NATIONAL DISASTER
RECOVERY FRAMEWORK


STRENGTHENING DISASTER RECOVERY FOR THE NATION


FEMA B-800 / SEPTEMBER 2011


OVERVIEW 
The National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) provides guidance that enables effective 
recovery support to disaster-impacted States, Local, Tribes and Territorial jurisdictions. It also 
focuses on how best to restore, redevelop and revitalize the health, social, economic, natural 
and environmental fabric of the community and build a more resilient Nation.

The National Disaster Recovery Framework defines:
•	Core recovery principles 
•	Roles and responsibilities of recovery coordinators and other stakeholders 
•	A coordinating structure that facilitates communication and collaboration 
•	Guidance for pre- and post-disaster recovery planning
•	The overall process by which communities can capitalize on opportunities to rebuild 
stronger, smarter and safer

LEADERSHIP 
The National Disaster Recovery Framework recommends a new leadership structure:
•	State and Territorial or Tribal Disaster Recovery Coordinator
•	Local Disaster Recovery Manager
•	Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator 

COORDINATING STRUCTURE 
The NDRF establishes six Recovery Support  
Functions (RSF) that provide a structure to facilitate problem solving, improve access to 
resources and foster coordination. Each Recovery Support  
Function has coordinating and primary Federal agencies and supporting organizations that 
operate together with State, Local, Tribal and Territorial government officials, nongovernmental 
organizations and private sector partners.

RECOVERY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND  
CAPACITY BUILDING
Coordinating Agency: Federal Emergency  
Management Agency
ECONOMIC
Coordinating Agency: Department of Commerce
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Coordinating Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
HOUSING
Coordinating Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
Coordinating Agency: United States Army Corps of Engineers
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Coordinating Agency: Department of Interior


PLANNING
The National Disaster Recovery Framework emphasizes planning for recovery before and after a  
disaster happens. 

PRE-DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING
When done in conjunction with local and regional comprehensive and community development, 
pre-disaster planning establishes and enhances:
•	A process for organizing and managing recovery efforts;
•	Relationships with stakeholders;
•	Methods to prioritize recovery decisions; and
•	Incorporation of hazard mitigation strategies. 

POST-DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING
The post-disaster recovery planning process brings the community together to develop an 
overall framework for coordination and resource allocation.

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED RECOVERY
The responsibility of preparing for disaster recovery begins with the individual and builds to the 
larger responsibility of the community and local government. The local government has the 
primary role of planning and managing all aspects of the community’s recovery. Community 
planning efforts are supported by voluntary, faith-based and community organizations; private 
sector; and State, Local, Tribal, Territorial and Federal governments.

IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL DISASTER RECOVERY FRAMEWORK IN YOUR 
COMMUNITY
?	Identify candidates for State/Local/Tribal/Territorial Disaster Recovery Coordinator(s) 
?	Reach out to recovery partners and stakeholders 
?	Start developing a pre-disaster recovery plan
–	Ensure that your plan includes the “successful recovery factors” 
–	Include an assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
?	Organize State/Local/Tribal/Territorial agencies, local private and nonprofit sectors into 
Recovery Support Functions
?	Develop ways to measure recovery progress

ENSURING SUCCESS
Each community defines successful recovery outcomes differently based on its circumstances, 
challenges, recovery vision and priorities. 

CONDUCT A BASELINE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Provide a basis to define known community recovery issues to help understand the extent and 
dimensions of disaster impacts. 

FOCUS ON DESIRED OUTCOME
Focus on recovery impacts and overall results, not just a target number (e.g., number of families 
in permanent housing versus number of housing units constructed). 

ASSESS CROSS-SECTOR FUNCTIONS
Track progress across all sectors, including but not limited to housing, environmental, business, 
employment, infrastructure, health and social services and overall community accessibility. 


For more information and to download a copy of the Recovery Framework, go to the National 
Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Web Portal www.fema.gov/recoveryframework
FEMA B-800 / Cat No. 11266-1




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