FEMA Conducts Nationwide Webcast, Teleconference and Television Broadcast for Critical Implementation of National Response Framework (NFR)

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the hundreds of stakeholders from across the Nation, the National Response Framework (NRF) is now complete and becomes effective March 22, 2008. The Framework is a "National" guide that cuts across all jurisdictions and explains how officials and responders at all levels of government will work as a team in responding to disasters of all types and sizes. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following a lengthy period of input, an extended comment period, and formal approval by the President on January 8, 2008, are now moving into the implementation phase of the National Response Framework (NRF). The Framework is a "National" guide that cuts across all jurisdictions and explains how officials and responders at all levels of government will work as a team in responding to disasters of all types and sizes.

As one of the major first steps in implementation, FEMA will be conducting a nationwide broadcast on the National Response Framework (NRF) on March 5, 2008 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM EST from the studio of the National Preparedness Network (PREPnet) located at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, MD.

The Framework supersedes the National Response Plan (NRP) and more adequately serves as a guide to how the nation conducts incident response.  The Framework ensures that government executives, private sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGO) leaders, and emergency management practitioners across the nation understand domestic incident response roles, responsibilities and relationships in order to respond more effectively to any type of incident.

Those wishing to access the discussion via the Internet Webcast can go to http://www.vodium.com/goto/fema/nrf.asp and click on the National Response Framework button that will be displayed there. Visiting that site prior to the Web cast is important in order to assure that any connectivity issues involved with individual computer settings, are addressed before the broadcast. Locations with Dish TV receivers can tune to Channel 9602 at the allotted time to view the broadcast Locations with Dish TV receivers can tune to Channel 9602 at the allotted time to view the broadcast.
 

Those viewing the web cast at the Vodium web site will be able to submit their questions directly through the Vodium system by following the on screen instructions.

Questions can be submitted during the broadcast by sending an e-mail to: PREPnet@dhs.gov

Individuals will also be able to call toll free with questions during the broadcast to 1-800-527-4893.

Given that the NFR spells out the way the nation will provide assistance and resources to other agencies and levels of government in the event of a major emergency, it is critical for first responders to understand and be familiar with how we will all work together in such circumstances," said U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade. "I encourage our nation's fire service to gain familiarity and confidence with the NRF by taking in this broadcast.

"Additionally, it is important for first responders to help other disciplines in their communities, including their emergency management partners, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector so that they too can become familiar with this important framework," Cade said. 

The NRF document and supporting information can be obtained at:                           http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/.