plan (FRP), the Resource Support agencies will provide operational 
assistance to the affected areas.
B. Support agencies will furnish resources to support ESF #7 requirements, including 
procurement personnel necessary to establish operations effectively at the national 
and regional levels.  Such support will be terminated at the earliest practical time.
C. Equipment and supplies will be provided from current Federal stocks or, if necessary, 
from commercial sources.  Supplies to be used will not be stockpiled for the purposes 
of ESF #7.
D. General Services Administration (GSA) support of other ESFs will be done through 
ESF #7.
E. All procurement will be supported by a written justification and will be made in 
accordance with current Federal laws and regulations, which when necessary 
authorize other than "full and open competition."  GSA is the central procurement 
authority for the Federal Government.  All procurement actions made at the request of 
Federal agencies in support of the FRP will be in accordance with GSA's statutory 
and administrative requirements and will be accomplished using the appropriate fund 
citation/reimbursement procedures.
F. The provision of the operational support necessary to establish the response capacity 
of Federal agencies will be a major element in the execution of ESF #7.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
A major disaster could cripple the productive capability of the affected area to respond, 
as well as that of surrounding areas under extreme conditions.  The Federal Government, 
however, will have the capacity to meet most foreseeable requirements.  There will be 
shortages in the local area of a variety of supplies necessary for emergency population 
survival, such as cots, sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, tents for temporary shelter, 
and plastic and paper items for mass feeding.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. Implementation of the FRP will occur during peacetime.  If the United States is 
involved in a significant military operation, the Federal Government will be 
devoted to supporting it, and allocation of available resources for multiple 
demands will be coordinated in conjunction with appropriate resource agencies.
2. Federal requirements may need to be met from resources outside the disaster area, 
as most local resources will be claimed by the State in support of response 
operations.
3. Transport of resources may require a mobilization center.  National Guard or mili-
tary bases will be available for use, and adequate facilities will be available for 
materiel handling.  Appropriate Federal and State officials should mutually agree 
on the use of these facilities prior to a response requirement.
4. Warehouses belonging to the Federal agencies within the affected area may suffer 
major structural damage.  Supplies contained in these warehouses may be 
inaccessible during initial post-disaster operations but will be available at a later 
date as debris is cleared.
5. All requested Resource Support will be required for the immediate relief 
operations (e.g., initial lifesaving and life-support operations).
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
The nationwide capabilities of the Resource Support community will be committed 
through Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) at the national and regional levels.  The 
primary determination of resource needs is made by the operational elements at the 
regional level.  Requests for resources will flow upward through and be controlled by 
EOCs at the regional and national levels.  The primary source of personnel, equipment, 
supplies, and materials will be from existing Federal resources.  Support that cannot be 
provided from Federal resources may be secured through direct procurement or 
donations.
B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Support Structure
a. The national ESF will operate under the direction of the GSA Emergency 
Coordinator (EC).
b. ESF support operations will be coordinated through the GSA EC in the GSA 
Central Office, Washington, DC.
c. Upon notification of implementation of the FRP, the GSA EC will make an 
initial determination of which ESF support agencies will be required to make 
personnel available at the EOC and which will be required to remain available 
on telephone standby.  All national ESF support agency personnel will notify 
their parent agencies and await instruction from the GSA EC before reporting 
to the GSA EOC.
d. The EC will represent the ESF in its dealings with the Catastrophic Disaster 
Response Group (CDRG) and will maintain liaison with the regional ESF and 
other interested parties.
e. GSA Central Office will provide administrative support to the ESF.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. The GSA Regional Administrator or Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) 
is the regional ESF head.
b. The GSA Regional Administrator or REC will appoint one or more Federal 
Emergency Support Coordinator(s) (FESC), if needed, to coordinate the 
provision of ESF support at the Disaster Field Office (DFO).
c. Preferably, the regional EOC will be located in the DFO.  The GSA region 
will determine the center's initial location if movement to, or the condition of, 
the DFO precludes immediate occupancy.
d. The agencies supporting this ESF will have a representative present at the 
DFO on a 24-hour (12-hour shift) basis for the duration of the emergency 
response period if required.
e. For a disaster affecting a multi-State area within a region, one location may be 
chosen that will act as a consolidation point for all Resource Support requests.  
The location chosen must enhance support to all affected States and ensure 
coordination with other ESFs.  Where possible, the location will be 
determined in concert with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and 
other ESFs during the planning process.  This does not preclude establishing 
one ESF per GSA region, with a liaison element in each DFO.
f. GSA will provide administrative support for the regional ESF.
C. Notification
1. The GSA EC will be notified by the DHS Homeland Security Center (HSC).  The 
GSA EC will notify all support agencies.
2. The GSA EC will notify the head of the affected regional ESF by any means 
necessary.  If the GSA EC encounters difficulties in providing information to the 
affected regional official, the EC will notify DHS of the difficulty and request 
assistance.  The GSA EC also will notify selected GSA regional officials of the 
need to be prepared to provide support as required.
3. Upon notification:
a. All national ESF support agency personnel will contact their parent agencies 
and await instructions from the GSA EC before reporting to the GSA EOC; 
and
b. All regional ESF support personnel will contact their parent agencies and 
report to their predesignated ESF initial operational location.
D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
Upon ESF notification by DHS:
a. The GSA EC, or an authorized representative, within 2 hours after notification 
will alert the national and regional ESF points of contact (POCs) as required, 
ensuring all internal GSA parties are fully informed of developments;
b. The GSA EC will provide support to Federal agencies engaged in the disaster 
response as requirements are identified until the regional ESF is operational;
c. The REC will assume control of ESF #7 operations under the FRP;
d. The appropriate regions will be contacted to augment response operations; and


e. The REC will establish and deploy a team or teams to provide the following 
support as necessary:
(1) Deploy a representative to the Regional Operations Center (ROC);
(2) Deploy a team to the State EOC as part of the Advance Element of the 
Emergency Response Team (ERT-A);
(3) Ensure a suitable DFO facility, using preidentified locations where 
applicable, is acquired and ready to occupy within 72 hours of receiving 
DHS requirements and/or DHS acceptance of the space;
(4) Provide support in acquiring communications, office furniture, 
equipment, and supplies to equip the DFO;
(5) Support deployment of Initial Response Resources (IRR) with 
transportation services and procurement; and
(6) Establish and manage mobilization center(s).
2. Continuing Actions
From the time of initial actions and throughout the immediate response period, 
ESF #7 will provide Resource Support in accordance with its charged responsibilities.  
The following procedures will be used to provide, control, and account for goods and 
services:
a. Upon notification of space requirements, the ESF will determine, through the 
regional GSA Public Building Service (PBS), the availability of suitable space 
in federally owned or leased buildings;
b. When space in federally owned or leased buildings is not available or 
acceptable, the DHS Regional Director or Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) 
will be notified by the ESF, which will then arrange with the regional PBS to 
assist in locating suitable space elsewhere;
c. Communications capability will be provided through the Federal Emergency 
Communications Coordinator (FECC);
d. ESF #7, in support of ESF #1, will arrange for transportation as required;
e. Motor equipment will be provided from the following sources:
(1) Equipment owned by Federal agencies that may be reassigned to the 
Federal disaster operation;
(2) Federal supply schedule contractors; and
(3) Other commercial sources.
f. All required office furniture and equipment will be provided from Federal 
inventories or commercial sources;
g. Office supplies and other expendables will be provided from Federal stores, 
supply centers, stock, or other government and commercial sources.  Small 
businesses and vendors in the affected area will be used whenever possible;
h. Procurement support will be provided using GSA, Defense Logistics Agency 
(DLA), and other agencies' contracting resources as required;
i. The ESF will make available technical advisors in the areas of procurement, 
storage, and transportation as well as engineering advisory services in 
connection with damage surveys, appraisals, and building demolitions or 
repairs;
j. The ESF will determine the availability of and provide supplies stocked in 
distribution facilities, national defense stockpile, and customer supply centers 
when and if immediately available;
k. The ESF will provide Federal police, if available, to support DHS upon 
request;
l. The ESF will provide contract guard services to augment Federal security 
activities; and
m. In addition to the above, the ESF also will loan excess Federal personal 
property and provide other services as requested by the FCO.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  General Services Administration
1. The GSA EC will be responsible for providing, directing, and coordinating 
ESF #7 operations.
2. The GSA REC will be responsible for the following:
a. Locating, procuring, and issuing resources to other Federal agencies for use in 
emergency operations necessary to support the Federal emergency response or 
to promote public safety;
b. Coordinating the transfer of excess Federal personal property and aid in its 
disposal when requested;
c. Locating and coordinating the use of available space for disaster management 
activities;
d. Coordinating and determining the availability of and providing consumable 
nonedible supplies stocked in distribution facilities and customer supply 
centers when available;
e. Procuring required stocks from vendors or suppliers when GSA items are not 
readily available;
f. Providing motor equipment and transportation services in coordination with 
the Department of Transportation (DOT), and in conformance with its 
responsibilities for the implementation of emergency-related functions, 
including the prioritization and/or allocation of all or part of the civil 
transportation resource and related ESF #1 responsibilities;
g. Coordinating the procurement of telecommunications equipment in coordina-
tion with ESF #2; and
h. Providing support to the GSA Regional Administrator on all Resource 
Support activities.
B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
a. Provide the management and support of mobilization centers.
b. Provide assistance related to transportation and accountability of IRR items at 
the mobilization centers.
2. Department of Commerce
The Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction/Building and Fire 
Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology will 
provide technical expertise on structural surveys as well as the procurement of 
external consulting services.  This procedure is necessary to assess the structural and 
fire safety of Federal and non-Federal damaged buildings and lifelines (i.e., public 
works and utilities).
3. Department of Defense
Provide resources (personnel, equipment, and supplies) in the absence of other 
national disaster system resource capabilities (including contracting) when provision 
does not conflict with the Department of Defense's (DOD's) primary mission or its 
ability to respond to operational contingencies.
4. Department of Energy
Coordinate with energy industries to assist in meeting critical fuel, lubricant, and 
electrical power needs unable to be met by Federal or State actions.
5. Department of Homeland Security
a. Act as liaison to provide logistical support to Federal, State, and local govern-
ments.
b. Provide a Law Enforcement Liaison Officer to operate an information 
clearing-house and facilitate the coordination of Federal law enforcement 
organizations for response to disaster-related activities.
c. Establish and coordinate security requirements for the protection of Federal 
personnel and assets in relation to disaster response and recovery activities 
and facilities.


d. Provide Contracting Officers' Technical Representatives from the Regional 
Support Team (RST), Emergency Response Team, (ERT), or Emergency 
Support Team (EST) Logistics or Operations Section for all ESF #7-executed 
procurement contracts as appropriate.
e. Provide an Accountable Property Officer to ensure compliance with property 
management regulations and assume responsibility for Federal property 
management associated with ERT missions and general operations.
f. U.S. Customs Service:  Provide security support as requested.
g. Assist in coordinating the provision of commercial telecommunications assets 
within the disaster area as appropriate.
6. Department of Labor
Provide technical personnel to assist in the identification and recruitment of 
individuals with specialized occupations needed to support disaster response 
operations.  The Job Corps at the regional level can provide students and instructors 
capable of providing support.
7. Department of Transportation
Determine requirements, locations, and schedules for the movement of emergency 
supplies into and within the disaster area.
8. Department of Veterans Affairs
a. Provide technical assistance in identifying and procuring medical supplies and 
other medical services.
b. Provide personnel knowledgeable in Federal procurement and distribution 
operations.
c. Provide computer support operations as appropriate.
9. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Provide available space, buildings, airports, and telecommunications as may be 
required for emergency support operations.
10. Office of Personnel Management
Identify, locate, and, if necessary, recruit personnel needed to support disaster 
operations after appropriate coordination with GSA.
VI. References
A. Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
B. GSA/Federal Emergency Management Agency Memorandum of Understanding, 
February 2, 1989.


C. GSA Orders.
D. DOD regulations governing civil assistance.
VII. Terms and Definitions
A. Federal Emergency Support Coordinator
The FESC is the principal POC between GSA and DHS for the establishment of support 
priorities, allocation of GSA resources, and coordination of the delivery of all GSA 
equipment, services, and materials except those pertaining to telecommunications.  The 
FESC, with appropriate GSA support staff as determined by the FESC, will normally be 
located at the DFO.  However, at the discretion of the FCO, support may be provided 
from an already established GSA office, granted that such support is not delayed.  The 
FESC serves until released by the FCO.
B. Regional Emergency Coordinator
The GSA REC, or a designated alternate, is the regional POC for DHS alerts and requests 
for assistance.


Emergency Support Function #8
Health and Medical Services Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
  Department of Defense
  Department of Energy
  Department of Homeland Security
  Department of Justice
  Department of Transportation
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  Agency for International Development, Office of Foreign 
Disaster Assistance
  American Red Cross
  Environmental Protection Agency
  General Services Administration
  U.S. Postal Service

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8 — Health and Medical Services provides coordi-
nated Federal assistance to supplement State and local resources in response to public 
health and medical care needs following a major disaster or emergency, or during a 
developing potential medical situation.  Assistance provided under ESF #8 is directed by 
the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through its executive agent, the 
Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (ASPHEP).  Resources 
will be furnished when State and local resources are overwhelmed and public health 
and/or medical assistance is requested from the Federal Government.
B. Scope
1. ESF #8 involves supplemental assistance to State and local governments in 
identifying and meeting the health and medical needs of victims of a major 
disaster, emergency, or terrorist attack.  This support is categorized in the 
following functional areas:
a. Assessment of health/medical needs;
b. Health surveillance;
c. Medical care personnel;
d. Health/medical equipment and supplies;
e. Patient evacuation;
f. In-hospital care;
g. Food/drug/medical device safety;
h. Worker health/safety;
i. Radiological/chemical/biological hazards consultation;
j. Mental health care;
k. Public health information;
l. Vector control;
m. Potable water/wastewater and solid waste disposal;
n. Victim identification/mortuary services; and
o. Veterinary services.
2. HHS, in its primary agency role for ESF #8, coordinates the provision of Federal 
health and medical assistance to fulfill the requirements identified by the affected 
State and local authorities having jurisdiction.  Included in ESF #8 are overall 
public health response; triage, treatment, and transportation of victims of the 
disaster; and evacuation of patients out of the disaster area, as needed, into a 
network of Military Services, Veterans Affairs, and pre-enrolled non-Federal 
hospitals located in the major metropolitan areas of the United States.  ESF #8 
will use resources primarily available from:
a. Within HHS;
b. ESF #8 support agencies;
c. The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), a nationwide medical 
mutual-aid network between the Federal and non-Federal sectors that includes 
medical response, patient evacuation, and definitive medical care.  At the 
Federal level, it is a partnership among HHS, the Department of Defense 
(DOD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS), and is administered by DHS; and
d. Specific non-Federal sources such as major pharmaceutical suppliers, hospital 
supply vendors, the National Foundation for Mortuary Care, certain inter-
national disaster response organizations and international health organizations.


II. Policies
A. ESF #8 will be implemented upon the appropriate State-level request for assistance 
following the occurrence of a major disaster or emergency and after determination 
has been made by DHS that a Federal response is warranted.
B. The ASPHEP is responsible for activating and coordinating the activities of ESF #8.  
Within ESF #8, DHS is responsible for activating and coordinating the NDMS.  The 
lead policy official for ESF #8 supporting the ASPHEP is the Principal Deputy 
ASPHEP.  The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency 
Preparedness (OASPHEP) is the action agent and is responsible for coordinating the 
implementation of ESF #8 and providing staff support to the HHS policy officials.  
The HHS Regional Health Administrators (RHAs) are the operating agents and are 
responsible for directing regional ESF #8 activities.
C. The HHS Secretary's Command Center (SCC) will provide national liaison between  
the Federal Government headquarters (HQ) and appropriate regional officials in the 
response structure at the disaster scene for the coordination of Federal health and 
medical assistance to meet the requirements of the situation.  The HHS SCC will 
coordinate and facilitate the overall ESF #8 response.
D. In accordance with assignment of responsibilities in ESF #8, and further tasking by 
the primary agency, each support agency will contribute to the overall response but 
will retain full control over its own resources and personnel.
E. ESF #8 is the primary source of public health and medical response/information for 
all Federal officials involved in response operations.
F. All national and regional organizations (including other ESFs) participating in 
response operations will report public health and medical requirements to their 
counterpart level (national or regional) of ESF #8.
G. To ensure patient confidentiality protection, ESF #8 will not release medical 
information on individual patients to the general public.
H. Appropriate information on casualties/patients will be provided to the American Red 
Cross for inclusion in the Disaster Welfare Information (DWI) system for access by 
the public.
I. Requests for recurring reports of specific types of public health and medical 
information will be submitted to ESF #8.  ESF #8 will develop and implement 
procedures for providing these recurring Situation Reports (SITREPs).
J. The primary Joint Information Center (JIC), established in support of the Federal 
Response Plan (FRP), will be authorized to release general medical and public health 
response information to the public.  Other JICs may also release general medical and 
public health response information at the discretion of the lead Public Affairs Officer.


III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
1. A significant natural disaster or manmade event that overwhelms the affected 
State would necessitate Federal public health and medical care assistance.  
Hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care centers, pharmacies, and other 
facilities for medical/ 
healthcare and special needs populations may be severely damaged structurally or 
destroyed.  Facilities that survive with little or no structural damage may be 
rendered unusable or only partially usable because of a lack of utilities (power, 
water, sewer) or because staff are unable to report for duty as a result of personal 
injuries and/or damage/disruption of communications and transportation systems.  
Medical and healthcare facilities that remain in operation and have the necessary 
utilities and staff will probably be overwhelmed by the "walking wounded" and 
seriously injured victims who are transported there in the immediate aftermath of 
the occurrence.  In the face of massive increases in demand and the damage 
sustained, medical supplies (including pharmaceuticals) and equipment will 
probably be in short supply.  (Most healthcare facilities usually maintain only a 
small inventory stock to meet their short-term, normal patient load needs.)  
Disruptions in local communications and transportation systems could also 
prevent timely resupply.
2. Uninjured persons who require daily or frequent medications such as insulin, anti-
hypertensive drugs, digitalis, and dialysis may have difficulty in obtaining these 
medications and treatments because of damage/destruction of normal supply 
locations and general shortages within the disaster area.
3. In certain other disasters, there could be a noticeable emphasis on relocation, 
shelters, vector control, and returning water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities 
to operation.
4. A major medical and environmental emergency resulting from nuclear, biological,  
or chemical (NBC) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) could produce a large 
concentration of specialized injuries and problems that could overwhelm the State 
and local public health and medical care system.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. Resources within the affected disaster area will be inadequate to clear casualties 
from the scene or treat them in local hospitals.  Additional mobilized Federal 
capabilities will be urgently needed to assist State and local governments to triage 
and treat casualties in the disaster area and then transport them to the closest 
appropriate hospital or other healthcare facility.  Additionally, medical resupply 
will be needed throughout the disaster area.  In a major disaster, operational 
necessity may require the further transportation by air of patients to the nearest 
metropolitan areas with sufficient concentrations of available hospital beds, where 
patient needs can be matched with the necessary definitive medical care.
2. A terrorist release of WMD; damage to chemical and industrial plants, sewer 
lines, and water distribution systems; and secondary hazards such as fires will 
result in toxic environmental and public health hazards to the surviving 
population and response personnel, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, 
biologicals, radiological substances, and contaminated water supplies, crops, 
livestock, and food products.
3. The damage and destruction of a major disaster, which may result in multiple 
deaths and injuries, will overwhelm the State and local mental health system, 
producing an urgent need for mental health crisis counseling for disaster victims 
and response personnel.
4. Assistance in maintaining the continuity of health and medical services will be 
required.
5. Disruption of sanitation services and facilities, loss of power, and massing of 
people in shelters may increase the potential for disease and injury.
6. Primary medical treatment facilities may be damaged or inoperable; thus, 
assessment and emergency restoration to necessary operational levels is a basic 
requirement to stabilize the medical support system.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
1. Upon notification of a major disaster or emergency, HHS (as primary agency) 
will alert the HHS SCC staff to assemble in the HHS SCC.  The ASPHEP, HHS 
Agency Emergency Coordinators (AECs), and appropriate HHS RHAs, Regional 
Emergency Coordinators, and Regional Directors (RDs) will be notified.
2. The ASPHEP will direct the activities of ESF #8.  DHS will activate the NDMS 
as needed.
3. Preidentified personnel will be alerted to meet requirements for representing 
ESF #8 on the:
a. Catastrophic Disaster Response Group (CDRG);
b. Emergency Support Team (EST);
c. SCC (national ESF #8 group);
d. Regional ESF #8 Coordination Center;
e. Regional Support Team (RST); and
f. Emergency Response Team — Advance Element (ERT-A).
4. All support agencies will be notified and tasked to provide 24-hour representation 
as necessary.  Each support agency is responsible for ensuring sufficient program 
staff is available to support the HHS SCC and to carry out the activities tasked to 
its agency on a continuous basis.  Individuals representing agencies who are 
staffing the HHS SCC will have extensive knowledge of the resources and 
capabilities of their respective agencies and have access to the appropriate 
authority for committing such resources during the activation.
5. National ESF #8 will provide liaison and communications support to regional 
ESF #8 to facilitate direct communications between them.  National ESF #8 
personnel will be deployed as necessary to assist regional ESF #8 in establishing 
and maintaining effective coordination within the disaster area.
6. Regional ESF #8 will coordinate with the appropriate State medical and public 
health officials and organizations to determine current medical and public health 
assistance requirements.
7. Regional ESF #8 will be supported by the Joint Regional Medical Planning Office 
(JRMPO) or other entity designated by the Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) 
to coordinate civil authority requests for military resource support within the 
disaster area.  Regional ESF #8 also will be assisted by those other support 
agencies as contained in the regional ESF #8 appendices.
8. Regional ESF #8 will use locally available health and medical resources to the 
extent possible to meet the needs identified by State and local authorities.  
National ESF #8 will meet the additional requirements primarily from 
prearranged sources throughout the United States and Canada.
9. During the response period, ESF #8 will evaluate and analyze medical and public 
health assistance requests and responses, and develop and update assessments of 
medical and public health status.  ESF #8 will maintain accurate and extensive 
logs to support after-action reports and other documentation of the disaster 
conditions.
10. In the early stages of a disaster response, it may not be possible to fully assess the 
situation and verify the level of assistance required.  In such circumstances, 
national ESF #8, in consultation with regional ESF #8, reserves the right to decide 
whether to authorize assistance.  In these cases, every attempt will be made to 
verify the need before providing assistance.
11. ESF #8 will develop and provide medical and public health SITREPs to the 
CDRG, EST, ERT, primary JIC, and organizations with a need for recurring 
reports of specific types of information including other ESFs, Federal agencies, 
and the State upon request.  Information will be disseminated by all available 
means including fax, telephone, radio, memoranda, display charts and maps, and 
verbal reports at meetings and briefings.
B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Structure
a. ESF #8 response will be activated and directed by the ASPHEP.  The HHS 
SCC national ESF #8 group will become operational.  The national ESF #8 
group will consist of a core of Federal agencies that will be supplemented by 
other national-level organizations, governmental and private, as the situation 
dictates.  During the initial activation, the principal core staff will consist of a 
predesignated HHS staff and representatives from the Assistant Secretary of 
Defense (Health Affairs), DOD; Undersecretary for Health, VA; and 
Undersecretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, DHS.
b. Additional supporting agencies and organizations will be alerted and will be 
tasked either to provide a representative to the HHS SCC or to provide a 
representative who will be immediately available via telecommunications 
(e.g., telephone, fax, conference calls) to provide support.
c. HHS will identify and provide personnel to represent HHS and national 
ESF #8 both on the CDRG and the EST.  HHS also will dispatch, as needed, 
emergency response coordinators and the national ESF #8 ERT to the disaster 
area to support the lead RHA with responsibility for the regional ESF #8.
d. Coordination of ESF #8 will be centralized at the HHS SCC.
e. Special advisory groups of health/medical subject matter experts (SMEs) will 
be assembled and consulted by national ESF #8 as needed.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. The RHA, the lead for the regional ESF #8 health and medical response, will 
establish a regional ESF #8 Coordination Center (CC) and provide adminis-
trative support to the regional response activities.  The HHS RD will assist the 
RHA by coordinating human services support required from the other HHS 
operating divisions located within the region.
b. The lead for regional ESF #8 will represent ESF #8 in its dealings with the 
Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and will maintain liaison with the FCO, 
the appropriate State and local health and medical officials, national ESF #8, 
and the HHS RD.
c. Regional ESF #8 will have appropriate representatives available to rapidly 
deploy, with the ERT-A, to the affected State's EOC or other designated 
location.
d. Regional ESF #8 will have appropriate representative(s) present or available 
by telephone or radio at the regional ESF #8 CC, and additionally at the 
Regional Operations Center (ROC) and/or Disaster Field Office (DFO), as 
required by the FCO, on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the emergency 
response period.  Other representatives of the lead/support agencies will be 
available to staff the EST and/or the ERT upon request of the lead of regional 
ESF #8.
C. Notification
1. Upon the occurrence of a potential major disaster or emergency, the DHS 
Homeland Security Center (HSC) will notify the ESF #8 action agent (HHS/ 
OASPHEP).  The affected DHS region will notify the HHS RHA.  Notification 
can be made via telephone, fax, or digital pagers.  Such notification could be to 
advise of the potential disaster, convene the CDRG, request an ESF #8 
representative to deploy as a regional ERT member, establish the EST at DHS, or 
to notify HHS that DHS has received a request from State or regional officials 
seeking activation of NDMS.
2. HHS SCC will notify the ASPHEP and request activation of ESF #8.  HHS SCC 
will alert its staff, which in turn will notify the lead regional ESF #8 by telephone 
or radio, if possible.  If the RHA or the appropriate representative cannot be 
contacted, the HHS RD will be notified and requested to advise the regional ESF 
#8 lead.  If the HHS RD cannot be contacted, the ESF #8 lead of an adjacent 
region will be contacted and requested to assist in notifying and establishing the 
regional ESF #8 in the disaster area.
3. The HHS SCC staff also will notify all other national ESF #8 members by the 
most expeditious communications method.
4. Upon notification, ESF #8 members will notify their parent agencies.  ESF #8 
members will report to the appropriate location(s) as directed (such as HHS SCC 
or DHS HSC) and regional ESF #8 members will report to the appropriate 
location(s) as directed (such as the ROC or DFO).
D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions Following a Potential Major Disaster or Emergency
The HHS SCC will become operational immediately on notification.  Until the 
regional ESF #8 becomes operational, the collection, analysis, and dissemination of 
requests for medical and public health assistance will be the responsibility of national 
ESF #8, with the assistance of the HHS region.  Upon declaration by the RHA that 
the regional ESF #8 CC is operational, the major responsibilities for requests for 
medical and public health assistance will be transferred to regional ESF #8.  National 
ESF #8 will conduct the following actions while bringing ESF #8 to a fully 
operational status:
a. Federal health and medical assistance is generally categorized into the major 
functions of prevention, medical services, mental health services, and environ-
mental health.  Each of the 15 specific functional areas is contained in one of 
these categories.  Upon notification of the occurrence of a potential major 
disaster or emergency, the lead of the national ESF #8 (the ASPHEP) will 
request HHS and support agencies to initiate action immediately to identify 
and report the potential need for Federal health and medical support to the 
affected disaster area in the following functional areas:
(1) Assessment of Health/Medical Needs
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Mobilize 
and deploy an assessment team to the disaster area to assist in determining 
specific health/medical needs and priorities.  The composition of the 
assessment team will be jointly determined by the action agent and the 
operating agent based on the type and location of the emergency.  This 
function includes the assessment of the health system/facility infrastructure.
(2) Health Surveillance
Lead HHS Agency:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  
Assist in establishing surveillance systems to monitor the general population 
and special high-risk population segments; carry out field studies and 
investigations; monitor injury and disease patterns and potential disease 
outbreaks; and provide technical assistance and consultations on disease and 
injury prevention and precautions.
(3) Medical Care Personnel
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Provide 
Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) and individual public health 
and medical personnel to assist in providing care for ill or injured victims at 
the location of a disaster or emergency.  DMATs can provide triage, medical 
or surgical stabilization, and continued monitoring and care of patients until 
they can be evacuated to locations where they will receive definitive medical 
care.  Specialty DMATs can also be deployed to address mass burn injuries, 
pediatric care requirements, chemical injury or contamination, etc.  In addition 
to DMATs, DOD and National Guard units for casualty clearing/staging and 
other missions will be deployed as needed.  Individual clinical health and 
medical care specialists may be provided to assist State and local personnel.  
The VA is one of the primary sources of these specialists.
(4) Health/Medical Equipment and Supplies
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Provide 
health and medical equipment and supplies, including pharmaceuticals, 
biologic products, and blood and blood products, in support of DMAT 
operations and for restocking health and medical care facilities in an area 
affected by a major disaster or emergency.
(5) Patient Evacuation
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Provide for 
movement of seriously ill or injured patients from the area affected by a major 
disaster or emergency to locations where definitive medical care is available.  
NDMS patient movement will primarily be accomplished using fixed-wing 
aero-medical evacuation resources of DOD; however, other transportation 
modes may be used as circumstances warrant.
(6) In-Hospital Care
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Provide 
definitive medical care to victims who become seriously ill or injured as a 
result of a major disaster or emergency.  For this purpose, NDMS has 
established and maintains a nationwide network of voluntarily precommitted, 
non-Federal, acute care hospital beds in the largest U.S. metropolitan areas.
(7) Food/Drug/Medical Device Safety
Lead HHS Agency:  Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Ensure the safety 
and efficacy of regulated foods, drugs, biologic products, and medical devices 
following a major disaster or emergency.  Arrange for seizure, removal, 
and/or destruction of contaminated or unsafe products.
(8) Worker Health/Safety
Lead HHS Agency:  CDC.  Assist in monitoring health and well-being of 
emergency workers; perform field investigations and studies addressing 
worker health and safety issues; and provide technical assistance and 
consultation on worker health and safety measures and precautions.
(9) Radiological/Chemical/Biological Hazards Consultation
Lead HHS Agency:  CDC.  Assist in assessing health and medical effects of 
radiological, chemical, and biological exposures on the general population and 
on high-risk population groups; conduct field investigations, including 
collection and analysis of relevant samples; advise on protective actions 
related to direct human and animal exposure, and on indirect exposure through 
radiologically, chemically, or biologically contaminated food, drugs, water 
supply, and other media; and provide technical assistance and consultation on 
medical treatment and decontamination of radiologically, chemically, or 
biologically injured/ 
contaminated victims.
(10) Mental Health Care
Lead HHS Agency:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration.  Assist in assessing mental health needs; provide disaster 
mental health training materials for disaster workers; and provide liaison with 
assessment, training, and program development activities undertaken by 
Federal, State, and local mental health officials.
(11) Public Health Information
Lead HHS Agency:  CDC.  Assist by providing public health and disease and 
injury prevention information that can be transmitted to members of the 
general public who are located in or near areas affected by a major disaster or 
emergency.
(12) Vector Control
Lead HHS Agency:  CDC.  Assist in assessing the threat of vector-borne 
diseases following a major disaster or emergency; conduct field 
investigations, including the collection and laboratory analysis of relevant 
samples; provide vector control equipment and supplies; provide technical 
assistance and consultation on protective actions regarding vector-borne 
diseases; and provide technical assistance and consultation on medical 
treatment of victims of vector-borne diseases.
(13) Potable Water/Wastewater and Solid Waste Disposal
Lead HHS Agency:  Indian Health Service (IHS).  Assist in assessing potable 
water and wastewater/solid waste disposal issues; conduct field investigations, 
including collection and laboratory analysis of relevant samples; provide 
water purification and wastewater/solid waste disposal equipment and 
supplies; and provide technical assistance and consultation on potable water 
and wastewater/ 
solid waste disposal issues.
(14) Victim Identification/Mortuary Services
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Assist in 
providing victim identification and mortuary services, including NDMS 
Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORTs); temporary 
morgue facilities; victim identification by fingerprint, forensic dental, and/or 
forensic pathology/anthropology methods; and processing, preparation, and 
disposition of remains.
(15) Veterinary Services
Lead Agency:  DHS/NDMS, in coordination with HHS/ASPHEP.  Assist in 
delivering healthcare to injured or abandoned animals and performing 
veterinary preventive medicine activities following a major disaster or 
emergency, including conducting field investigations and providing technical 
assistance and consultation as required.
b. National ESF #8 also will initiate the following alerting actions:
(1) Alert and deploy national ESF #8 representative(s) to the EST;
(2) Alert national ESF #8 representative(s) to be on standby to deploy to the 
disaster area as a member of the national ESF #8 ERT;
(3) Alert and deploy national ESF #8 to the disaster area to provide liaison 
and support to regional ESF #8;
(4) Request DHS HSC to request the NDMS Operations Support Center 
(NDMSOSC) to alert NDMS Response Resources to be on a standby 
basis;
(5) Request the NDMSOSC, through its DOD representative, to alert the 
Global Patient Movement Requirements Center (GPMRC) to prepare to 
receive hospital bed availability reports.  GPMRC will establish an 
appropriate reporting window;
(6) Request the NDMSOSC, through VA, DOD representatives, and appro-
priate VA and Military Services command and control systems, to alert 
local NDMS Federal Coordinating Centers (FCCs) to obtain bed 
availability reports from the participating non-Federal hospitals and 
report bed status to GPMRC;
(7) Alert HHS Supply Service Center, Defense Logistics Agency, and other 
preidentified sources of medical supplies to be on a standby basis;
(8) Alert national-level communications and transportation support agencies 
to be on a standby basis; and
(9) Determine from ESF #5 — Information and Planning the geographic 
area affected by the disaster and obtain weather information for the 
disaster area, including present conditions, the 24-hour forecast, and the 
long-range forecast.
c. National ESF #8 primary and support agency members will report to the HHS 
SCC and convene within 2 hours following notification.  Alternatively, 
ESF #8 members may be directed to report to their usual offices within 2 
hours and thereafter maintain continuous telephone communication with 
national ESF #8.
d. The designated DOD representative will activate the national-level DOD 
support network as required.  This alerting may include, but not be limited to, 
the Director of Military Support (DOMS); Surgeons General of the Army, 
Navy, and Air Force; U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM); Air 
Mobility Command (AMC); National Guard Bureau (NGB); GPMRC; Forces 
Command (FORSCOM); U.S. Atlantic Command (USACOM); U.S. Pacific 
Command (USPACOM); U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM); Office 
of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services 
(OCHAMPUS); Medical Readiness Division, Office of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff (J-4/JCS); and other appropriate DOD components.  DOMS, in 
coordination with the Services and JCS executive agents (i.e., Headquarters 
U.S. Air Force (HQUSAF) Surgeon General for GPMRC) will, in turn, notify 
Service FCCs and other Service components as appropriate.
2. Continuing Actions
a. Situation Assessment
(1) The national ESF #8 staff will continuously acquire and assess 
information about the disaster situation.  The staff will continue to 
attempt to identify the nature and extent of health and medical problems, 
and establish appropriate monitoring and surveillance of the situation to 
obtain valid ongoing information.  National ESF #8 will primarily rely 
on information from the disaster area that is furnished by regional ESF 
#8.  Other sources of information may include national ESF #8 support 
agencies, various Federal officials in the disaster area, State health 
officials, State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) authorities, State 
disaster authorities, or the responsible jurisdiction in charge of the 
disaster scene.  Information also may be acquired from Federal officials 
outside the disaster area, such as local NDMS FCCs, DHS Regional 
Offices, and HHS Regional Offices.
(2) Because of the potential complexity of the health and medical response 
issues/situations, conditions may require special advisory groups of 
SMEs to be assembled by national ESF #8 to review health/medical 
intelligence information and advise on specific strategies to most 
appropriately manage and respond to a specific situation.
b. Activation of Health/Medical Response Teams
(1) By direction of the ASPHEP, health personnel/teams from HHS (other 
than NDMS assets) will be deployed as needed, and appropriate medical 
and public health (including environmental health) assistance will be 
provided.  NDMS response teams will be activated and deployed as 
needed by DHS.  The NDMSOSC will respond to the requirements by 
arranging for alerting, activation, appointment to Federal status (where 
appropriate), and deployment of NDMS DMATs.  The NDMSOSC, in 
cooperation with the NDMS MST (when established), will coordinate 
and arrange for the necessary transportation and logistic support for the 
DMATs.  DMATs may be activated for provision of patient reception, 
patient staging, casualty clearing, or other medical care activities in 
meeting the needs of the situation.
(2) Certain military medical units, including Active Duty, Reserve, and 
National Guard, may be tasked to deploy to support ESF #8 
requirements.  These requirements will be coordinated with the 
NDMSOSC DOD representative, who will coordinate with DOMS to 
activate and deploy the necessary military units.  VA assets that are 
available for response activities include the Medical Emergency 
Radiological Response Teams (MERRTs) and the Emergency Medical 
Response Teams (EMRTs).  The VA is also able to mobilize health 
professionals who are not necessarily part of a formal "team," depending 
on ESF #8 requirements.
c. Coordination of Requests for Medical Transportation
Arrangements for medical transportation should be made at the lowest levels 
possible.  Normally, local transportation requirements are to be handled by 
local authorities.  If it is determined by regional ESF #8 that State or local 
resources are inadequate to meet the requirements, a State request for Federal 
medical transportation assistance will be executed at the national ESF #8 level 
by use  
of the NDMS patient evacuation component coordinated through the 
NDMSOSC.  Patient regulation will be the responsibility of TRANSCOM's 
GPMRC.


d. Coordination of Requests for Aeromedical Evacuation of Patients from 
the Disaster Area
The concept of operation is for local authorities to operate Casualty Collection 
Points (CCPs) that will feed into State-operated Regional Evacuation Points 
(REPs).  ESF #8 will coordinate the hand-off of patients from the REPs into 
the NDMS patient evacuation system.
Patient regulating is the responsibility of GPMRC.  Because the movement of 
patients is based on the availability of hospital beds, GPMRC will receive 
patient requirements from the disaster area and regulate patients to destination 
reception areas that report available beds.  Regional ESF #8 will establish a 
Patient Reporting Activity (PRA) to report the number of patients requiring 
movement out of the area to GPMRC.  Patients will be reported in the 
specified contingency categories.  FCCs will likewise report available beds in 
the same contingency categories.  Once the regulating decision is made, 
GPMRC will pass it to the PRA and the receiving FCCs.  After receipt by the 
PRA, regional ESF #8 will coordinate with the State to have the patients 
moved.
e. Coordination of Requests for Definitive (In-Hospital) Medical Care
Arrangements for definitive medical care are primarily a local function.  
Requests for additional assistance should first be referred to State authorities.  
If State resources are inadequate to provide this assistance, the affected State 
can request Federal assistance.  In this case, the designated State Coordinating 
Officer (SCO) directs his or her request to the DHS Regional Director or FCO 
who coordinates the request with the regional ESF #8 representative and 
develops a mission assignment.  The mission assignment is passed from 
regional ESF #8 to the NDMSOSC.  The senior official in the NDMSOSC 
notifies the DHS Undersecretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, 
who will activate the NDMS and authorize the NDMSOSC to notify:  the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Affairs (ASD/HA) (or designated 
representative); the Undersecretary for Health, Department of Veterans 
Affairs (USH/VA) (or designated representative); and HHS.  At this point, the 
Office of the ASD/HA will notify the Services to activate DOD FCCs, the VA 
will activate the VA FCCs, and DHS will notify DOMS who will request 
appropriate patient evacuation support from TRANSCOM.  There will also be 
communication between ASD/HA and DOMS.  The activated FCCs will 
activate area operations and patient reception plans.
GPMRC will establish and disseminate appropriate bed reporting instructions 
to the FCCs and will provide appropriate patient reception/patient arrival 
information to local FCCs.  Local FCCs, through their patient reception teams, 
will distribute arriving patients to specific NDMS-participating non-Federal 
hospitals based on the patients' needs, facility capability, and eligibility for 
care.


f. Coordination for Obtaining, Assembling, and Delivering Medical 
Equipment and Supplies to the Disaster Area
Representatives of HHS, DHS, VA, DOD, Department of Transportation 
(DOT), and General Services Administration (GSA) will coordinate arrange-
ments for the procurement and transportation of medical equipment and 
supplies to the disaster area.  A "push" concept will be employed when 
feasible to expedite medical resupply to the disaster area from preidentified 
medical supply caches.  Included in this response will be the HHS-requested 
support, as needed, of certain medical supplies.
g. Communications
National ESF #8 will establish communications necessary to effectively 
coordinate assistance.
h. Information Requests
Requests for information may be received at ESF #8 from various sources, 
such as the media and the general public, and they will be referred to the 
appropriate agency or JIC for response.
i. After-Action Reports
The HHS/ASPHEP will, on completion of the emergency, prepare a summary 
after-action report.  The after-action report, which summarizes the major 
activities of ESF #8, will identify key problems, indicate how they were 
solved, and make recommendations for improving response operations in 
subsequent activations.  Support agencies will assist in the preparation of the 
after-action report and endorse the final report.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Health and Human Services
1. Provide leadership in directing, coordinating, and integrating overall Federal 
efforts to provide medical and public health assistance to the affected area.
2. Direct the staffing of the HHS SCC as necessary to support the emergency 
response operations.
3. Direct the activation and deployment of health/medical personnel, equipment, and 
supplies in response to requests for Federal health/medical assistance.
4. Provide HHS staffing at the NDMSOSC.
5. Provide human services assistance under the direction of the HHS RD.


B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Provide appropriate personnel, equipment, supplies, and food, coordinated through 
the National Fire Suppression Liaison Officer or representative, Fire and Aviation 
Management Office (located in Washington, DC), and the National Interagency 
Coordination Center (NICC) located in Boise, ID.  Support will be primarily for 
communications and aircraft and the establishment of base camps for deployed 
Federal health and medical teams in the disaster area.
2. Department of Defense
a. Alert GPMRC to provide DOD NDMS FCCs (Army, Air Force, and Navy) 
and VA NDMS FCCs reporting/regulating instruction to support disaster 
relief efforts.
b. Alert DOD NDMS FCCs to activate NDMS area operations/patient reception 
plans; initiate bed reporting based on GPMRC instructions.
c. In coordination with NDMSOSC, evacuate and manage patients as required 
from the disaster area to NDMS patient reception areas.
d. In coordination with DOT and other transportation support agencies, transport 
medical personnel, equipment, and supplies into the disaster area.
e. Provide logistical support to health/medical response operations.
f. Provide Active Duty medical units for casualty clearing/staging and other 
missions as needed, including aeromedical evacuation; mobilize and deploy 
Reserve and National Guard medical units, when authorized and necessary to 
provide support.
g. Coordinate patient reception and management in NDMS areas where military 
treatment facilities serve as local NDMS FCCs.
h. Provide military medical personnel to assist HHS in activities for the 
protection of public health (such as food, water, wastewater, solid waste 
disposal, vectors, hygiene, and other environmental conditions).
i. Provide available DOD medical supplies for distribution to mass care centers 
and medical care locations being operated for disaster victims.
j. Provide available emergency medical support to assist State and local govern-
ments within the disaster area.  Such services may include triage, medical 
treatment, and the use of surviving DOD medical facilities within the disaster 
area.
k. Provide assistance in managing human remains, including victim 
identification and disposition.


l. Provide technical assistance, equipment, and supplies through the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers (USACE) as required, in support of HHS to accomplish 
temporary restoration of damaged public utilities affecting public health.
m. Immediately notify the Surgeons General of the Army, Air Force, and Navy if 
there is a likelihood that their support may be required.
n. Provide technical facility and clerical expertise to assess the physical 
condition of the medical treatment facilities.
3. Department of Energy
a. Through the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site 
(REAC/TS):
(1) Provide 24-hour direct and/or consulting assistance in assessing and 
treating the health and medical effects of radiological exposure and 
contamination involving general and high-risk populations;
(2) Offer intensive training to health professionals in medical management 
for radiological accidents;
(3) Provide counseling to victims of radiological accidents; and
(4) Provide technical advice and assistance regarding the handling and 
disposition of radiologically contaminated remains.
b. Through the Radiological Assistance Program (RAP):
(1) Provide regional resources (personnel, specialized equipment, and 
supplies) to evaluate, control, and mitigate radiological hazards to 
workers and the public;
(2) Assist in the decontamination of victims; and
(3) Assist State and local authorities in the monitoring and surveillance of 
the accident area.
c. Through the Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC), provide real-
time transport, dispersion, and dose predictions of atmospheric releases of 
radioactive and hazardous materials that can be used by authorities in taking 
protective actions related to sheltering and evacuation of people.
d. Through the Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center 
(FRMAC), to assist health and medical authorities in determining radiological 
dose information, provide coordinated gathering of radiological information 
and data; consolidated data sample analyses, evaluations, assessments, and 
interpretations; and technical information.
4. Department of Homeland Security
a. Direct the activation of NDMS and the NDMSOSC as necessary to support 
the emergency response operations.
b. Direct the activation and deployment of NDMS health/medical personnel, 
equipment, and supplies in response to requests for Federal health/medical 
assistance.
c. Direct the activation of the NDMS patient evacuation system and coordinate 
the evacuation of patients from the disaster area when evacuation is deemed 
appropriate by State authorities.
d. Direct the activation of the NDMS definitive healthcare network and 
coordinate the provision of definitive healthcare through NDMS.
e. Coordinate NDMS to assist in establishing priorities for application of health 
and medical support.
f. Assist in providing NDMS communications support.
g. Assist in providing information/liaison with emergency management officials 
in NDMS FCC areas.
h. Provide logistics support as appropriate.
i. Identify and arrange for use of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft and other 
assets in providing urgent airlift and other transportation support.
j. Provide communications support for medical command and control.  This 
support will be coordinated through ESF #2 and other DHS assets.
5. Department of Justice
a. Assist in victim identification, coordinated through the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation (FBI) HQ in Washington, DC.
b. Provide State and local governments with legal advice concerning the 
identification of the dead.
c. Provide HHS and DHS/NDMS with relevant intelligence information of any 
credible threat or other situation that could potentially threaten public health.  
This support will be coordinated through FBI HQ in Washington, DC.
d. Provide communication, transportation, and other logistical support to the 
extent possible.  This support is provided through the FBI.
6. Department of Transportation
a. Assist in identifying and arranging for all types of transportation, such as air, 
rail, marine, and motor vehicle.
b. Provide casualty distribution assistance from DOT resources subject to DOT 
statutory requirements.
c. Coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration for air traffic control 
support for priority missions.


7. Department of Veterans Affairs
a. On direction of the NDMSOSC, alert VA NDMS FCCs to activate NDMS 
area operations/patient reception plans, initiate bed reporting based on 
GPMRC instructions, and coordinate patient reception, management, and the 
provision of inpatient care through NDMS hospitals in areas where VA 
medical centers serve as local NDMS FCCs.
b. Assist in providing medical support to State and local governments within the 
disaster area.  Such services may include triage, medical treatment, and the 
use of surviving VA medical centers within the disaster area.
c. Provide available medical supplies for distribution to mass care centers and 
medical care locations being operated for disaster victims.
d. Provide assistance in managing human remains, including victim 
identification and disposition.
8. Agency for International Development, Office of Foreign Disaster 
Assistance
Provide assistance in coordinating international offers for health/medical support.
9. American Red Cross
a. Provide emergency first aid, supportive counseling, healthcare for minor 
illnesses and injuries to disaster victims in mass care shelters, DFOs, selected 
disaster cleanup areas, and other sites deemed necessary by the primary 
agency.
b. Assist community health personnel subject to the availability of staff.
c. Provide supportive counseling for the family members of the dead and 
injured.
d. Provide available personnel to assist in temporary infirmaries, immunization 
clinics, morgues, hospitals, and nursing homes.
e. Acquaint families with available health resources and services, and make 
appropriate referrals.
f. Provide blood and blood products through regional blood centers at the 
request of the appropriate agency.
g. Provide coordination for uploading appropriate casualty/patient information 
from ESF #8 into the DWI system.
10. Environmental Protection Agency
Provide technical assistance and environmental information for the assessment of the 
health/medical aspects of situations involving hazardous materials.


11. General Services Administration
Provide facilities, equipment, supplies, and other logistical support, including the 
acquisition of private sector ground and air transportation.
12. U.S. Postal Service
Assist in the distribution and transportation of medicine and pharmaceuticals to the 
general public affected by a major disaster or emergency as needed.
VI. References
A. DOD Directive 6010.22, National Disaster Medical System, January 21, 2003.
B. DOD Directive 3025.1, Military Support to Civil Authorities, January 15, 1993.
C. Public Health Service Disaster Response Guides, May 1987.
D. Facts on the National Disaster Medical System, February 1995.
E. National Disaster Medical System — Concept of Operations, January 1991.
F. National Disaster Medical System — Operations Support Center Manual, April 1991.
G. National Disaster Medical System — Federal Coordinating Center Guide, January 
1992.
H. National Disaster Medical System — Disaster Medical Assistance Team 
Organization Guide, May 1992.
I. The Public Health Consequences of Disasters, Centers for Disease Control, U.S. 
Public Health Service, September 1989.
J. Public Law 107-188, Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.
K. Public Law 107-296, Homeland Security Act of 2002.





Emergency Support Function #9
Urban Search and Rescue Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
  Department of Defense
  Department of Health and Human Services
  Department of Justice
  Department of Labor
  Agency for International Development, Office of Foreign 
Disaster Assistance
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #9 — Urban Search and Rescue rapidly deploys 
components of the National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System to 
provide specialized lifesaving assistance to State and local authorities in the event of a 
major disaster or emergency.  US&R operational activities include locating, extricating, 
and providing on-site medical treatment to victims trapped in collapsed structures.
B. Scope
The National US&R Response System is an integrated system of US&R task forces, 
Incident Support Teams (ISTs), and technical specialists.
1. The system is built around a core of task forces prepared to deploy immediately 
and initiate US&R operations on implementation of ESF #9 of the Federal 
Response Plan (FRP).  These task forces are staffed primarily by local fire 
department and emergency services personnel who are experienced and trained in 
collapsed structure search and rescue operations.  On activation by the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US&R task forces become Federal 
assets.
2. ISTs provide coordination and logistical support to US&R task forces during 
emergency operations.  They also conduct needs assessments and provide 
technical advice and assistance to State and local government emergency 
managers.  Teams are formed with personnel from US&R task forces; Federal, 
State, and local government emergency response organizations; and private sector 
organizations.
3. Technical specialists provide expertise in various US&R disciplines.  They are 
mobilized as needed from around the United States.


II. Policies
A. The National US&R Response System assists and augments State and local US&R 
capabilities.  Personnel assigned to task forces of the National US&R Response 
System are highly trained and may possess specialized expertise and equipment not 
available to local responders.
B. As primary agency for ESF #9, DHS develops national US&R policy, provides 
planning guidance and coordination assistance, standardizes task force procedures, 
evaluates task force operational readiness, funds special equipment and training 
requirements, and reimburses task force costs incurred as a result of deployment 
under the FRP.
C. ESF #9 addresses only US&R.  All other forms of search and rescue (e.g., water, 
wilderness, subterranean) are managed under different authorities and do not fall 
under the functional purview of the ESF.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
Disasters and emergencies vary widely in scope, degree of devastation, and threat to 
human life.  For example:
1. In situations that entail structural collapse, large numbers of people may require 
rescue and medical care;
2. Because the mortality rate among trapped victims rises dramatically after 
72 hours, US&R must be initiated without delay;
3. During the response, rescue personnel may encounter extensive damage to the 
local infrastructure, such as buildings, roadways, public works, communications, 
and utilities.  Such damage can create environmental safety and health hazards, 
such as downed power lines, unsafe drinking water, and unrefrigerated food;
4. Following an earthquake, aftershocks, secondary events, and/or other hazards 
(such as fires, tsunami, landslides, flooding, and hazardous materials releases) 
may compound problems and threaten both disaster victims and rescue personnel;
5. Weather conditions such as temperature extremes, snow, rain, and high winds 
may pose additional hazards for disaster victims and rescue personnel; and
6. In some circumstances, rescue personnel may be at risk from terrorism, civil 
disorder, or crime.
B. Planning Assumptions
In a major disaster requiring Federal US&R assistance:
1. State and local US&R organizations will be overwhelmed and will not be able to 
respond to all requirements;
2. Local residents, workers, and/or converging volunteers may initiate search and 
rescue efforts, but will usually lack specialized equipment and training.  
Spontaneous volunteers will require coordination and direction within the local 
incident command structure;
3. Access to damaged areas will be limited.  Some sites may be initially accessible 
only by air or water; and
4. Following an earthquake, both disaster victims and rescue personnel may be 
threatened by aftershocks, secondary events, and/or other environmental 
disturbances.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
DHS, as primary agency for ESF #9, will activate the National US&R Response System 
for any incident or anticipated incident that is determined likely to result in collapsed 
structures that would overwhelm existing State and local US&R resources.  The 
likelihood of activation depends on the nature and magnitude of the event, the suddenness 
of onset, and the existence of US&R resources in the affected area.
B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Structure
a. The National US&R Response System consists of US&R task forces, ISTs, 
and technical specialists.  More than 5,000 individuals make up the national 
system.  At the core of the system are 27 task forces sponsored by State and 
local government emergency response organizations and formed into a 
coherent, nationally deployable resource by DHS.  Each task force comprises 
62 individuals organized into 31 positions.  The positions are organized into 
five functional teams (management, search, rescue, medical, and technical), 
with each team staffed to permit around-the-clock operations.
b. ISTs are organized, trained, and mobilized by DHS Headquarters (HQ).  In a 
disaster, one or more ISTs may be dispatched to the affected area to:
(1) Conduct a comprehensive US&R needs assessment;
(2) Provide technical US&R assistance, support, and advice to Federal, 
State, and local officials;
(3) Provide US&R management and coordination assistance and expertise 
to the Emergency Support Team (EST) ESF #9 Leader, the Emergency 
Response Team (ERT) ESF #9 Leader, and the Federal Coordinating 
Officer (FCO) at the Disaster Field Office (DFO);
(4) Under the direction of the ERT ESF #9 Leader, provide coordination of 
the operations of multiple task forces in the field; and
(5) Coordinate logistical support of deployed task forces beyond their initial 
72-hour period of self-sufficiency with the RST, ERT, and EST 
Logistics Sections, ensuring compliance with DHS property 
management procedures.
c. Task force and IST resources may be supplemented with technical specialists 
in various US&R disciplines.  When needed, technical specialists are 
mobilized by DHS.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
Initial Federal field response to incidents that may require US&R assistance usually 
begins at the regional level.  Each DHS Regional Office is responsible for staffing an 
ESF #9 position on its ERT.  The Emergency Services Branch Chief or Operations 
Section Chief on the Advance Element of the ERT (ERT-A) may perform initial 
ESF #9 functions.  Extended US&R operations will require supplemental staffing and 
deployment of national-level resources by DHS.
C. Notification
1. Headquarters
a. Notification of incidents with the potential for structural collapse may be 
received by DHS from a number of sources, including the DHS Secretary's 
Operations Center, Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) 
Detachment Operations Centers, regional offices, national news media, State 
or local governments, and National US&R Response System members.  Upon 
notification of an incident, US&R Response System staff will immediately 
notify ESF #9 EST staff, support contractors, DHS's Military Support Liaison 
Officer, and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of 
Emergency Response of a potential need for US&R response.  EST staff also 
will notify DHS's Office of Financial Management of the potential need to 
activate task force, IST, and EST support agreements.
b. When the need for US&R assets has not firmly been established, the EST may 
issue an advisory to all National US&R Response System task forces, 
indicating that an event has occurred that may require the deployment of 
US&R assets.  EST staff may also begin alerting IST regular or Advance 
Element (IST-A) staff of the potential for immediate deployment.  Activation 
Orders for IST or IST-A staff will be issued by the EST when required.
c. As soon as the need for US&R assets has been established, EST staff will 
develop recommendations for DHS management on the type and quantity of 
resources to be alerted or activated.  When approved, Activation Orders for 
task forces and IST members will be issued by the EST Director.  Activation 
Orders specify that task forces should fully mobilize and be prepared to depart 
from their predesignated point of departure airfield within 6 hours.  In 
addition to activation of task forces and IST members, additional task forces 
may be issued Alert Orders, placing them in a state of heightened readiness to 
respond if subsequently activated.  Alert Orders will generally state the 
timeframe within which activation decisions are expected.
2. Regions
If not previously notified, EST staff will notify the DHS Regional Office responsible 
for the affected area.  Copies of all advisories and Alert and Activation Orders issued 
by the EST will be transmitted to the regional US&R point of contact (POC) for the 
affected region, as well as for those regions whose resident task forces have been 
alerted or activated.  Generally, the regional US&R POC for the affected region will 
maintain close contact with the EST and the ERT-A during the initial response 
period.  Initial recommendations on US&R resources to be alerted or activated will be 
coordinated with the regional US&R POC.  Regional US&R POCs for regions with 
alerted or activated task forces will generally be in contact with the sponsoring States 
and the task forces themselves.
D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
a. Headquarters
(1) Immediately following initiation of operations, EST staff in the ESF #9 
cell will establish and maintain a chronological log of US&R events and 
information obtained from the field.  During the initial stages of the 
disaster or emergency, the EST will serve as the single POC for 
responding task forces and IST members for situation information and 
response status of US&R resources.
(2) Initial staff in the EST will develop commitment documents and activate 
support agreements for supplemental staffing of the ESF #9 cell in the 
EST.  The level of staffing will depend on the nature and magnitude of 
the incident and the response actions already under way.
(3) When Alert and Activation Orders are issued to task forces and IST 
members, EST staff will develop commitment documents to ensure 
response costs are reimbursed, in accordance with task force 
memorandums of agreement (MOAs) and support agreements for the 
reimbursement of IST members.
(4) EST staff will ensure passenger manifests are prepared by the task forces 
and ISTs and forwarded to the EST for recordkeeping purposes.  A 
related requirement is the verification that documentation required for 
legal and liability purposes (e.g., Application for Federal Employment, 
Appointment Affidavit, Employee Transmittal Sheet) is on file for each 
individual being deployed.  If required documentation is not on file, EST 
staff will work directly with task force leaders and IST Commanders to 
obtain it prior to deployment of the task force or IST.  This 
documentation ensures legal protections are available to all responders.
(5) EST staff will also prepare Requests for Federal Assistance (RFAs) that 
generate mission assignments for air transport of task forces from their 
predesignated departure airfields to Base Support Installations (BSIs), 
mobilization centers, or other aerial ports of debarkation designated by 
the ERT.  These RFAs will be coordinated with ESF #1 — 
Transportation and the Movement Coordination Center at DHS.  IST 
members normally deploy via commercial air carriers; however, unique 
circumstances of a particular disaster or emergency may result in 
issuance of mission assignments to other Federal agencies for their 
transport.  Ground transport of task force and IST members within the 
affected area may involve the use of commercial or Federal carriers 
between any of the following locations, as the situation dictates:  aerial 
port of debarkation, BSI, mobilization center, staging area, operating 
site(s).
(6) EST staff will also develop cost estimates and commitment documents 
to provide funding for commercial credit cards that have been issued to 
selected ESF #9 Leaders within the National US&R Response System.  
These credit cards are used to support immediate needs that arise during 
task force and IST deployments.  They provide limited interim procure-
ment authority until ESF #9 resources in the field can be fully integrated 
into a functioning DFO staffed with qualified procurement specialists.
(7) EST staff will collect assessment information from damage assessment 
teams, IST-A members, DHS regional officials, and State and local 
government officials for inclusion in situation reports and for decision 
making regarding the need for US&R resources.
b. Regions
(1) At the onset of the disaster or emergency, DHS officials from the 
affected region will designate an initial POC for ESF #9.  This 
individual will generally be part of the ERT, and may be represented on 
the ERT-A.  While US&R task forces and ISTs are activated at the 
national level, the regional ESF #9 contact has a critical role in 
providing information on the need for US&R resources.  Regional 
officials have the lead role in processing State requests for Federal 
US&R assistance.
(2) The regional ESF #9 Leader also will take the lead in preparing for the 
arrival of task forces and IST members and ensuring the IST is fully 
incorporated into the region's ERT structure.  The regional ESF #9 
Leader will provide overall management and coordination of all 
deployed US&R resources through the IST.  The ESF #9 Leader will 
coordinate all US&R activities with the functional groups of the ERT.  
The ESF #9 Leader will keep the ESF #9 Leader in the EST informed of 
all US&R field activities.
2. Continuing Actions
a. Headquarters
(1) Based on recommendations developed by the ESF #9 Leader in the field 
and the IST, decisions will be made at the national level on the 
deployment of additional US&R resources.  EST staff will issue 
additional advisories and Alert and Activation Orders as required.
(2) In the event that the disaster requires the use of all national-level US&R 
assets, the EST will be responsible for developing strategies for 
providing additional US&R support, including the use of international 
US&R assets, the deployment of other task forces from existing 
sponsoring organizations (without equipment), and the employment of 
US&R resources of unaffected States.
(3) The EST will act on unmet requirements for equipment and supplies that 
have been forwarded from the ESF #9 Leader in the field.  The EST will 
forward issues involving competing requirements and scarce resource 
allocation to the Catastrophic Disaster Response Group (CDRG) as 
appropriate.
(4) The EST will use the demobilization plan developed by the IST as the 
basis for decisions on demobilization of US&R assets.  Based on these 
decisions, the EST will issue Demobilization Orders to task forces and 
IST members.  Demobilization Orders will include specific guidelines 
on personnel and equipment rehabilitation allowances for US&R assets.  
When coordinated with the EST, Demobilization Orders may be issued 
by the ERT.
b. Regions
(1) The ESF #9 Leader and IST Commander will establish contact with the 
local Incident Commander (IC) and develop a plan to integrate national 
US&R resources into the local incident command structure.  The ESF #9 
Leader will work with the local IC to develop written delegations of 
authority to national US&R resources as appropriate.
(2) In the event State and local emergency medical services resources are 
overwhelmed, the ESF #9 Leader on the ERT, in conjunction with the 
IST Commander and IST Medical Unit Leader, will coordinate with 
field representatives of ESF #8 — Health and Medical Services to 
develop procedures for the transfer of victims extricated from collapsed 
structures to Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) for 
stabilization and transport to definitive medical care locations.
(3) The IST will develop a mechanism for resupply of task forces operating 
in the affected area.  The ESF #9 Leader will work with regional ESFs 
to obtain required equipment and supplies.  The ESF #9 Leader will pass 
unmet or competing requirements to the EST for further action.
(4) The ESF #9 Leader, in conjunction with the IST Commander, will con-
tinually monitor the situation and develop recommendations on 
additional resources needed, as well as demobilization of existing 
resources.  The IST will develop a demobilization plan for the 
concurrence of the ESF #9 Leader.  The demobilization plan will include 
recommended guidelines on personnel and equipment rehabilitation 
allowances for US&R assets.  Recommendations contained in the 
demobilization plan will be passed to the EST for decision making at the 
national level.
(5) For incidents of extended duration, the ESF #9 Leader will issue a 
funding document to ensure feeding, shelter, salary reimbursement, and 
other logistical support of US&R task force and IST resources when 
required.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Homeland Security
1. Serve as national-level ESF #9 coordinator.
2. Establish, maintain, and manage the National US&R Response System.  This 
responsibility includes predisaster activities such as training, equipment purchase, 
and evaluation of operational readiness.
3. Dispatch one or more ISTs to the affected area(s).
4. Manage US&R task force deployment to, employment in, and redeployment from 
the affected area.
5. Coordinate logistical support for US&R assets during field operations.
6. Develop policies and procedures for the effective use and coordination of US&R 
assets.
7. Provide status reports on US&R operations throughout the affected area.
8. Under the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS),
a. Provide administrative support to US&R task force medical teams to:
(1) Ensure medical team personnel who are not Federal employees have 
appropriate and valid licenses to practice in their States, and they are 
provided Federal tort claims liability coverage for the practice of 
medicine;
(2) Develop an appropriate pay scale for US&R task force medical team 
personnel; and
(3) Register medical teams of each National US&R Response System task 
force as specialized teams under the NDMS.


b. Provide operational support to US&R task force medical teams and IST from 
ESF #8 — Health and Medical Services, as requested by DHS, to provide 
liaisons; medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals; supporting 
personnel; and veterinary support; and
c. Provide NDMS patient evacuation and continuing care after entrapped victims 
are removed from collapsed structures by US&R task force personnel, when 
State and local emergency medical services resources are overwhelmed.
B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
a. Develop standby agreements with US&R task forces to provide equipment 
and supplies from the National Interagency Cache System at the time of 
deployment.
b. Develop contingency plans for use of National Interagency Fire Center 
contract aircraft by ESF #9 during disasters.
2. Department of Defense
a. Serve as primary source for the following assistance:
(1) Fixed-wing transportation of US&R task forces and ISTs from base 
locations to mobilization centers or BSIs.  Target time frame for airlift 
missions is 6 hours from the time of task force activation;
(2) Rotary-wing transportation of US&R task forces and ISTs to and from 
isolated, surface-inaccessible, or other limited-access locations;
(3) Through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), provide trained 
Structures Specialists and System to Locate Survivors (STOLS) teams to 
supplement resources of US&R task forces and ISTs; and
(4) Through the USACE, provide predisaster training for US&R task force 
and IST Structures Specialists.
b. Serve as secondary source for the following assistance:
(1) Ground transportation of US&R task forces and ISTs within the affected 
area;
(2) Mobile feeding units for US&R task forces and IST personnel; and
(3) Portable shelter (i.e., tents) for use by US&R task force and IST 
personnel for eating, sleeping, and working.
3. Department of Health and Human Services
Provide operational support to US&R task force medical teams and IST from ESF #8 
— Health and Medical Services, as requested by DHS.


4. Department of Justice
a. Provide assistance with the development and maintenance of tort liability 
claims coverage for US&R task force and IST personnel while they are 
engaged in training, mobilization, deployment, and field operations.
b. Provide Federal Tort Claims Act guidance and claims resolution services in 
support of US&R training activities and field deployments.
5. Department of Labor
a. Provide assistance with the development and maintenance of workers' 
compensation programs for US&R task force and IST personnel while they 
are engaged in training, mobilization, deployment, and field operations.
b. Provide workers' compensation guidance and claims resolution services 
during and following US&R field deployments.
c. Provide skilled claims specialists during US&R field deployments.
d. Provide policy guidance, interpretation, and assistance on compliance with 
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations before and 
during US&R field deployments.
6. Agency for International Development, Office of Foreign Disaster 
Assistance
Act as the single U.S. Government POC for coordinating the use of international 
search and rescue resources.
7. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
a. Provide personnel in appropriate technical disciplines to support US&R task 
forces and ISTs.
b. Provide and maintain training sites for use of US&R task forces and IST 
members.
c. Assist DHS with identification as well as research and development of new 
technologies for technical search.
d. Provide temporary use of facilities for mobilization centers and staging areas 
for US&R assets.
VI. References
A. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue 
Response System — Field Operations Guide, September 1993.
B. FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Response System — Operational System 
Description and Mission Operations Manual, May 2001.
C. FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Response System — US&R Incident Support Team 
Operations Manual, May 2001.
D. Emergency Support Team Operations Handbook, April 1998.
VII. Terms and Definitions
A. Aerial Port of Debarkation
Arrival airfield in or near the area affected by the disaster or emergency.  In the National 
US&R Response System, also known as the point of arrival.
B. Aerial Port of Embarkation
Departure airfield in the vicinity of a US&R task force's home base.  In the National 
US&R Response System, also known as the point of departure.
C. Base Support Installation
Any military installation of any service or agency designated by the Department of 
Defense to provide civil authorities with specified, integrated support of disaster 
operations.  The installation is normally located outside, but within relative proximity to, 
the disaster area.
D. Disaster Medical Assistance Team
The basic deployable unit of the NDMS, which is administered by the DHS.  Staffed with 
physicians, nurses, other healthcare professionals, and support staff, DMAT capabilities 
include triage and stabilization of patients at a disaster site and provision of austere 
medical services at transfer points during transport to definitive medical care locations.
E. Incident Support Team
An overhead team used to conduct needs assessments, provide technical advice and 
assistance to State and local government emergency managers, coordinate the activities 
of multiple US&R task forces in the field, and provide logistical support for US&R task 
forces beyond their initial 72-hour period of self-sufficiency.  The IST reports to the ESF 
#9 Leader on the ERT.
F. Incident Support Team — Advance Element
An advance element of the IST, used to conduct needs assessments, provide technical 
advice and assistance to State and local government emergency managers, and prepare 
for incoming US&R task force and IST resources.  The IST-A reports to the IST 
Commander.
G. Memorandum of Agreement
Tripartite written agreement between DHS, the sponsoring organization for the US&R 
task force of the National US&R Response System, and the State of the sponsoring 
organization.  The MOA outlines responsibilities of each signatory in the event of an 
activation of the National US&R Response System.  The MOA serves as the basis for 
reimbursement of task force operational expenditures during activation.
H. Mobilization Center
A temporary facility at which emergency services personnel and equipment are 
temporarily located pending assignment, release, or reassignment.  A BSI may serve as a 
mobilization center.
I. Operating Site
The location of a structural collapse where US&R operations are being conducted.
J. Staging Area
A location set up at or near an incident where resources can be placed while awaiting a 
tactical assignment.
K. System to Locate Survivors
An acoustic listening device used by specially trained personnel from the USACE for the 
location of victims trapped in collapsed structures.





Emergency Support Function #10
Hazardous Materials Annex



Primary Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture
  Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and  
Atmospheric Administration
  Department of Defense
  Department of Energy
  Department of Health and Human Services
  Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard
  Department of the Interior
  Department of Justice
  Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration
  Department of State
  Department of Transportation
  Nuclear Regulatory Commission

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #10 — Hazardous Materials provides Federal 
support to State and local governments in response to an actual or potential discharge 
and/or release of hazardous materials following a major disaster or emergency.  As an 
element of the Federal Response Plan (FRP), ESF #10 may be activated under one of the 
following conditions:
1. In response to a disaster for which the President (through the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS)) determines that Federal assistance is required to 
supplement the response efforts of the affected State and local governments, 
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; or
2. In anticipation of a major disaster or emergency that is expected to result in a 
declaration under the Stafford Act.
 A Presidential declaration does not automatically activate ESF #10.  DHS will 
determine, in consultation with affected States, the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), if appropriate, if such 
activation is required to supplement the efforts of State and local governments.  
(The USCG will be consulted in a disaster or emergency where the predominant 
damage is within its jurisdiction.  As primary agency for the ESF, EPA also will 
be consulted in such cases.)  Within the context of this ESF, the term "hazardous 
materials" is defined broadly to include oil; hazardous substances under the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 
(CERCLA), as amended; pollutants and contaminants defined under Section 
101(33) of CERCLA; and certain chemical, biological, and other weapons of 
mass destruction (WMD).  Federal response to releases of "hazardous materials" 
is carried out under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution 
Contingency Plan (NCP) (40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 300).
3. EPA will serve as the National Chair and lead agency for each activation of ESF 
#10, with close coordination with the USCG in geographic locations under USCG 
juris-diction.  EPA will be the ESF #10 Regional Chair in preparedness and for 
ESF #10 activations in response to a disaster or emergency affecting areas under 
EPA jurisdiction.  The USCG will be the ESF #10 Regional Incident Chair for a 
disaster or emergency affecting only the areas under USCG jurisdiction.  (Precise 
jurisdictional boundaries have been determined by EPA/USCG agreements and 
are described in the NCP as well as in greater detail in the Regional Oil and 
Hazardous Pollution Contingency Plans (RCPs).)  The USCG will receive 
mission assignments directly from DHS for such responses.
 (To provide a smooth interface with the response structure established under the 
NCP, regional incident-specific lead for ESF #10 may be transferred from one 
regional chair to the other if circumstances dictate.)  In the event that an incident 
involves both EPA and USCG jurisdictions, EPA will assume the ESF #10 
Incident Chair role, with the USCG serving as Vice Chair.  Each agency will have 
the option of transferring the lead agency or specific tasks role to the other; 
however, the Incident Chair will retain responsibility for effectively addressing 
the ESF #10 tasks, both NCP and non-NCP.
B. Scope
1. ESF #10 provides for a coordinated response to actual or potential discharges 
and/or releases of hazardous materials by placing the response mechanisms of the 
NCP within the FRP coordination structure that ensures the most efficient and 
effective use of Federal resources.  The ESF includes the appropriate response 
actions to prevent, minimize, or mitigate a threat to public health, welfare, or the 
environment caused by actual or potential hazardous materials incidents.
2. This ESF establishes the lead coordination roles, the division and specification of 
responsibilities among Federal agencies, and the national and on-site response 
organization that may be brought to bear in response actions, including 
description of the organizations, response personnel, and resources that are 
available.  This ESF is applicable to all Federal departments and agencies with 
responsibilities and assets to support State and local response to actual or potential 
discharges and/or releases of hazardous materials.


3. Response to oil discharges and hazardous substance releases will be carried out in 
accordance with the NCP.  The NCP effectuates the response powers and 
responsibilities created by CERCLA, and the authorities established by Section 
311 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended by the Oil Pollution Act (OPA).  
Under the NCP, an On-Scene Coordinator (OSC), designated by EPA, the USCG, 
Department of Defense (DOD), or Department of Energy (DOE), would 
undertake Federal response actions.  Appropriate response actions under the NCP 
include efforts to detect, identify, contain, clean up, or dispose of released 
hazardous materials.  The actions can include stabilization of berms, dikes, or 
impoundments; capping of contaminated soils or sludge; use of chemicals and 
other materials to contain or retard the spread of the release or to mitigate its 
effects; drainage controls; fences, warning signs, or other security or site control 
precautions; removal of highly contaminated soils from drainage areas; removal 
of drums, barrels, tanks, or other bulk containers that contain hazardous 
substances; and other measures as deemed necessary.
4. In addition, ESF #10 may respond to actual or threatened releases of hazardous 
materials not typically responded to under the NCP but that, as a result of the 
disaster or emergency, pose a threat to public health or welfare or to the environ-
ment.  Appropriate ESF #10 response activities to such hazardous materials 
incidents include, but are not limited to, household hazardous waste collection, 
permitting and monitoring of debris disposal, water quality monitoring and 
protection, air quality sampling and monitoring, and protection of natural 
resources.
C. Relation to Existing Response under the National Contingency Plan,  
the National Response System, and the National and Regional 
Response Teams
1. Coordination of response actions carried out under this ESF is in accordance and 
does not conflict with the NCP duties and responsibilities of the National 
Response Team (NRT) and Regional Response Teams (RRTs) as carried out 
through the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Response System (NRS).  
The NRS is a highly organized network of agencies, programs, and resources with 
authorities and responsibilities in hazardous materials response.  Key components 
of the NRS include the NCP, the NRT/RRTs, the National Response Center 
(NRC), and Area Contingency Plans.  States participate in the NRS at the regional 
level.
2. The NRT, comprised of 16 Federal agencies with major environmental and public 
health responsibilities for oil and hazardous substance releases, is the primary 
vehicle for coordinating Federal agency activities under the NCP.  The NRT 
carries out national planning and response coordination and oversees the NRS.  
EPA chairs the NRT, while the USCG serves as Vice Chair.  At the headquarters 
(HQ) level, activities under this ESF provide a bridge between the NRT and the 
Catastrophic Disaster Response Group (CDRG).  The NRT participates in FRP-
activation preparedness activities under this ESF and is expected to be closely 
involved in response activities if this ESF is activated.  EPA is the Regional Chair 
of ESF #10 for incidents within its jurisdiction.  For disasters that occur where the 
USCG has jurisdiction, the USCG is the Regional Incident Chair of ESF #10.  
(EPA would remain the National Chair with active USCG participation and 
support at the CDRG.)
3. The RRTs comprise regional representatives of the Federal agencies on the NRT 
as well as a representative from each State within the region and are co-chaired by 
EPA and the USCG.  The RRTs serve as planning and preparedness bodies before 
a response.  During a response, RRTs marshal their respective agency response 
resources and provide coordination and advice to the Federal OSC(s).  Each RRT 
participates in preparedness activities under this ESF and is expected to be closely 
involved in response activities if this ESF is activated.  At the regional level, 
activities under this ESF provide a bridge between the on-site OSC-directed NCP 
response (with RRT support) and the overall FRP disaster response activities 
carried out at the Disaster Field Office (DFO) and managed by a Federal 
Coordinating Officer (FCO).  The OSCs will carry out their responsibilities under 
the NCP to coordinate, integrate, and manage the Federal effort to detect, identify, 
contain, clean up, or dispose of or minimize releases of oil or hazardous 
substances, or prevent, mitigate, or minimize the threat of potential releases.  
Their efforts will be coordinated under the direction of the ESF Regional Incident 
Chair, who is also the EPA or USCG RRT Co-Chair.
4. If the FRP is invoked and there are hazardous materials releases necessitating the 
activation of this ESF, the NRT/RRTs would carry out their duties and responsi-
bilities as put forth in the NCP and agency implementing procedures.  Those 
efforts will focus largely on specific oil and hazardous substances releases that 
may occur throughout the affected geographic area.  There is a need, however, for 
a single coordination mechanism for the Federal hazardous materials response as 
provided through this ESF because:
a. It is likely that there will be several releases occurring simultaneously, making 
heavy demands on response resources.  To make the best use of limited 
resources and to ensure the most efficient overall response, damage 
information must be gathered quickly, analyzed, and response priorities 
established as soon as possible;
b. Information on response activities must be provided to the DFO and the FCO 
on a continuous basis.  In some cases, this information could be coming in 
from more than one State or region.  To avoid confusion, this information 
should flow from the response site to the ESF #10 Regional Chair, to the 
FCO, and to the ESF #10 National Chair; and
c. Many agencies represented on the NRT/RRT also will be involved in 
responding to the disaster under other ESFs; hence, there may be conflicting 
demands on their agency resources.  For example, DOD, which has provided 
personnel and equipment for NCP responses in the past, is also a support 
agency to the other 11 ESFs.  There may be heavy and conflicting demands on 
DOD resources.  Any resource conflicts affecting ESF #10 will be resolved at 
the DFO with the FCO and the ESF Chair, then through national ESF #10, and 
lastly at the CDRG level.
5. EPA will carry out the overall management of preparedness and response 
coordination activities for this ESF.  The USCG, in coordination with EPA, will 
carry out the management of preparedness and response coordination activities for 
this ESF in those affected areas where the USCG has jurisdiction.  Such 
assistance will include the responsibility as Regional Vice Chair or Incident Chair 
of this ESF.
II. Policies
A. National Contingency Plan
The NCP serves as the basis for planning and use of Federal resources for responding to 
releases or threats of releases of oil or hazardous substances.  Response actions under this 
ESF will follow the policies, procedures, directives, and guidance developed to carry out 
provisions in the NCP.
B. ESF Regional Chair
During nonemergency operations, the EPA Co-Chair of the RRT will chair the regional 
ESF.  The USCG Co-Chair of the RRT will serve as Vice Chair of the regional ESF.  
Both the Regional Chair and Vice Chair will be involved in planning for implementation 
of ESF #10.
C. Support Agencies
To the extent possible at both the HQ and regional levels, support agency representatives 
to this ESF should be those personnel also assigned to the NRT or RRT(s).  Where such 
dual assignments are not possible, each ESF representative is to maintain close 
coordination with the agency's NRT/RRT representative.
D. Multiple Response Actions
When, because of multiple response actions, more than one Federal OSC is involved in 
implementing response, the ESF will be the mechanism through which close coordination 
will be maintained among all agencies and OSCs.  The EPA Regional Chair of this ESF 
will ensure response actions within its jurisdiction are properly coordinated and carried 
out.  In cases where more than one USCG district falls within an EPA region, USCG HQ 
will select the Regional Incident Chair of the ESF.  The USCG Regional Incident Chair 
of the ESF will ensure response actions within USCG jurisdiction are properly 
coordinated and carried out.


E. Terrorism Incidents
If the Terrorism Incident Annex to the FRP is activated, ESF #10 will provide assistance 
during the crisis management and consequence management phases as specified in the 
annex.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
A natural or other disaster could result in numerous situations in which hazardous 
materials are released into the environment.  Fixed facilities (e.g., chemical plants, tank 
farms, laboratories, operating hazardous waste sites) that produce, generate, use, store, or 
dispose of hazardous materials could be damaged so severely that existing spill control 
apparatus and containment measures are not effective.  Hazardous materials that are 
transported may be involved in rail accidents, highway collisions, or waterway mishaps.  
Abandoned hazardous waste sites could be damaged, causing further degradation of 
holding ponds, tanks, and drums.  The damage to, or rupture of, pipelines transporting 
materials that are hazardous if improperly released will present serious problems.  
Disaster recovery procedures could generate hazardous materials threats to the public 
health or welfare or to the environment.  Terrorism incidents could occur involving 
WMD.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. States and localities will be overwhelmed by the extent of the response effort 
required to assess, mitigate, monitor, clean up, and dispose of hazardous materials 
released into the environment.
2. There will be numerous incidents occurring simultaneously in separate locations, 
both inland and along coastal waters.
3. Standard communications equipment and practices (e.g., telephone lines and 
radio) will be disrupted or destroyed.
4. Response personnel, cleanup crews, and response equipment will have difficulty 
reaching the site of a hazardous materials release because of the damage sustained 
by the transportation infrastructure (i.e., roads, rails, bridges, airports).
5. Additional response/cleanup personnel and equipment will be needed to 
supplement existing capabilities and to provide backup or relief resources.
6. Even if the disaster does not cause an actual release, there will be considerable 
concern about facilities that are located in or near the affected area.  These 
facilities will need to be assessed and monitored by ESF #10.  Information 
submitted in compliance with Title III of the Superfund Amendments and 
Reauthorization Act (SARA), the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the Oil 
Pollution Act of 1990, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform 
Safety Act of 1990 will be useful in identifying such facilities.
7. Laboratories responsible for analyzing hazardous materials samples may be 
damaged or destroyed.
8. Air transportation will be needed for damage reconnaissance and to transport 
personnel and equipment to the site of a release.
9. Emergency exemptions will be needed for disposal of contaminated material.
10. ESF #10 responders should expect to be self-sufficient in the early days of the 
response.
11. Incidents involving WMD will require additional coordination procedures and the 
need to follow specialized response actions.  A WMD response might begin as a 
routine response action and then later be determined a WMD incident.
12. When a discharge or release involves radioactive material, the Federal response 
will be consistent with the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan 
(FRERP) or the NCP as deemed appropriate by the Lead Federal Agency (LFA).  
The FRERP response is coordinated by the LFA, which is the agency that owns, 
authorizes, regulates, or is otherwise responsible for the source, facility, or 
radiological activity causing the emergency, and for responding to that 
emergency.
IV. Concept of Operations
A. Scope
1. EPA will serve as the National Chair and lead agency for each activation of 
ESF #10, with close coordination with the USCG in geographic locations under 
USCG jurisdiction.  EPA will be the ESF #10 Regional Chair in preparedness and 
for ESF #10 activations in response to a disaster or emergency affecting areas 
under EPA jurisdiction.  The USCG will be the ESF #10 Regional Incident Chair 
for a disaster or emergency affecting only areas under USCG jurisdiction.
2. The operational response prescribed in the NCP and any agency implementing 
procedures that contribute to response will be coordinated through this ESF.  This 
ESF will promote an efficient, coordinated, and effective response to discharges 
or releases of hazardous materials that threaten human health, welfare, or the 
environment.  In conjunction with the State, the ESF will coordinate the provision 
of support and the overall management to the various response sites to ensure 
actions are taken to mitigate, clean up, and dispose of hazardous materials and 
minimize the impact of the incidents.  The ESF promotes close coordination with 
Federal, State, and local officials to establish priorities for response support.
3. This ESF requires documentation of all response activities to support after-action 
requirements and justify actions taken by primary and support agencies.
4. Upon activation of ESF #10, one or more OSCs will coordinate and direct oil and 
hazardous substance removal actions.  Depending on the location of the 
incident(s), the OSC(s) may be provided by either EPA, USCG, DOD, or DOE.  
The Regional Chair of this ESF is responsible for coordinating OSCs to make the 
best use of response resources and to avoid gaps or overlaps in response actions.
B. Organization
Figure ESF #10-1 depicts the national and regional organizational structure for this ESF 
for situations in which oil and/or hazardous substance incidents occur and the NCP is 
implemented.


Figure 10-1 — ESF #10 National and Regional Structure

From the President, authority or coordination to the following:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
DHS Regional Office
Federal Coordinating Officer
Emergency Response Team (ERT)
ERT-A – (ERT- Advance Element)
Governor
State Coordinating Officer
Emergency Support Team
Catastrophic Disaster Response Group
ESF#10 Chair (EPA HQ)
Regional ESF#10 Chair (EPA Regions or U.S. Coast Guard Districts)
National Response Team/ESF Support Agencies
Coordination and Technical Staff
Regional Response Team/ESF Support Agencies
ERT/EPA, Scientific Support Coordinator, National Strike Force Cleanup Support 
Services
Coordination and Technical Staff
EPA On-Scene-Commanders (OSC's)
U.S. Coast Guard OSC's
DOD OSC's
DOE OSC's
Others


1. National-Level Response Support Structure
a. This ESF will be implemented under the direction of the Director, Chemical 
Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO), Office of Solid 
Waste and Emergency Response, EPA, who will also serve as the Chair for 
this ESF.  For Coastal Zone response, this ESF will also be implemented 
under the coordinated direction between the Chief, Office of Response, 
USCG, and the Director of CEPPO consistent with Section I.A of this annex.
b. The Chair, or a designated alternate, will represent the ESF in all interactions 
with the CDRG and will maintain liaison with the ESF Regional Chair.
c. Following an initial situation assessment, the ESF Chair (in consultation with 
the ESF Vice Chair if appropriate) will determine which agencies will be 
required to continue to provide representatives to the ESF on a 24-hour basis 
(either by telephone or in person) during the emergency response period.  The 
EPA CEPPO and/or USCG Office of Response will provide administrative 
support to this ESF as appropriate.  ESF #10 will operate from EPA and, as 
appropriate, USCG HQ.  ESF support agencies will have representatives 
available immediately by telephone on a 24-hour basis.
(1) EPA will operate this ESF from the EPA HQ Emergency Operations 
Center (EOC).
(2) Where the USCG has jurisdiction, the USCG will operate from the 
USCG HQ Office of Response.
d. ESF #10 will be represented on the Emergency Support Team (EST) by a pre-
designated EPA HQ and/or USCG HQ representative and, if necessary, by 
select representatives of other ESF support agencies.  The purpose of the ESF 
#10 EST representative is to provide national-level coordination and liaison 
among ESFs at HQ and to provide accurate ESF technical information to ESF 
#5 — Information and Planning and the CDRG.  The EST ESF #10 
representative will be in direct contact with the ESF #10 Chair at EPA HQ or 
USCG representatives at USCG HQ as appropriate.
 The EPA ESF #10 Chair, who is also the ESF #10 CDRG representative, will 
determine national-level policy relating to the response effort in close coordi-
nation with the USCG.  The USCG will also provide representation at CDRG 
meetings as necessary.  The ESF #10 Chair will provide guidance and 
direction to regional response elements as necessary on issues such as inter-
regional resource use, allocation, and mobilization.
e. Policies and procedures in the NCP will be adhered to in carrying out an oil/ 
hazardous substance response.  In certain circumstances, some administrative 
procedures in the NCP can be streamlined during the immediate response 
phase.  The ESF Chair will consult the NRT for advice and assistance in 
carrying out activities under this ESF.  Likewise, the ESF Regional Chair will 
consult the RRT for such advice or assistance.
f. In some cases (see Sections I.B and III.A), ESF #10 may respond to releases 
or threatened releases of hazardous materials not typically responded to under 
the NCP.  Applicable policies and procedures in the NCP will be adhered to in 
carrying out these hazardous materials responses.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. The EPA RRT Co-Chair will serve as the Regional Chair of this ESF.  The 
USCG Co-Chair of the RRT will serve as Vice Chair of the regional ESF.
b. For responses occurring solely in areas of USCG jurisdiction, the USCG RRT 
Co-Chair will serve as the Regional Incident Chair of this ESF.
c. The ESF Regional Chair will represent the ESF in its dealings with the FCO 
and will maintain close coordination with support agencies, other on-scene 
ESFs, National Chair of the ESF, OSCs, RRT, and State officials.
d. The regional-level ESF comprises the regional representatives of those 
Federal agencies listed in Section V of this ESF.
e. In the event of a multi-State incident, the ESF Regional Chair will designate 
an ESF #10 coordinator for each State.  Designees will coordinate response 
efforts in the assigned State, representing the ESF at the DFO.  Designees will 
closely coordinate decisions with the ESF #10 Chair.
f. The Regional Chair will designate a representative to the Advance Element of 
the Emergency Response Team (ERT-A) and, in conjunction with the ESF 
support agencies, determine the staffing requirements for the full ERT at the 
DFO.  In addition to that of the primary agency, staffing at the DFO may 
include the USCG, DOD, Department of Commerce (DOC)/National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS).
g. In the DFO, the Regional Chair will be the primary coordination point 
between the ESF #10 response activities and the FCO.
h. When the Terrorism Incident Annex is activated, the Regional Chair will 
ensure ESF #10 response activities are fully integrated and coordinated with 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI's) Joint Operations Center (JOC).
i. The Regional Chair will support Federal OSCs provided by EPA for 
discharges and releases into or threatening areas under EPA jurisdiction, the 
USCG for discharges or releases into or threatening areas of USCG 
jurisdiction, DOD for hazardous substance releases from DOD facilities and 
vessels, or DOE for hazardous substance releases from DOE facilities.
j. The OSC directs oil and hazardous substance response efforts and coordinates 
all other Federal efforts at the scene of a discharge or release.  Specific 
response efforts are noted in the NCP and include actions taken as soon as 
possible to prevent, minimize, or mitigate a threat to public health or welfare, 
or the environment.
k. The OSC is supported by a Federal emergency response network that includes 
the NRT, RRT, and special forces and teams (e.g., National Strike Force, 
Environmental Response Team, Scientific Support Coordinators, District 
Response Groups, Radiological Emergency Response Teams, and Supervisor 
of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV — Department of the Navy)), which can 
provide technical assistance, advice, and other services and additional support 
for cleanup and disposal of released material.
l. The OSC should consult as needed with the RRT in carrying out response 
activities and keep the RRT informed of response actions.  To the extent 
possible, the RRT representative also will be the agency's representative to 
this ESF.
m. OSC efforts will be coordinated with other appropriate Federal, State, local, or 
private response agencies.  All OSCs involved in implementing this ESF will 
maintain close coordination with the Regional Chair to ensure the response is 
consistent with Federal priorities.
C. Notification
1. DHS will notify the National ESF Chair of a potential or actual FRP or ESF #10 
activation.
2. DHS will notify the National Response Center of a potential or actual FRP or 
ESF #10 activation.  The NRC will notify the HQ and Regional Chairs of this 
ESF and other appropriate Federal and State personnel or their designees.  
Alternatively, the EPA Region and/or USCG District may be notified of an alert 
of a potential ESF #10 activation by their corresponding DHS region.
3. In cases where other Federal assets are initially notified of an incident, they are 
responsible for contacting the NRC and DHS directly.
4. Upon notification, all ESF members will contact their parent agencies, remain in 
24-hour telephone contact with the ESF (e.g., the EST at the national level and the 
Regional Support Team (RST) at the regional level), and be prepared to report to 
that location as required.


D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
a. The National Chair of this ESF will convene appropriate agency 
representatives within 2 hours of notification to develop a plan for providing 
the technical support required.  This can be conducted via emergency 
conference call or by physically locating at the EPA or USCG EOC as 
appropriate.
b. The national ESF will focus initially on the following actions:
(1) Confirm that members of national and regional ESF staffs have been 
notified;
(2) Ensure the EPA EOC or USCG EOC is primed to support Federal 
response activities;
(3) Establish communications with the affected regional ESF;
(4) Establish communications with designated backup regions and with 
other appropriate State and regional elements;
(5) Coordinate with other national-level ESFs, especially ESF #5;
(6) Identify extent of hazardous materials incidents;
(7) Identify initial resource requirements; and
(8) For terrorism incidents, provide support as required during the crisis 
management and consequence management phases while continuing to 
carry out NCP response actions.
c. The regional-level ESF will become operational upon notification from the 
DHS region.  Initial actions coordinated under the regional ESF include:
(1) Alert members of the regional ESF;
(2) Deploy ESF representatives to the ERT-A and to the ERT;
(3) Coordinate and communicate with the national ESF at the EST;
(4) Establish communication with the RST and/or State EOC (according to 
regional plans) to obtain initial damage estimates;
(5) Establish communications with EPA backup regions.  The EPA ESF #10 
Regional Chair will request assistance for backup by calling other EPA 
regions for support.  Backup regions should coordinate with EPA HQ 
before deploying to the disaster and work through EPA HQ to obtain 
any additional resources required.  Where the USCG has jurisdiction, it 
will establish communications with primary predesignated USCG 
backup districts.  USCG-designated backup districts are expected to 
provide initial response support behind the affected district.  Backup 
districts should coordinate with USCG HQ before deploying to the 
disaster and work through USCG HQ to obtain any additional resources 
required; and
(6) Assess the situation, including the nature, amount, and locations of real 
or potential releases of hazardous materials; pathways to human and 
environmental exposure; probable direction and time of travel of the 
materials; potential impact on human health, welfare, safety, and the 
environment; types, availability, and location of response resources, 
technical support, and cleanup services; and priorities for protecting 
human health and welfare, and the environment.
d. Upon identification of releases or potential releases of oil and hazardous sub-
stances, the Regional Chair of this ESF will coordinate closely with the 
OSC(s) and the RRT (if convened) to develop and implement a response 
strategy.
2. Continuing Actions
Upon becoming fully operational and throughout the response period, the ESF 
support agency representatives (national and regional) will coordinate with their 
agencies to meet ESF needs and carry out ESF actions.  The regional ESF, under the 
direction of the ESF Regional Chair, will:
a. Receive damage information from reconnaissance teams, other ESFs, and 
Federal, State, and local agencies;
b. In coordination with Federal, State, and local agencies, identify support 
requirements and establish response priorities;
c. Validate priorities and identify resources required;
d. Work with State and local governments and other Federal agencies to 
maximize use of available regional assets and identify resources required from 
outside the region; and initiate actions to locate and move resources into the 
disaster area (transport of resources to be coordinated with ESF #1 — 
Transportation);
e. Continue to coordinate on-scene response operations through this ESF as 
expressed in Section I.C, including stabilization of berms, dikes, or impound-
ments; capping of contaminated soil or sludge; use of chemicals and other 
materials to contain or retard the spread of the release or mitigate its effects 
(e.g., safety fences); drainage controls to ensure proper drainage; fences, 
warning signs, or other security or site control precautions; removal of highly 
contaminated soil from drainage or other areas; and removal of drums, barrels, 
tanks, or other bulk containers that contain hazardous materials;
f. Because of the potential for response to numerous simultaneous events, OSCs 
will, as time permits, coordinate all significant actions with the ESF Regional 
Chair.  Significant actions are considered those that relate to competition for 
and commitment of resources not under their control, recommendations to 
State officials as to protective actions, or the impact on other response 
activities or priorities;
g. Maintain close coordination with the DFO to share information and ensure 
effective response to requests for assistance.  The regional ESF will provide 
written situation reports to the ESF #10 National Chair on a regular basis as 
specified at the time of response (at a minimum, every shift change); and
h. For terrorism incidents, provide support as required during crisis management 
and consequence management while continuing to carry out ESF #10 response 
actions.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Environmental Protection Agency, with the U.S. 
Coast Guard as Regional Incident-Specific Chair During Certain 
Events
1. Maintain close coordination between HQ and the affected regional office(s); the 
USCG, as appropriate; the CDRG; the EST; other ESFs; and the NRT.
2. Provide damage reports and assessments to support ESF #5.
3. Facilitate resolution of any conflicting demands for hazardous materials response 
resources.  Coordinate (through HQ) the program of backup support from other 
regions to the affected area.
4. Provide technical, coordination, and administrative support and personnel, 
facilities, and communications for this ESF.
5. Coordinate, integrate, and manage the overall Federal effort to detect, identify, 
contain, clean up, or dispose of or minimize releases of oil or hazardous 
substances, or prevent, mitigate, or minimize the threat of potential releases.
6. Provide expertise on environmental effects of oil discharges or releases of 
hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants and environmental pollution 
control techniques.
7. Provide OSCs.
8. Provide Chair for NRT and Co-Chairs for RRTs.
B. Support Agencies
During the planning or implementation of a response, the Federal agencies listed are 
prepared to provide the following assistance in their respective areas of expertise.  The 
assistance provided by each agency is consistent with its capability and legal authority.
1. Department of Agriculture
a. Ensure the purity and wholesomeness of meat and meat products, poultry and 
poultry products, and egg products.
b. Prevent the distribution of contaminated meat and meat products, poultry and 
poultry products, and egg products.
c. Measure, evaluate, and monitor the impact of the emergency incident on 
natural resources under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) 
jurisdiction.
d. Provide predictions of the effects of pollutants on soil and their movements 
over and through soil.
e. Assist in developing protective measures and damage assessments.
f. Assist in providing livestock feed.
g. Assist in the disposition of livestock and poultry affected by radiation.
h. Assist, in coordination with HHS, EPA, and USCG, in the production, 
processing, and distribution of food.
i. Provide information and assistance to farmers.
2. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration
a. Acquire and disseminate weather data, forecasts, and emergency information.
b. Provide expertise on natural resources and coastal habitat, the environmental 
effects of oil and hazardous substances, and appropriate cleanup and 
restoration alternatives.
c. Coordinate scientific support for responses in coastal and marine areas, 
including assessments of the hazards that may be involved.
d. Predict pollutant movement, dispersion, and characteristics (atmospheric or 
marine) over time.
e. Provide information on meteorological, hydrological, ice, and oceanographic 
conditions for marine, coastal, and inland waters.
f. Provide charts and maps for coastal and territorial waters and the Great Lakes.
3. Department of Defense
a. Direct response actions for releases of hazardous substances from its vessels, 
facilities, and vehicles.
b. Provide personnel and equipment to other Federal organizations and State and 
local governments (such as SUPSALV), as requested, if consistent with DOD 
operational requirements.
4. Department of Energy
a. Direct response actions for releases of hazardous substances from its vessels, 
facilities, and vehicles.
b. Provide advice in identifying the source and extent of radioactive releases 
relevant to the NCP, and in the removal and disposal of radioactive 
contamination.
5. Department of Health and Human Services
a. Provide assistance on all matters related to the assessment of health hazards at 
a response and protection of response workers and the public health.
b. Determine whether illnesses, diseases, or complaints may be attributable to 
exposure to a hazardous substance.
c. Establish disease/exposure registries and conduct appropriate testing.
d. Develop, maintain, and provide information on the health effects of toxic 
substances.
6. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard
a. Assist ESF #10 primary agency (EPA) in preparedness and response 
coordination activities for ESF #10.  Such assistance may include 
responsibility as Regional Vice Chair of this ESF during preparedness and as 
Regional Incident Chair of ESF #10 during response.
b. Provide the Federal OSCs for response to oil and hazardous substance events 
occurring within its jurisdiction.
c. Provide Vice Chair for the NRT and Co-Chairs for RRTs.
d. Within its jurisdiction, coordinate, integrate, and manage the overall Federal 
effort to detect, identify, contain, clean up, or dispose of or minimize releases 
of oil or hazardous substances; prevent, mitigate, or minimize the threat of 
potential releases.
e. Maintain the National Response Center.
f. Manage the National Strike Force, which comprises three strike teams located 
on the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, to provide technical advice, 
assistance, and communications support for response actions.
g. Offer expertise in domestic and international port safety and security, 
maritime law enforcement, ship navigation, and the manning, operation, and 
safety of vessels and marine facilities.
h. Maintain continuously staffed facilities that can be used for command, 
control, and surveillance of oil discharges and hazardous substance releases 
occurring within its jurisdiction.
7. Department of the Interior
Provide assistance and expertise in fish and wildlife resources, geology and 
hydrology, earthquakes and other natural hazards, minerals, soils, vegetation, mining 
activities, identification of hazardous substances, biological and general natural 
resources, cultural resources, matters affecting lands administered by the Department 
of the Interior (DOI), and matters affecting Indian lands and resources, national parks, 
wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries.
8. Department of Justice
Provide expert advice on complicated legal questions arising from the Federal 
response.
9. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Provide advice and consultation to EPA and other NRT/RRT agencies, as well as to 
the OSC, regarding hazards to persons engaged in response activities.  The 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also may take any other 
action necessary to ensure employees are properly protected.  Any questions about 
occupational safety and health at these sites may be referred to the OSHA Regional 
Office.
10. Department of State
Provide advice and assistance in coordinating an international response when a 
discharge or release crosses international boundaries or involves foreign flag vessels.
11. Department of Transportation
Provide expertise on all modes of transporting oil and hazardous substances, 
including information on the requirements for packaging, handling, and transporting 
regulated hazardous materials.
12. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Coordinate the Federal effort to mitigate the radiological consequences of an 
emergency involving a facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
(NRC) or an Agreement State in accordance with the FRERP.  The NRC and EPA 
will coordinate their responses to an emergency involving both a radiological and 
chemical release in accordance with joint NRC/EPA implementing procedures.
C. Other Agencies
Other Federal agencies may be called on to provide advice and assistance as needed.
VI. References
A. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as 
amended, 42 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 9601, et seq. (CERCLA — more popularly known 
as "Superfund").
B. Clean Water Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1321.
C. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. 1321.
D. Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401.
E. Transportation of Hazardous Material, 49 U.S.C. 5101.
F. National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP),  
40 CFR 300.
G. Executive Order (EO) 12580, Superfund Implementation.
H. EO 11735, Assignment of Functions Under Section 311 of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act, as amended.
I. Joint U.S./Mexico Contingency Plan for Accidental Releases of Hazardous 
Substances Along the Border, January 1988.
J. U.S./Mexico Marine Environment Agreement, July 1980.
K. U.S./Canada Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan, September 1983, revised 
1986.
L. Canada/U.S. Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan, July 1994.
M. Joint Contingency Plan in the Bering and Chukchi Seas, October 17, 1989 (U.S./ 
U.S.S.R.).
N. Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, including the Emergency 
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (SARA Title III) of 1986.
VII. Terms and Definitions
A. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act, as amended
More popularly known as "Superfund," CERCLA was passed to provide the needed 
general authority for Federal and State governments to respond directly to hazardous 
substances incidents.
B. District Response Group
Established in each USCG District, the District Response Group is primarily responsible 
for providing the OSC technical assistance, personnel, and equipment during responses 
typically involving marine zones.
C. Environmental Response Team
Established by EPA, the Environmental Response Team includes expertise in biology, 
chemistry, hydrology, geology, and engineering.  The Environmental Response Team 
provides technical advice and assistance to the OSC for both planning and response to 
discharges and releases of oil and hazardous substances into or threatening the 
environment.
D. Hazardous Materials
Under this ESF, hazardous materials are defined broadly to include oil, CERCLA 
hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants as defined in Section 101(33) of 
CERCLA, and certain chemical and biological WMD.  Federal response to hazardous 
materials is carried out under the NCP.
E. Hazardous Substances
Under this ESF, hazardous substances are defined by Section 101(14) of CERCLA.
F. National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
The NCP (40 CFR 300) administers the response powers and capabilities authorized by 
CERCLA and Section 311 of the CWA.  The NCP applies to all Federal agencies and 
provides for efficient, coordinated, and effective response to discharges of oil and 
releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants.
G. National Response Center
A national communications center for activities related to oil and hazardous substance 
response actions.  The National Response Center, located at USCG HQ in Washington, 
DC, receives and relays notices of oil and hazardous substances releases to the appropriate 
Federal OSC.  The 24-hour number is 1 (800) 424-8802, or in Washington, DC, (202) 267-
2675.
H. National Response Team
The NRT, comprised of the 16 Federal agencies with major environmental and public 
health responsibilities, is the primary vehicle for coordinating Federal agency activities 
under the NCP.  The NRT carries out national planning and response coordination and is 
the head of a highly organized Federal oil and hazardous substance emergency response 
network.  EPA serves as the NRT Chair (Director, Chemical Emergency Preparedness 
and Prevention Office), and the USCG serves as Vice Chair.
I. National Strike Force
The National Strike Force consists of three strike teams established by the USCG on the 
Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts.  The strike teams can provide advice and technical 
assistance for oil and hazardous substances removal, communications support, special 
equipment, and services.
J. On-Scene Coordinator
The Federal official predesignated to coordinate and direct hazardous substance removal 
actions.  Depending on the location of the incident, the OSC may be provided either by 
EPA, USCG, DOD, or DOE.  OSCs from DOD and DOE will be used to coordinate and 
direct actions at their respective agency facilities.
K. Radiological Emergency Response Teams
EPA's Office of Indoor Air and Radiation provides Radiological Emergency Response 
Teams (RERTs) to support and respond to incidents or sites containing radiological 
hazards.  These teams provide expertise in radiation monitoring, radionuclide analyses, 
radiation health physics, and risk assessment.  RERTs can provide both mobile and fixed 
laboratory support during a response.


L. Regional Response Teams
Regional counterparts to the NRT, the RRTs comprise regional representatives of the 
Federal agencies on the NRT and representatives of each State within the region.  The 
RRTs serve as planning and preparedness bodies before a response, and provide 
coordination and advice to the Federal OSC during response actions.
M. Scientific Support Coordinator
Under the direction of the Federal OSC, a Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) leads a 
team of scientists that provide scientific support for response operational decisions and 
for coordinating on-scene scientific activity.  Generally, an SSC is provided by NOAA in 
coastal zones and by EPA in the inland zone.
N. Supervisor of Salvage and Diving
SUPSALV is a salvage, search, and recovery operation established by the Department of 
Navy.  SUPSALV has extensive experience to support response activities, including 
specialized salvage, firefighting, and petroleum, oil, and lubricants offloading.  
SUPSALV, when available, will provide equipment for training exercises to support 
national and regional contingency planning.




Emergency Support Function #11
Food Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
Support Agencies: Department of Defense
  Department of Health and Human Services
  Department of Homeland Security
  American Red Cross
  Environmental Protection Agency
  General Services Administration

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #11 — Food identifies, secures, and arranges for the 
transportation of food assistance to affected areas following a major disaster or 
emergency or other event requiring Federal response.
B. Scope
To accomplish this function, activities will be undertaken to identify food assistance 
needs in the aftermath of a major disaster or emergency.  These activities will include 
coordinating with State, local, and voluntary organizations to determine food assistance 
needs; obtaining appropriate food supplies; arranging for transportation of those food 
supplies to designated staging areas within the disaster area; and authorizing disaster food 
stamp assistance.
II. Policies
A. ESF #11 will be activated upon notification of occurrence of a potential or actual 
major disaster or emergency.
B. Actions undertaken by ESF #11 will be guided by and coordinated with State and 
local disaster officials.
C. Food supplies secured and delivered by ESF #11 will be suitable for either household 
distribution or congregate meal service as appropriate.
D. Transportation and distribution of food supplies within the affected area will be 
arranged by Federal, State, local, and voluntary organizations.
E. ESF #11 will coordinate with, and support as appropriate, agencies responsible for 
ESF #6 — Mass Care involved in mass feeding.
F. ESF #11 will encourage the use of congregate feeding arrangements as the primary 
outlet for disaster food supplies.
G. Priority will be given to moving critical supplies of food into areas of acute need and 
then to areas of moderate need.
H. ESF #11, upon notification that commercial channels of trade have been restored, 
may authorize the use of disaster food stamp program procedures.
III. Situation
A. Disaster Condition
A significant disaster or emergency may deprive substantial numbers of people access to 
food or the means to prepare food.  In addition to substantial disruption to the commercial 
food supply and distribution network, a major disaster may destroy, partially or totally, 
food products stored in the affected area.
B. Planning Assumptions
1. Approval of requests from the Governor or disaster relief organizations for release 
of State-controlled food may be given by telephone, radio, or written 
communications, depending on circumstances, within 12 hours of the disaster or 
emergency.
2. Within the disaster area, the following conditions will exist:
a. Fifty percent of the food processing and distribution capabilities is disrupted;
b. Seventy-five percent of the water supply is unusable, requiring juices or 
potable water supplies to be made available to the affected population.  (Note:  
Potable water will be supplied by ESF #3 — Public Works and Engineering); 
and
c. There is a near-total disruption of energy sources (e.g., electricity and gas).  
The only sources available are oil for generators and propane tanks.  Most 
commercial cold storage and freezer facilities are inoperable.
3. On the fringes of the geographic areas affected will be schools and small 
institutions having large inventories estimated to be sufficient to feed up to 10,000 
people for 3 days and supply their fluid needs for 1 day (i.e., a minimum of 1,800 
calories and 3 gallons of liquid per day per person).
IV. Concept of Operations
A. General
1. Under the general coordination of the Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS's) 
Disaster Task Force, ESF #11 will operate under existing U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) authorities and regulations, as well as the Stafford Act, to 
provide disaster food supplies to designated disaster staging areas and/or 
authorize the issuance of disaster food stamps.
2. At all times, requests for food, including types, amounts, and destination 
locations, will be processed through FNS's Disaster Task Force.  It is expected 
that the regional level of the Disaster Task Force will be the point of contact 
(POC) for all State-initiated requests for food assistance.
3. After initial State food assistance requests are forwarded to the ESF, the Disaster 
Task Force will coordinate efforts to obtain and transport foods and/or authorize 
disaster food stamps.  During the first 72 hours following a notification of a major 
disaster or emergency, this ESF will be staffed at least in FNS Headquarters (HQ) 
and affected regional offices around the clock.  After this time, continuation of 
24-hour operations will be reconsidered by the Administrator of FNS and the FNS 
Disaster Coordinator, who is the official POC within the FNS Disaster Task Force 
for any matter pertaining to ESF #11.
B. Organization
1. National-Level Response Support Structure
At the national level, FNS's Disaster Task Force will assume primary responsibility 
for all ESF activity.  Because each support agency will be represented on the 
Emergency Support Team (EST) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) HQ 
and the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at the Disaster Field Office (DFO), the 
FNS Disaster Coordinator will maintain 24-hour contact with those representatives as 
necessary at those locations for the duration of the emergency response period.  
Support agency representatives will have sufficient knowledge of the capabilities and 
resources of their agencies, with appropriate authorities to commit resources to the 
response effort.
2. Regional-Level Response Structure
a. The FNS Regional Disaster Coordinator is the POC within the Regional 
Office and will represent this ESF in its dealings with the Federal 
Coordinating Officer (FCO).
b. The regional level of the Disaster Task Force will have a representative 
present or available for duty at the DFO on a 24-hour basis for the duration of 
the emergency response period.
C. Notification
1. The DHS Secretary's Operations Center will notify the USDA Emergency 
Coordinator of implementation of the Federal Response Plan (FRP).  USDA then 
will notify the FNS Disaster Coordinator.  The FNS Disaster Coordinator will 
notify appropriate HQ officials, regional office(s), and ESF support agencies.
2. The Disaster Coordinator will attend any meeting of the Catastrophic Disaster 
Response Group (CDRG) and be available as necessary for the duration of the 
initial response period.


D. Response Actions
1. Initial Actions
a. Determine the critical needs of the affected population in terms of number of 
people, their locations, and usable food preparation facilities for congregate 
feeding.
b. Catalog available resources of food, transportation, equipment, storage, and 
distribution facilities and be able to locate these resources geographically.
c. Evaluate the adequacy of available resources relative to need on a 
geographical basis.
d. Ensure all identified USDA food is fit for human consumption.
e. Coordinate shipment of USDA food to staging areas within the disaster area.
f. Initiate direct market procurement of critical food supplies not available from 
existing inventories.
2. Continuing Actions
a. Expedite requests, if any, for emergency issuance of food stamps after access 
to commercial food channels has been restored.
b. Establish logistical links with organizations involved in long-term congregate 
meal services.
c. Establish need for, and effect replacement of, food products transferred from 
existing FNS program inventories.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Agriculture
1. Determine the availability of USDA foods, including raw agricultural 
commodities (e.g., wheat, corn, oats, rice) that could be used for human 
consumption; assess damage to food supplies.
2. Coordinate with State officials to determine food needs of the population in the 
affected areas based on the following categories:  acutely deficient, moderately 
deficient, self-sufficient, and surplus supplies.
3. At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, and upon request by the State, 
approve emergency issuance of food stamps for up to 30 days to qualifying 
households within the affected area.
4. At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, make emergency food supplies 
available to households for take-home consumption in lieu of food stamps for 
qualifying households.
5. Provide damage information to ESF #5 — Information and Planning on a regular 
basis.
6. Develop a plan of operation that will ensure timely distribution of food in good 
condition to the proper location.
7. Ensure the appropriate officials establish and maintain an information flow to the 
national-level ESF.  These designees will ensure requirements for food assistance 
are known and accomplished.
B. Support Agencies
All agencies included in support roles are necessary to ensure all Federal sources of food 
are included, along with agencies necessary to ensure logistical support and determine 
that the food is not a health hazard.
1. Department of Defense
a. Assess the availability of Department of Defense (DOD) food supplies and 
storage facilities capable of storing dry, chilled, and frozen food.
b. Assess the availability of DOD transportation equipment, material handling 
equipment, and personnel for support.  This responsibility will be confined to 
the posts, camps, and stations within or adjacent to the disaster area.
c. Arrange for the delivery and distribution of resources identified in Sections 
B.1.a and b to areas designated by the ESF.
2. Department of Health and Human Services
a. Determine which foods are fit for human consumption and identify potential 
problems of contaminated foods (e.g., radiation, chemical, bacterial, viral).
b. Provide health education in the areas of food preparation and storage.
3. Department of Homeland Security
Provide demographic information about the disaster area and information on State, 
local, and private sources of food.  This information will assist the ESF in 
determining types and quantities of food that FNS will need to provide.
4. American Red Cross
a. Identify and assess the requirements for food and distribution services on a 
two-phase basis:  critical emergency needs immediately after the disaster and 
longer term sustained needs after the emergency phase is over.
b. Coordinate the food distribution efforts of other voluntary organizations.
5. Environmental Protection Agency
Assist with determining the suitability of food resources for human consumption and 
identify potential hazardous materials impacts on the food supply.


6. General Services Administration
Lend support to FNS for any necessary procurement efforts to meet the needs of the 
affected population.
VI. Resource Requirements
A. Transportation Resources
Truck, rail, air, and sea resources for the transportation of food, including refrigeration 
and cold storage capacity.
B. Food Resources
1. Food supplies in Federal, State, and local government-owned storage facilities.
2. Food supplies available for immediate procurement.
C. Mobilization/Staging Areas
Facilities and personnel to offload, store, allocate, and reload for shipments to food 
preparation/distribution sites within the disaster area.
VII. References
A. 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 250, Food Distribution Regulations.
B. 7 CFR 280, Food Stamp Regulations.
C. FNS Instruction 708-2, Emergency Food Assistance.
D. FNS Instruction 708-5, Disruption of Commercial Channels of Food Distribution in 
Disaster Areas.
E. FNS Instruction 708-6, Definition of Disaster Organizations.
F. FNS Notice 86-43, FNS Disaster Task Forces.
VIII. Terms and Definitions
Food and Nutrition Service Disaster Task Force
The Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to 
establish a Disaster Task Force to assist States in implementing and operating various disaster 
food programs.  The FNS Disaster Task Force coordinates the FNS overall response to disasters 
and emergencies.  It operates under the general direction of the Administrator of FNS.  The FNS 
Disaster Task Force consists of the Administrator, Associate Administrator, Disaster 
Coordinator, Deputy Administrator for Management, Deputy Administrator for Governmental 
Affairs and Public Information, representatives from the food stamp and special nutrition 
programs, and representatives from regional office(s) affected by the disaster.
The FNS Disaster Task Force expedites approval of disaster designation requests and policy 
clarifications.  It also maintains liaison with DHS.



Emergency Support Function #12
Energy Annex



Primary Agency: Department of Energy
Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
  Department of Defense
  Department of Homeland Security
  Department of the Interior
  Department of State
  Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety
  Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  Tennessee Valley Authority

I. Introduction
A. Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #12 — Energy helps restore the Nation's energy 
systems following a major disaster, emergency, or other significant event requiring 
Federal response assistance.  In addition, the Department of Energy (DOE) members of 
ESF #12 provide direct coordination with all other department response elements.
B. Scope
ESF #12 gathers, assesses, and shares information on energy system damage and 
estimations on the impact of energy system outages within affected areas.  Additionally, 
this ESF works closely with and aids in meeting requests for assistance from State and 
local energy officials, energy suppliers, and deliverers.
Within the ESF #12 agencies are a variety of assets and resources that may be used in 
response to any event involving energy or multihazard problems.  "Energy" includes 
producing, refining, transporting, generating, transmitting, conserving, building, and 
maintaining energy systems and system components; "multihazard" includes radiological 
materials, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and terrorism incidents.
Damage to an energy system in one geographic region may affect energy supplies in 
other regions that rely on the same delivery systems.  Consequently, energy supply and 
transporta-tion problems can be intra-State, inter-State, and international.
II. Policies
A. Upon activation of ESF #12, DOE Headquarters (HQ) will establish the HQ Emer-
gency Management Team (EMT).
B. DOE HQ will assign personnel to temporary duty at the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) HQ, Regional Operations Center (ROC), and Disaster Field Office 
(DFO) as needed.
C. The ESF #12 priority will be to save lives, protect property, and assist other ESFs by 
aiding in the restoration of damaged energy systems.
D. Within 24 hours of implementation of the Federal Response Plan (FRP) or on 
instructtion from DHS, DOE HQ will start submitting situation reports to DHS.
III. Situation
A. The suddenness and devastation of a disaster, either natural or manmade, may sever 
key energy lifelines, constraining supply in affected areas and most likely adversely 
impacting adjacent areas, especially those with supply links to the directly affected 
areas.  Such an event also could affect transportation, communications, and other 
lifelines needed for public health and safety.
B. Basic planning assumptions for such an event:
1. There may be widespread and possibly prolonged electric power failures;
2. The transportation and telecommunications infrastructures may be affected; and
3. Delays in the production, refining, and delivery of petroleum-based products may 
occur as a result of loss of commercial electric power.
C. ESF #12 response and restoration activities:
1. Serve as the focal point within the Federal Government for receipt of reports on 
damage to energy supply and distribution systems and requirements for system 
restoration;
2. Advise Federal, State, and local authorities on priorities for energy restoration, 
assistance, and supply;
3. Assist industry, State, and local emergency response actions;
4. Assist Federal departments and agencies by locating fuel for transportation, 
communications, emergency operations, and national defense;
5. Recommend Federal actions to conserve fuel and electric power; and
6. Provide energy supply information and guidance on the conservation and efficient 
use of energy to Federal, State, and local governments and to the public.


IV. Concept of Operations
A. National Level
1. Assess fuel and electric power damage, energy supply and demand, and identify 
requirements to repair energy systems:
a. Coordinate closely with Federal and State officials to establish priorities to 
repair damaged energy systems, and coordinate the provision of temporary, 
alternate, or interim sources of emergency fuel and power; and
b. Obtain current information regarding damage to energy supply and 
distribution systems and assess the requirements for restoration..
2. Provide timely and credible energy supply forecasts.
3. Provide technical experts on energy supply production and delivery to coordinate 
energy information exchange.
4. Coordinate with other ESFs to provide timely and accurate energy impact 
information, recommend options to mitigate impacts, and coordinate repair and 
restoration of energy systems.
5. Operate around-the-clock from the DOE HQ Operations Center (OC), telephone 
(202) 586-8100.
B. Regional Level
1. Appoint a person to represent ESF #12 in its dealings with the Federal 
Coordinating Officer (FCO), the State Coordinating Officer (SCO), and any other 
pertinent Federal, State, and local officials.
2. Obtain information regarding energy impacts and provide input to situation and 
other reports to the national ESF through the DOE OC.
3. Coordinate with Federal and State officials and energy industries in the region 
regarding priorities to repair damaged energy systems.
4. Through the DOE OC, provide direct coordination with all other DOE response 
elements.
C. Response Actions
1. DOE's HQ EMT will:
a. Activate DOE's disaster response procedures;
b. Brief the ESF #12 representative to the Catastrophic Disaster Response Group 
(CDRG);
c. Assign, as necessary, staff representation to the Emergency Support Team 
(EST) at DHS;
d. Arrange, as necessary, for ESF #12 representation at the regional level; and
e. Use available information to determine the status and assess the energy 
impacts of the disaster, including resources needed to respond.
2. At the regional level, ESF #12 will:
a. Receive and respond to requests for information from States, local 
governments, other Federal agencies, and industry;
b. Assist the FCO and SCO to establish priorities to repair damage;
c. Identify needed resources to repair or restore damaged energy systems; and
d. Provide periodic situation and any other reports as directed by DOE HQ.
V. Responsibilities
A. Primary Agency:  Department of Energy
1. Serve as the focal point for issues and policy decisions relating to energy in all 
response and restoration efforts.
2. Monitor energy system damage and repair work.
3. Collect, assess, and provide information on energy supply, demand, and prices; 
contribute to situation and after-action reports.
4. Identify supporting resources needed to restore energy systems.
5. Deploy DOE response teams as needed to affected area(s) to assist in response 
and restoration efforts.
6. Review and sponsor, to DHS, the energy industry's requests for 
Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) assignments to provision new 
services.
B. Support Agencies
1. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
a. Provide advice regarding the restoration of electrical power in Rural Utilities 
Service (RUS)-financed systems.  This includes estimating system damage, 
available supply, and the need for local assistance.
b. Provide emergency credit to RUS-financed rural electrification systems.
c. Identify surplus power available from RUS-financed systems and other 
sources, and help make it available to areas of need.
2. Department of Defense
a. Director of Military Support
Report damage assessment and recommend priorities to ESF #12 for restoring 
energy service to critical defense facilities.


b. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Coordinate emergency power team taskings with power-system restoration 
activities to assist in setting priorities and ensure time and resources are not 
wasted in providing support to a facility that is about to have its power 
restored.
3. Department of Homeland Security
a. Assist DOE in its efforts to aid the energy industry to provide new services or 
to restore existing services that are assigned TSP restoration priorities.
b. Assess damage to telecommunications identified by DOE as essential for 
energy system restoration (Electrical Service Priorities).
4. Department of the Interior
a. Bureau of Land Management
(1) Provide information on energy production and supply on Federal lands.
(2) Assess damage to production and transmission systems.
(3) Provide engineering and technical support as necessary.
b. Bureau of Reclamation
(1) Provide technical assistance for assessment of hydroelectric facilities 
and flood control actions as they affect energy production.
(2) Use Bureau of Reclamation personnel to assist in repair of damaged 
hydropower generation facilities.
(3) Modify operations at Bureau of Reclamation facilities to increase 
electrical generation to supplement losses in areas damaged by a 
disaster.
(4) Use hydroelectric plants' internal restart capabilities to assist in restoring 
the power system if blackouts occur.
c. Minerals Management Service
(1) For offshore facilities, provide energy production and well reserve 
information.
(2) Assess energy production damage and projected repair schedules for 
offshore facilities.
(3) Provide engineering and technical support as necessary.
5. Department of State
a. Coordinate with foreign nations and international organizations for assistance 
and information regarding energy supply and system damage.
b. Assist in implementation of emergency-related international energy 
agreements.


6. Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety
Respond to requests for waiver of restrictions to meet emergency requirements.
7. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Report power status of nuclear power plants in affected areas.
8. Tennessee Valley Authority
a. Assess supply, system damage, and repair requirements within the Tennessee 
Valley Authority.
b. Supply surplus power as required to the power grid.
c. Supply critical replacement parts and equipment as requested.
d. Supply technical expertise as requested.