Federal Resources

Key U.S. Federal Documents

Critical guidance for emergency management professionals

Essential Federal Emergency Management Documents

These landmark documents form the foundation of the United States emergency management framework. Understanding these resources is essential for emergency managers, first responders, and community leaders.

9/11 Commission Report

2004

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States examined the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 attacks and provided recommendations for preventing future terrorist attacks.

Key Findings:

Analysis of intelligence and security failures
Recommendations for reorganizing government
Creation of Director of National Intelligence
Improvements to information sharing
Enhanced aviation and border security measures

Impact: Led to major reorganization of U.S. intelligence and homeland security, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security's current structure.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

2004, Updated 2017

A comprehensive, nationwide systematic approach to incident management that provides a common framework for managing incidents of all sizes and types across all levels of government, private sector, and NGOs.

Core Components:

Resource Management
Command and Coordination
Communications and Information Management

Key Features:

Standardized terminology and procedures
Interoperable communications processes
Unified Command structure
Common planning and resource management
Scalable organizational structures

Requirement: Federal preparedness grants require NIMS compliance and training for emergency responders.

National Response Framework (NRF)

2008, Updated 2019

Guides how the nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It describes specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents ranging from local to nationally significant.

Core Principles:

Engaged Partnership
Tiered Response
Scalable, Flexible, and Adaptable Operational Capabilities
Unity of Effort Through Unified Command
Readiness to Act

Emergency Support Functions (ESFs):

ESF 1: Transportation
ESF 2: Communications
ESF 3: Public Works and Engineering
ESF 4: Firefighting
ESF 5: Emergency Management
ESF 6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance
ESF 7: Logistics
ESF 8: Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9: Search and Rescue
ESF 10: Oil and Hazardous Materials
ESF 11: Agriculture and Natural Resources
ESF 12: Energy
ESF 13: Public Safety and Security
ESF 14: Long-Term Community Recovery
ESF 15: External Affairs

Incident Command System (ICS)

Continuous Evolution

A standardized approach to incident management that is the foundation of NIMS. Developed in the 1970s after California wildfires, ICS provides a flexible framework for managing emergencies of any size.

ICS Organizational Structure:

Command: Incident Commander, Command Staff
Operations Section: Tactical response activities
Planning Section: Documentation and planning
Logistics Section: Resources and support
Finance/Administration Section: Cost tracking

Key Principles:

Common Terminology
Modular Organization
Manageable Span of Control (3-7 personnel)
Incident Action Plans (IAPs)
Chain of Command and Unity of Command
Unified Command for multi-jurisdictional incidents
Comprehensive Resource Management

Training: ICS-100 and ICS-200 are baseline requirements for most emergency responders nationwide.

National Preparedness Goal

2011, Updated 2015

Defines what it means for the nation to be prepared for all types of disasters and emergencies. Establishes 32 core capabilities across five mission areas.

Five Mission Areas:

Prevention: Prevent, avoid, or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism
Protection: Protect citizens, infrastructure, and property
Mitigation: Reduce loss of life and property damage
Response: Respond quickly to save lives and meet basic needs
Recovery: Recover through restoration and economic vitality

Core Capabilities Examples:

Planning and Operational Coordination
Public Information and Warning
Critical Transportation
Mass Care Services
Situational Assessment

Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs)

2001-2009

Series of presidential directives addressing homeland security policy, including critical infrastructure protection, domestic terrorism preparedness, and national continuity programs.

Notable HSPDs:

HSPD-5: Management of Domestic Incidents (established NIMS)
HSPD-7: Critical Infrastructure Identification
HSPD-8: National Preparedness (established National Preparedness Goal)
HSPD-20/NSPD-51: National Continuity Policy

Training and Implementation

FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI)

Offers independent study courses on NIMS, ICS, NRF, and other emergency management topics. Free online training available to anyone.

IS-100: Introduction to ICS
IS-200: ICS for Single Resources
IS-700: NIMS Introduction
IS-800: National Response Framework

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)

Provides standardized methodology for designing, developing, conducting, and evaluating exercises based on NIMS and NRF principles.

Discussion-based exercises
Operations-based exercises
After-Action Reports
Improvement Planning

Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT)

Standardized catalog of resources commonly used in incident management, ensuring common terminology and understanding across agencies.

Personnel resources
Equipment and teams
Capability definitions
National typing standards

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