Disaster Operations

FEMA's Operations Section supports field elements in directing the delivery of Federal assistance to support State and local response and recovery efforts.  To accomplish this mission, the Operations Section integrates representatives of Emergency Support Functions as defined by the National Response Framework, Department of Defense (DOD) and FEMA staff including its recovery programs. During an event activation the Operations Section is organized into branches representing groups of related ESFs and program functions.

The Disaster Response Division is also responsible for the maintenance of the Regional Response Coordination Center. Each FEMA region has a  Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) that serves as the Federal government’s immediate emergency coordination center in an affected region during the initial period following a disaster or catastrophic event.  The RRCC as defined by the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a Multi-Agency Coordination Entity which provides strategic coordination during domestic incidents.  FEMA regional staff and other Federal agency representatives, known collectively as a Regional Support Team (RST), staff the RRCC.  The RST coordinates Federal field response efforts until a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) assumes operational control at a Joint Field Office (JFO). 

Disaster Logistics

FEMA's Logistics Section is responsible for meeting all support needs for the incident, including ordering resources through appropriate procurement authorities from off-incident locations. It also provides facilities, transportation, supplies, equipment maintenance and fueling, food service, communications, and medical services for incident personnel.

Disaster and Regional Planning

FEMA's Planning Section collects, analyzes, and disseminates information to support planning and decision-making.  It facilitates Incident Action Plan/Coordination Planning for disasters or events with input from all sections and prepares the Situation Reports, briefings, and special reports, mapping and remote sensing coordination, and information displays.

During steady state operations, the Disaster Response Division produces and maintains regional operations plans and standard operating procedures.

The Regional Geospatial Coordinator is the Planning Branch chief in the Disaster Response Division and is responsible for coordinating geospatial activities with State Emergency Management organizations, other Federal Agencies and private organizations for FEMA's response operations. This position also provides geospatial support to regional projects both for disasters and for day to day regional support.