Art's Message
The National Response Framework
On January 8, 2008, the president approved the National Response Framework (NRF). The Framework is a guide to how the nation conducts an all-hazards incident response. It is built upon adaptable coordinating structures which align key roles and responsibilities for incident responders including emergency management practitioners, government executives, NGO (nongovernmental) and private sector business leaders.
The private sector plays an essential role in protecting critical infrastructure and implementing plans to restore normal commercial activities. You are instrumental to the success of improving the quality of life of individuals impacted by a disaster and the pace at which communities and the nation recover.
I am pleased with the new Framework and how well it has been received in New England.
The Framework is the playbook our New England "Team" will use when responding to disasters. I have provided you a link to the National Response Framework in this newsletter. I encourage you to read this important document to see how it relates to you and your business.
The collaboration between the private sector and both federal and state governments in New England continues to grow stronger. We continue working with the states to identify gaps in emergency plans and what private sector resources will be vital in the event of a disaster. This has helped identify shelter locations, evacuation routes, restoration of power and fuel strategies.
We are also working through the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board on continuity of operations plans in order to ensure all federal agencies have a plan in place so that they can continue their operations in an event of an emergency or disaster.
We have also undertaken a major coordination effort between the federal departments under the Department of Homeland Security and the state emergency management agencies. This cross-coordination helps create a greater transparency of what all of us are doing.
The private-public partnership that has begun continues to grow stronger and we are all enthused about this young initiative. We look forward to engaging with you even further and strengthening this relationship in 2008 toward making us all better prepared.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jan-2008 10:01:34 EST