Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
This section describes legal authorities, the concept of operations, and federal
resources available to support ESF-6 operations. A recent report submitted to the
President and Congress in October 2010 by the National Commission on Children
and Disasters also provides new guidance that is likely to change certain ESF-6
functions to foster a more conducive environment to allow children to recover from
catastrophic incidents. The topic of children and disasters is discussed in Chapter 20.
Legal Authorities
The legal authorities providing the context, resources, and structure for federal
agencies to support ESF-6 operations are summarized below.
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Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
5—This
act authorizes the President to issue a major disaster declaration to speed a
wide range of federal aid to states determined to be overwhelmed by cata-
strophic incidents including financing through the Disaster Relief Fund
(DRF) and administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This act also authorizes temporary housing, grants for immediate needs of
families and individuals, repair of public infrastructure, emergency commu-
nications systems, and other forms of assistance.
◾
Homeland Security Act of 2002
2002—This act established the DHS and con-
solidated the operations of 22 existing federal government agencies including
FEMA and other operations, which support domestic defense measures and
emergency response.
◾
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5
5—This directive established
the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which is designed to
cover the prevention, preparation, response, and recovery from terrorist
attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. NIMS sets forth procedures
to foster effective collaboration among all levels of government including
consistent use of the Incident Command System.
◾
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006
—Among
many other issues, this comprehensive act clarified authorities, roles, and
responsibilities to
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Prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters
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Enhance emergency communications
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Provide assistance to disaster-affected areas and populations
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Support regional preparedness and cooperation
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Improve timely delivery of goods and services in disaster incidents
−
Change contracting practices to enhance preparedness and strengthen
accountability
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Apply specific expertise (Disability Coordinator, Small State Advocate,
and Modeling and Analysis) to disaster planning, response, and recovery
activities
