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The Response division focuses on the federal response to emergencies and disasters in New England. When not responding to an incident, we engage in exercises and meetings with federal, state and tribal partners. We are always refining our existing plans and procedures based on lessons learned from the last incident. Our division is also responsible for maintaining the regional response coordination center at a constant “ready state” and providing emergency assignment training to all regional staff.
Who We Are
Our division consists of four different branches, each with a distinct purpose:
Disaster Emergency Communications Branch
We work to maintain seamless communications between our government partners and all of our stakeholders during disasters. We make sure that communications equipment and capabilities are always on hand to establish command and control. Success in our mission means continuous pre-disaster planning, and coordination during response and recovery operations.
Field Operations Branch
Our branch is made up of the Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT). This 14-member team provides incident management capabilities to state, local and tribal governments prior to or after a disaster. The IMAT deploys when requested by the state, to coordinate any federal response. Our biggest role is assisting governments in meeting the needs of their survivors and the whole community.
Logistics Branch
We assess and respond to needs and requests both from within FEMA and from our State, Tribal, and Federal Emergency Response partners. We are active during disaster response and during day-to-day operations. Our primary responsibilities include ordering supplies, resources and commodities, and facility management and support. We also provide transportation, and are responsible for supporting emergency response staff at all levels of government during disaster response operations.
Operations Integration Branch
We work to integrate our staff and federal partners into incident response operations. We do this through employee training, and collaborative planning meetings with our State, Tribal, Federal Emergency Response and non-profit partners. Our branch also ensures that the Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) is in a continual ready state. Regional employees and representatives from other Federal agencies staff the RRCC during a disaster, and provide support to the field response efforts until a temporary Joint Field Office is set up to assume control near the damaged area.
Planning Branch
Our job is to create disaster response plans in the region, working closely with our State, Tribal, Federal Emergency Response and non-profit partners. We develop instructions for carrying out the All Hazards Plan for New England, which we designed to address all disasters and emergencies. Our Planning staff also supports the use of Geographic Information Systems and coordinates using them for making maps that help guide support for the response during a disaster.