Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
ESF Support Agencies
When an ESF is activated in response to an incident of national significance, sup-
port agencies are responsible for
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Conducting operations, when requested by DHS or the designated ESF pri-
mary agency, using their own authorities, subject-matter experts, capabilities,
or resources
◾
Participating in planning for short-term and long-term incident manage-
ment and recovery operations and the development of supporting operational
plans, procedures, checklists, or other job aids, in concert with existing first-
responder standards
◾
Assisting in the conduct of situational assessments
◾
Furnishing available personnel, equipment, or other resource support as
requested by DHS or the ESF primary agency
◾
Providing input to periodic readiness assessments
◾
Identifying new equipment or capabilities required to prevent or respond to
new or emerging threats and hazards, or to improve the ability to address
existing threats
◾
Nominating new technologies to DHS for review and evaluation that have
the potential to improve performance within or across functional areas
◾
Providing information or intelligence regarding their agency's area of expertise
Conclusion
Government at all levels has the basic responsibility for protecting its citizens. In
the case of natural, technological, or man-made hazards, the best way to protect
the public is by implementing an integrated emergency management system that
incorporates all potential players in a response through all phases of emergency
management.
As technology continues to advance, man-made disasters will likely reach a
magnitude never thought possible. The basic process of disaster planning is only a
small part of the process. Equally important is identifying who is responsible for
developing or revamping a community's disaster plan. These are the topics to be
covered in this topic.
