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National Response Framework (NRF) Review & Comment Encouraged

Posted on September 22, 2007 by Gregory B. Cade, U.S. Fire Administrator

The draft National Response Framework (NRF) is out for review and comment. This public comment period allows the first response community, emergency management along with organizations and private citizens the opportunity to read and comment on the proposed document. Please note I indicated "proposed" because the comment period continues our efforts since September 2006 to engage with stakeholders and gather additional information that should be included in the final document.

I encourage everyone who is involved in emergency planning and disaster response to read and study not only the draft NRF document but also the entire suite of supporting material. Importantly, I believe all first responders, and especially the fire service, have a duty to read and review the support Annexes to the draft NRF document. The draft NRF and all the Annexes, including a formal comment form are available on the National Resource Center website: www.fema.gov/nrf

The draft NRF has come a long way, and it has gone through critical review in a collaborative effort to ensure all emergency and disaster response components are considered. The tremendous effort by a number of individuals from all walks of emergency planning and response, public works, public safety and government officials at all levels has yielded a Framework supported by a comprehensive set of Annexes. However, the process for completing the NRF is not finished and needs your input.

As a Framework, the draft NRF, based on NIMS standards, is a flexible, scaleable and adaptable coordinating structure for aligning key roles and responsibilities across the nation. Please take the opportunity during the comment period to make this the best, most complete Framework possible. Your comments are valued and will be considered. Plus, if you agree as I do, that the draft NRF is an important and viable document please voice your opinion. I also encourage you to communicate with local, State and Federal officials.

As the fire service has the primary role in fire response, it also has a significant role in emergency medical, disaster and terrorism incident response. Once the comment period is complete and all concerns are adjudicated, the NRF and Annexes will be instrumental in assisting in the national effort to coordinate all elements of major emergency or disaster response. Please consider applying your considerable experience in the fire service by providing comment and positive feedback on the draft NRF on behalf of future firefighters and first responders of all types.

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