[Federal Register: January 28, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 18)]
[Notices]               
[Page 4887-4888]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28ja08-91]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID: FEMA-2007-0007]

 
National Response Framework

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: This document provides notice of the availability of the final 
National Response Framework (NRF) which replaces the National Response 
Plan (NRP) that was issued in February 2005 and finalizes the draft 
version of the NRF which FEMA published for public comment in September 
2007. The NRF builds on the NRP and, using the comprehensive framework 
of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), serves as a guide to 
how the nation conducts all-hazards incident management.

DATES: FEMA issued the NRF on January 22, 2008. The NRF is effective 
March 22, 2008.

ADDRESSES: The NRF is available online in the NRF Resource Center 
located at http://www.fema.gov/NRF. The draft and final NRF, all 
related Federal Register Notices, and all public comments received 
during the comment period are available at www.regulations.gov under 
Docket ID FEMA-2007-0007. You may also view a hard copy of the NRF at 
the Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 
835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Tracy Haynes, Acting National 
Response Framework Branch Chief, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463, 202-646-4218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Response Framework (NRF) is 
applicable to all Federal departments and agencies that may be 
requested to provide assistance or conduct operations in the context of 
actual or potential disasters and includes mechanisms for the 
coordination and implementation of a wide variety of incident 
management and emergency assistance activities including Federal 
support to State, local, and tribal authorities; interaction with 
private-sector organizations; and the coordinated, direct exercise of 
Federal authorities, when appropriate.
    By adopting the term ``framework'' within the title, the NRF is now 
more in keeping with its intended purpose, specifically, simplifying 
the language, presentation and content; clarifying its national focus; 
articulating the five principles of response doctrine; and methodically 
describing the who, what and how of emergency preparedness and 
response. The NRF explains the common discipline and structures that 
have been exercised and matured at the local, State, and national 
levels over time. It captures key lessons learned from Hurricanes 
Katrina and Rita, particularly how the Federal Government is organized 
to support communities and States in catastrophic incidents.
    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received numerous 
comments on the draft NRF, which FEMA published for public comment in 
September 2007. The final version

[[Page 4888]]

reflects many changes made as a result of those comments. The final NRF 
is available online in the NRF Resource Center located at http://
www.fema.gov/NRF or http://www.fema.gov/emergency/NRF, and the docket 
for this notice at www.regulations.gov (Docket ID FEMA-2007-0007).

    Authority: Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended, 6 U.S.C. 
101 et seq., Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, Management 
of Domestic Incidents.

    Dated: January 22, 2008.
R. David Paulison,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. E8-1399 Filed 1-25-08; 8:45 am]

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