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National Response Framework

Decent Essays

Over the years, the National Response Framework (NRF) has evolved to meet the growing need of a more comprehensive and logical approach to a nationwide emergency management strategy. Stemming from the National Response Plan in 2008, it is one of the five frameworks designed to aid in organizing national preparedness activities, the others being Prevention, Protection, Mitigation and Disaster Recovery. The NRF’s main function is to guide how the agencies and communities respond to all types of disasters and emergencies. The framework was designed to be scalable, flexible and adaptable to account for the differing scopes, particulars and complications that arise from these events. Its application can range from grave but local incidents, such …show more content…

Selective application of the framework’s structures and procedures is also possible to account for differing factors in incidents and the resources available. Partnerships between government agencies at the local and federal level, private sector entities, communities and individuals become of the utmost importance in this design. They all play a key part, with each entity’s roles and responsibilities supplementing the group effort in realizing the mission. This system also allows for the development of a unified command. With the integration of all levels of the community, maintaining coordination and cohesion is also necessary. One command would permit for concentrated effort and proper allocation of skills and resources towards the common goal (National Response Framework Second Edition, …show more content…

The damage it caused was second only to Hurricane Katrina. According to the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), the military's coordinated efforts were slowed due to the decision to abandon the National Response Framework. The military’s response was filled with confusion and ultimately, was inefficient due to the lack of logistical strategy (Musgrave, 2013). This incident demonstrated the need for a comprehensive logistical strategy, much like other events prior. But what it also demonstrated is that it is not enough to just have a comprehensive strategy, it must also be executed well. Shawn Musgrave explains that like Katrina, Sandy illustrated the "bureaucratic and cumbersome" protocols that assign responsibilities among local, state and federal responders. Because of this, a review and revision of the NRF was initiated. The revisions included the clarification of roles, streamlined the processes and highlighted the need for more widespread education

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