Emergency Operations Center Liaison
Self-Study
Participant Guide
Disaster Services
June 2013
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
An EOC is a physical site where community response and recovery operations are coordinated
by emergency management and agency partners.
Purpose: interagency coordination, resource management, executive decision making,
coordination and communication with other emergency operations centers and incident
command posts.
Copyright © June 2013 The American National Red Cross
Disaster Services
Dear Colleague,
This Self Study was designed for experienced Red Cross workers who have a good understanding of Red
Cross disaster services and mass care operations. This document should be used with the Government
Operations Handbook and is provided to assist in orienting you to your responsibilities as a Red Cross
representative in an emergency operations center. Red Cross liaison support at all activated emergency
operations centers is a key activity that all chapters are expected to accomplish.
Core Services
Every Red Cross chapter, regardless of the size of the chapter or the size of a disaster, must be prepared to
initiate the following activities:
Sheltering
Feeding
Disaster Assessment and Information Management
Emergency operations center coverage
Public Affairs & Fundraising
The purpose of this self study is to help prepare Red Cross workers assigned to a local emergency operations
center (EOC) or other local coordination center, and to engage collaboratively with Red Cross government
partners. Integrated response planning ensures a coordinated disaster response and effective service delivery
to our constituency. The Red Cross Government Liaisons are the primary means of facilitating this critical
engagement.
This Self Study is not intended to replace any of the basic training requirements for government liaisons. Its
intended use is for those occasions where an emerging disaster does not allow time for you to complete all of
the required training (listed in the Activity Position Competencies) before being assigned to a local EOC. As
such, it is impossible to cover all the possible situations you may encounter in your new responsibilities. The
Red Cross recognizes this may happen, and when it does, your assigned Government Operations supervisor
or Emergency Services Program Manager is directly responsible for appropriately supporting you through any
situation you might encounter.
Relationship management is one of the most critical elements that a government liaison will face on any
response and recovery operation. Relationships are built on trust and communication, so it is important that
you feel comfortable and empowered to respond to any request in an EOC by saying, “I don’t know the answer
to your question, but I will check with my supervisor and get back to you as quickly as possible.” It will then be
up to you and your support team at the chapter or on the operation to find the answer in question and follow up
in a timely fashion.
As you read through this Self Study guide and the Government Operations Handbook, please make note of all
items, points, or theories that you do not understand. After you have looked at all of the materials, your
notations should provide the baseline for further discussion with your Government Operations supervisor or
Emergency Services Program Manager.
Revised June 2013
In addition to the Self Study and Government Operations Handbook, the forms, tools, and job aids you will use
or may need are located on the Government Operations Network Neighborhood which you should visit
frequently.
Additional guidance and resources are available in:
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Disaster Services Program Guidance
Disaster Response Manual
Group / Activities Handbooks
Government Operations Position Descriptions
Local Chapter Disaster Plan
State Plans
Red Cross All Hazards Plan
Partner Agreements
FEMA – Red Cross MOA
Thank you for your willingness to represent the Government Operations team for the Red Cross in this
important position. The partnerships you will forge, the relationships you will support, and the service
you will provide will benefit the disaster response across the broad spectrum of our service delivery.
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Introduction
All Red Cross workers participating in the Government Operations Activity should understand that the process
of developing, nurturing and maintaining government partners/partnerships is an ongoing activity. It should
begin before a disaster occurs and continue when the response is over.
Five “pillar” processes support the core Disaster Services processes throughout the entire disaster cycle in
their ability to deliver services to the client:
• Engage Volunteers and Employees
• Mobilize Community
• Align with Government
• Manage and Share Information
• Deploy Material Resources
There are five primary objectives of the Government Operations Activity to support the pillar processes:
• Develop and sustain relationships.
• Participate in planning efforts
• Provide situational awareness
• Facilitate integrated response activities
• Ensure strong government liaison teams
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Government Emergency Management facilities:
• Are specialized environments
• Require a special cadre of knowledgeable disaster workers
• Require adaptability, flexibility, discretion and initiative as essential liaison skills
After using this guide, you should be able to begin to:
1. Effectively represent the Red Cross among our government and emergency management partners in a
manner consistent with our fundamental principles, mission, vision and values.
2. Establish and/or support, maintain and enhance our collaborative relationships with our government
and emergency management partners, as well as an awareness of how we work with our internal
partners and our role in the National Response Framework (NRF) Emergency Support Function 6.
3. Explain the value of a liaison’s contributions toward a coordinated and effective disaster response.
4. Compare and contrast the basic systems and structures used by the government and the Red Cross to
manage the respective emergency and relief operation activities.
5. Establish an “environmental awareness” of the specific settings in which a liaison, assigned to a
government or emergency management setting, must be prepared to operate.
6. Seek, collect, evaluate and communicate critical information and bring to bear the resources needed by
Red Cross, government, non-government and other emergency management stakeholders, in support
of coordinated efforts to meet disaster-caused needs.
7. Identify and manage stakeholder expectations to affect a coordinated multi-agency response.
8. Assemble, organize and employ the tools and resources that are needed to meet the performance
expectations of a liaison assigned to a government or emergency management setting.
Representing the Red Cross
To the disaster-affected members of your community, its highest elected official and everyone in between that
you encounter, you are the American Red Cross! You cannot underestimate the power of the community trust
in, appreciation for, and goodwill toward the American Red Cross, generated by your ability to effectively
execute your liaison roles and responsibilities. It is important to note that your role as a leader for the Red
Cross involves monitoring, reporting on, and supporting the overall state of mass care in the community and
not just Red Cross operations.
Take a moment and see if you can imagine how Red Cross service delivery might either be made possible or
more effective as a result of our partnership with government? Discuss this with your supervisor as time allows.
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Liaison Roles & Responsibilities
All liaisons• Effectively represent the American Red Cross
• Develop, support and maintain strategic relationships
• Develop internal (Red Cross) and external (partner agencies) expectations
• Facilitate solutions by leveraging both Red Cross and partner resources
• Establish and monitor an environmental awareness
• Seek, collect, evaluate and exchange critical information
• Enhance community trust in, appreciation for, and goodwill toward the American Red Cross
• Coordinate with other Red Cross Activities to ensure that Red Cross actions are aligned with,
supportive of, and complementary to government
What are the characteristics of an effective liaison assigned to work in government settings?
• Acts in a professional manner
• Actively listens
• Is an effective communicator
• Has excellent knowledge of Red Cross and partner programs, services, scaling processes and
organizational capabilities, as well as the role Red Cross plays as a convener of ESF6 mass care
subject matter experts
• Has a functional understanding of government and emergency management
• Has pre-established relationships with local government
• Is resourceful in ability to manage information, utilizing discretion and initiative
• Is responsive to the needs and time-sensitive priorities of others
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Value of a Liaison
The liaison serves as an ‘Information Bridge” between Red Cross and Government and Emergency
Management, and importantly, the liaison acts not as a decision maker for the Red Cross, but as a problem
solver and data analyst capable of providing the decision makers with the appropriate information necessary to
ensure the best possible service delivery. Liaisons are the eyes and ears of our organization, the larger mass
care community, and our outward face when interacting with government.
Value of a Liaison
‘Information Bridge” between Red Cross
and Government & Emergency
Management
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The Red Cross Response
Foundations of the Disaster Services Program outlines the policies and procedures Disaster Services uses to
provide service delivery to our clients.
Fundamental Principles, Mission, Vision, Values
Policies
Values
Vision
Mission
In the Red Cross, our organizational pillars are our fundamental principles, mission, vision, and values that
guide our actions; think of them as decision-making tools — an important concept to keep in mind while
serving as a Government Liaison.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
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The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross
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Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring
assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and
national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to
protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding,
friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political
opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to
give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in
hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Independence: The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the
humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must
always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the
principles of the Movement.
Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open
to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have
equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
American Red Cross Mission
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the
power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Vision
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in
times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that...
...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and
...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save
lives.
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Values
Guiding behaviors are the specific and measurable behaviors that describe how we demonstrate the values of
the organization.
Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with
care and respect.
• Guiding Behavior: Caring about Others — Is interested in the work and non-work lives of colleagues;
asks about their plans, problems and desires; knows about their concerns and questions; is available
for listening; and appreciates extra effort. Is sympathetic to the plight of others not as fortunate;
demonstrates real empathy with the joys and pains of others. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations
and requirements of internal and external customers; acts with customers in mind.
Collaborative: We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and
always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.
• Guiding Behavior: Understanding Others — Understands why groups do what they do; picks up the
sense of the group in terms of positions, intentions and needs; what they value and how to motivate
them; can predict what groups will do across different situations. Deals effectively with all races,
nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages and genders. Deals with others as individuals; avoids prejudicial
attitudes or stereotyping.
Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need.
• Guiding Behavior: Innovation Management — Is good at bringing the creative ideas of self and
others to market; has good judgment about which creative ideas and suggestions will work; has a
sense about managing the creative process of others; can facilitate effective brainstorming; can project
how potential ideas may play out in the marketplace. Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears.
Credible: We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.
• Guiding Behavior: Integrity and Trust — Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can
present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits
mistakes; does not misrepresent him/herself for personal gain and is accountable for his/her actions.
Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our
mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.
• Guiding Behavior: Drive for Results — Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is
constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self
and others for results. Knows how businesses work; and understands how his/her performance impacts
the organization. Pursues everything with energy, drive and a need to finish; seldom gives up before
finishing, especially in the face of resistance or setbacks.
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Disaster Services Mission
“To ensure a nationwide system of disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education and
response that will provide the American public with quality services delivered in a uniform, consistent and
responsive manner.”
Disaster Relief Operation
Depending on the size of an event, the Disaster Relief Operation (DRO) may be organized by the local
chapter, multi-chapter operations by your Region or by National Headquarters.
Chapter Disasters
• Are contained entirely within a single chapter’s jurisdiction
• Affect one or more families
• Are mostly recurrent incidents
• Can be resourced and financed solely from chapter assets
Regional Disasters
• Affect multiple families
• Occur within the jurisdiction of more than one chapter within a single Region
• Require the focused commitment of human and material resources from the affected chapters and
support/assistance from the region
Regional Responsibilities
• Build local and regional response capacity
• Initiate and sustain multi-chapter disaster response operations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government agencies focused on regional emergency
operations
• May include responsibility for state emergency operations center coverage and maintaining state
emergency management relationships
National Headquarters’ Responsibilities
• Set policy, strategic direction and standards of performance
• Maintain programs, systems & support
• Support response activities through the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) at National Headquarters in
Washington, D.C.
• Coordinate with federal agencies and national organizations
• Determines Red Cross involvement in support of major incidents, e.g.,
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Natural disasters that overwhelm local and regional resources
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Catastrophic disasters
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Major national events (such as the Olympics, Super Bowl and national conventions)
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Disaster Relief Operation Responsibilities
Regardless of the size of the event, all Disaster Relief Operations must:
• Maintain relationships with Regional, state and local stakeholder including government agencies
• Prepare a comprehensive, coordinated plan for scaling relief operations
• Develop, implement and monitor the Service Delivery Plan (SDP) in coordination with affected Regions
and partners
External Relations
There are eight broad Groups (in chart following) within a disaster relief operation, providing both direct (to the
client) and indirect (internal support) services. As a government liaison, you will be working in the External
Relations Group, Government Operations Activity. During the course of your deployment, you will be assigned
one supervisor who you will report to, and who is responsible to assist you with answering questions and
providing guidance.
All liaisons in External Relations:
• Focus on the needs of our partners
• Focus on the needs of the American Red Cross to support service delivery to our clients
• Are responsible for communication and coordination between the Red Cross and our partners
In addition to your role as a Government Liaison, Community Partnerships (CPS) also has liaisons who work
with non-government community and other voluntary agencies (i.e., Salvation Army, Southern Baptist, and
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
External Affairs
In large disaster operations, Public Affairs and Government Relations from national headquarters may deploy
staff as well. These staff members will not be working on operational issues in the EOC but focusing on issues
with national media and senior elected officials (i.e. Governors, press secretaries). They may be co-located in
the EOC in the Joint Information Center (JIC), but are not deployed to replace the Government Liaison.
When the other External Affairs staff members are deployed, government liaisons should assist these staff
wherever possible, including but not limited to:
• Assistance with access and credentialing at the EOC
• Orientation to the EOC, personnel and procedures
• Ensuring timely and cooperative information sharing
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Compare and Contrast
As you now move from reading about the Red Cross to reading about our government partners, compare and
contrast the two structures.
Response Systems & Structures
Red Cross
Government
Chapter /Region/State/Division/NHQ
Local/State/Federal
Chapter/Region response
Local City/County or Parish Response
Disaster Relief Operation
EOC
Groups and Activities
ICS Sections & Branches
Service Delivery Plan
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
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Red Cross Relief Operation Activity Organizational Structure
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Red Cross - ICS Organization
Operations
Management
(Command)
Operations
Direct Services
Liaison
PIO
Planning
Logistics
Information &
Planning
Finance
Logistics
All Activities
Staff Services
Government response activities are usually structured using Incident Command System (ICS), this example
shows how Red Cross response structure is also consistent with ICS.
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Our Partners
Who do we work and interact with when in government and emergency management settings?
Partners
First responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement)
VOAD Partners
Emergency management agencies
Advocacy groups
Tribal officials
Faith based groups
Public Health/Environmental
Health/Behavioral Health
Community based organizations
Social/Human Services
Public/Private business
Public Works
Service organizations
Elected Officials
Animal Care
Utility companies
FNSS support agencies
Possible Assignment Settings Include:
Assignment Settings
Incident Command Post (ICP)
Family Assistance Centers
City/Town EOC
Disaster Relief Operation HQ (DRO)
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC’s)
Tribal government settings
County/Parrish Emergency Operations Center
(EOC)
Mega Shelters
State Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Evacuation embarkation/debarkation sites
Multi Agency Coordination Centers
Service Delivery Site
Federal Coordination Centers (RRCC, JFO,
NRCC)
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Disaster Focus of Emergency Management
• Protect/Save life, critical infrastructure, property and the environment
• Stabilize the incident
• Establish a system by which government responds to disasters at the local, regional, state, tribal or
federal levels.
Local Government Responsibilities
• Local government is responsible for the public safety and welfare of the people who reside in its
jurisdiction.
Local
government initiates the response to any disaster and retains that responsibility regardless of the
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size of the disaster.
• Other agencies, state and federal, may also have lead responsibilities in certain circumstances, such as
the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the law enforcement component of a Weapons of Mass
Destruction/Terrorism event.
The Local Chief-Elected Official
The Local Chief Elected Official (i.e., Mayor, County Commissioner, Parish President, Tribal Chairperson):
• Provides oversight and coordination of local resources
• Provides leadership and serves in a key role in communicating with the public
• Enters into mutual aid agreements with other jurisdictions
• Declares local emergencies and seeks assistance from the state or from the federal government
through the state
• The Local Chief Elected Official usually delegates broad authority in emergency management to the
Local Emergency Manager
The Local Emergency Manager
The Local Official:
• Is responsible for emergency management in the local jurisdiction
• Ensures system is capable of handling any emergencies of local and national impact
Roles and Responsibilities
• Facilitates the coordinated planning of all response components—fire and police, emergency medical
services, public works, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public and private sector
• Develops the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to define agreed-to responsibilities of all agencies
• Advises the local chief-elected official
• Coordinates the application of resources during a disaster
• Forms and maintains a network of mutual aid and interagency cooperation
As a government liaison, while you are working in the EOC, you will usually report to a designee of the
Emergency Manager (i.e. Operations Chief, Individual Assistance Branch, or Mass Care Director) and serve as
part of the EOC mass care team. It is important to note, that while you report to one of these staff
representatives that does not mean that the Red Cross relinquishes its independence or authority to direct Red
Cross Disaster Relief Operations.
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Incident Command System (ICS)
Government and emergency management agencies at all levels have adopted the National Incident
Management System (NIMS), which includes as a component, the Incident Command System (ICS).
Distinctive aspects of ICS include:
• Common terminology (clear text/language, do not use acronyms or abbreviations)
• Modular organization
• Integrated communications
• Unity of command (everyone has one person they report to)
• Unified command structure (all agencies from all jurisdictions work for one Incident Commander)
• Consolidated action plans
• Manageable span of control (three to seven personnel)
• Designated incident facilities
• Comprehensive resource management
The Incident Command System also:
• Provides management structure
o For command, control and coordination
o For effective use of all resources
• Fosters consistency and efficiency
• Provides coordinated direction during a response
• Coordinates efforts of individual agencies toward a common goal
The National Incident Management System (NIMS)
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide
departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector
to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents,
regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss of life and property and harm to
the environment.
The National Response Framework (NRF)
The National Response Framework presents the guiding principles that enable all response partners to
prepare for and provide a unified national response to disasters and emergencies - from the smallest incident
to the largest catastrophe. The Framework establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to
domestic incident response.
The Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation does not specifically use the Incident Command System, but has a
similar structure that incorporates the Incident Command System functions into its operations. All Red Cross
Government Liaisons must be trained in ICS and NIMS, and be familiar with the National Response
Framework. Because of the particular nature of the disaster that you are responding to, you may not have had
the opportunity to take this training yet. If time allows during this disaster, or afterwards, you should avail
yourself of the training at the Federal Emergency Management Agency Independent Study web site
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/. Required (FEMA IS 100.a, 230.b, 700.a, & 800.b)
***Please talk with your supervisor about this as time allows***
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State Government Responsibilities
State government is responsible for supporting local government.
Governor
• Serves as the Chief-Elected Official of each state, commonwealth or territory
• Directs state-owned resources to the local level
• Under certain emergency conditions, has police powers to make, amend, and rescind orders and
regulations
• Provides leadership and plays a key role in communicating to the public
• Requests federal assistance
Federal Government Responsibilities
The federal government assists state and tribal authorities when the local resources are overwhelmed. The
authority for much of this federal assistance comes from the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act.
A FEMA Joint Field Office (JFO) is usually established when the President declares a jurisdiction eligible for
federal assistance. The JFO serves as a federal resource coordination center similar to an emergency
operations center.
Red Cross role in Emergency Management
The Red Cross does not duplicate government responsibilities to provide disaster relief, nor does the Red
Cross look to government to supplant or to assume responsibility for elements of the Red Cross Disaster
Services Program. Instead, we coordinate and collaborate and align plans with government agencies to ensure
effective service delivery.
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Red Cross Response
Interface with Government
NOTE: This graphic provides a broad overview of the inter-relationships between the Red Cross and
Government and all levels. While this may seem complex, you will be working at a local EOC and should not
be overwhelmed by the many federal entities that are represented above the state emergency operations
center.
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Emergency Support Function 6 (ESF6)
At the federal level, under the National Response Framework the Red Cross is the Co-Lead with FEMA for the
mass care component of ESF6 (Mass Care and Emergency Assistance) and a support agency to the other
components. Specially trained Red Cross personnel will staff this function at federal sites, such as the
Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) Joint Field Office (JFO) and with the Incident Management
Assistance Team (IMAT) at the state EOC. The state and local level emergency management agencies may
have adopted similar structures but the Red Cross role may be different. You should read the local Emergency
Operations Plan of the jurisdiction you are serving in and discuss the Red Cross role and partner expectations
with your supervisor.
When the Red Cross or government seeks assistance or information from each other, they may make requests
that will be forwarded to and from the Chapter or Disaster Relief Operation by the Red Cross Government
Liaison at the EOC. It is the Government Liaison’s responsibility to then exchange the information or requests
with Red Cross personnel and with the EOC personnel leading mass care, who will either authorize the
assistance or forward the request to the state ESF6 Mass Care branch. The Red Cross Government Liaison at
each EOC is responsible for tracking this request until it is ultimately approved or denied.
Liaison Roles and Responsibilities
Working in Emergency Management Settings
Important information you need to know before you go to an EOC:
• Red Cross’ role and services and capabilities in disaster response
• Red Cross’ service delivery plan
• Red Cross’ role in government’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Information needs of stakeholders
• Awareness of pre-existing agreements
• Differences in terminology
• The roles and capabilities of partner and community agencies
• How you will obtain and exchange information such as damage assessment, sheltering and feeding
numbers, etc.
***Please talk to your supervisor about these points***
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Collaboration and Communication
Collaboration
Conversation
Relationships
Cooperative
Agreements
Networks
Conversation develops information; information obtains specific results:
• Solves problems
• Shapes decision making
• Produces resources and solutions
• Creates opportunities
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Information
Information comes from a variety of sources and has multiple users both within the Red Cross and for our
government partners.
Send and receive:
Sources:
Information Only
Briefings
Offers
Conversation
Requests
Reports (Situation Reports or “SitReps”)
Postings
What makes information valuable?
• Accurate and Concise
• Timely
• Tailored (to the specific user)
• Relevant
• Expressed in clear terms (not acronyms or abbreviations)
Important Information Sources
• Red Cross Daily Reports, Situation Reports & Form 5266 Disaster Operations Control, 5233 Disaster
Assessment Summary Sheet
• Government Situation Reports (Sit-Reps)
• Partner agency activity reports
• Government Incident Action Plans (IAPs)
• Emergency Operations Plan and EOC Standard Operating Procedures
• EOC Operation Management Databases or Systems
• Service Delivery Plans (SDPs)
• Scheduled briefings
• Casual conversations
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Essential Elements of Information
Essential Elements of Information (EEI)
Boundaries of Disaster Area
Communications
Status of Critical Facilities
Demographics
Socio-economic/Political Impact
Hazardous, Toxic & Radiological Issues
Hazard-specific Information
(i.e. damage assessment, health concerns)
Status of emergency operations centers
Jurisdictional Boundaries
Status of Utilities And Services: Water,
Electricity, Gas
Weather and Environmental
Road Closures
Transportation Status
Status of Emergency/Disaster Declarations
Historical Information
The Essential Elements of Information (EEI) are 15 high level categories of information that represent data that
is important both to the Red Cross and our government partners. This represents information that you should
be attuned to, looking for, and reporting to the Disaster Relief Operation or to our government partners if the
information is generated through Red Cross sources (most likely the Red Cross Disaster Assessment activity).
Red Cross liaisons provide the information exchange link from the EOC to the Red Cross. Many tools and
forms are available on the Government Operations Network Neighborhood for you to use including the
Disaster Operations Summary Report (DOSR) that was designed for sharing Red Cross the service delivery
data with our external partners.
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Handling Sensitive Information & Documents
You may encounter documents classified as: [1] For Official Use Only (FOUO) and/or [2] Unclassified/Law
Enforcement Sensitive (U/LES). For Official Use Only information is exempt from release to the public under
the Freedom of Information Act as it may be dangerous to national security. These documents are intended for
official use only. Mishandling the document or disclosing the contents will subject you to criminal prosecution.
Such a violation could also lead to government agencies denying the Red Cross appropriate access to these
documents, which are critical to Red Cross operations. Remember, the trust and goodwill for the Red Cross
depends on how you handle this. Discretion is always encouraged to the best of your ability.
Depending on the jurisdiction you are working in, you may encounter documents with similar
names/classifications, but all are sensitive documents. Without further specific training and specific
authorization-- you should not handle, read, or accept documents with these classifications. If you encounter
this situation, contact your supervisor for further guidance.
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Information Management & Exchange – Maintain Situational Awareness
Determining Information Needs
• Identify information needed by our internal and external partners
• Solicit from them:
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Who needs to know what?
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How often will they need it?
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How the information be used?
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What’s the most effective way to deliver or receive it? (Email, Fax)
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What is the desired format? (Word, Excel, hard copy of original, etc.)
Collecting Information
Collect and organize the information you need for review.
• Be:
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Proactive - Seek out information
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Interactive - Engage your stakeholders and others in conversation
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Alert - Listen, listen, and listen!
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Professional - Personable and cooperative
• Document your efforts. Keep a record (dates and times) of events, information, offers and requests,
and items that require follow-up action by the assigned Government Emergency Management Liaisons.
Evaluating Information
Evaluate the information gathered to:
• Verify information, or provide unverified information when necessary but with appropriate qualifiers.
• Be certain the information is:
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Relevant
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Fact, not opinion or rumor
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From a reliable and confirmed source
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Validated to the best of your ability
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Passing along information that you have not verified is risky business!
Risks include:
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Unintentional actions may be initiated or taken based on the inaccurate information
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Loss of integrity and reputation as a reliable partner
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Possible deterioration of the relationship and or partnership
Communicating Information
• Be professional
• E-mail may be informal, but the content is not, and email is easily retransmitted to unintended recipients
• Unnecessary remarks are often misconstrued
• Identify the best method for sending
• Format for ease of use
• Verify that the information was received
• Be aware of the forum, public sites are not venting areas
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Reporting Requirements
• Determined by the Disaster Relief Operation and your assignment setting.
• Types include:
o
Forms
o
Narratives
o
Requests for Information
Forms, reports and other job aids are available in the Government Operations neighborhood
Developing Internal and External Expectations
Developing joint expectations may be one of your most important activities. It is critical that the Red Cross
Disaster Relief Operation and our government partners each understand what the other can and cannot
accomplish. Inappropriate expectations of each other’s capabilities and intentions can adversely affect service
delivery and have a profound negative impact on our partnership. Credibility and knowledge are critical.
Your understanding of how our operations intend to go forward, and what our goals are, will help you
set forth expectations that our partners can count on.
•
•
•
•
Identify stakeholders expectations
o
Clarify to ensure accurately understood
o
If not communicated, ask
Communicate your own expectations
o
Learn to articulate your own expectations
o
It is not a selfish act, but rather a generous one
o
Make it a habit…you will be successful!
Understand DRO – or lead unit intent
o
Understand where we’re heading
o
Understand our strategy and possible tactics
o
Ask questions to increase your understanding
Solving Problems
Define the problem
Identify the facts bearing on the problem
Generate alternatives in coordination with the stakeholders
Select the best solution
Working within Red Cross
• Receive a thorough Red Cross orientation and briefing
• Verify who your Red Cross supervisor is and who your other contacts are and how to reach them
• Keep your Red Cross supervisor and contacts aware of the EOC activities and information offered and
requested
• Follow up on issues and inquiries
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Working with External Partners
• Identify your site’s reporting requirements
• Receive a thorough initial briefing at your assignment site
• Ensure appropriate access to government operational leadership
• Ensure access to work area, computer, telephone, etc.
• Ensure active participation in operational briefings and meetings
• Request a copy of the Red Cross Service Delivery Plan (SDP) for your own awareness when working
with government partners
Activation
Preparing to Report to the Emergency Operations Center
• Review the Government Operations Handbook sections on Getting Ready to Deploy and Government
Liaison Tools for information on refreshing and/or assembling your “Go Kit”
• Receive deployment and reporting information from your Chapter
• Request status of government activity and emergency declarations
• Obtain information about Red Cross activities to include mass care (sheltering and feeding) and current
disaster assessment information
Arriving at the EOC
Your activities include:
• Introductions
o
Emergency operations center officials, determining who you report to within the EOC
o
Other agencies’ representatives
• Determine site expectations
o
Hours of operation
o
Staffing
o
Briefing and report schedules
• Establish contact with your Red Cross supervisor
• Obtain a site orientation
• Set up or familiarize yourself with your work station
• Review the EOC and Coordination Center Checklist in your Government Operations Handbook
• Establish and maintain a log
• Evaluate the need for additional staff to support Red Cross activities
Continuing Responsibilities
• Explain or clarify Red Cross policies, regulations and procedures as required
• Provide that link between government and Red Cross
• Document and track activities and conversations
• Dress appropriately; wear Red Cross identification appropriate for the environment
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Responding to Requests
Usually “No” is not the best answer to requests you receive, work with leadership and partners to find a
solution to meet the need.
• Make sure you understand the request or offer
• Provide another resource, but make sure it is valid
• Make a solid referral; it is often as good as saying “Yes”
o
When the request or need is outside the scope of Red Cross services, coordinate with
leadership and other activities such as Community Partnerships to determine other service
providers in the area that may be able to meet the need presented.
• Define what you can do instead of what you can’t do -- often that will suffice. Contact your supervisor to
assist in making this determination and asking questions to understand the objective may identify
alternate solutions to meet the need.
o
Note: All operational decisions are made by the leadership responsible for that operation.
The duty to relay that information/decision, whether positive or negative is your
responsibility. Often, the manner in which you relay that information will directly influence
how the information is received by our partners. Be strategic and positive in the language
you use to present the information.
Seeking to Contribute
• Take initiative to determine how we might be of service, make suggestions, offers
• Make contact based on other’s anticipated needs
• Clarify expectations and timelines
• Seize opportunities to demonstrate how efforts and capabilities are mutually beneficial
• Engage yourself proactively in workgroups, conference calls and discussion with your colleagues
around you.
Maintaining Relationships
Keys to maintaining relationships:
• Demonstrate appreciation
• Seek to contribute
• Care for the relationship
• Maintain consistent contact
• Follow up to ensure needs were met
• Listen attentively
• Solicit and act on feedback
• Ensure a smooth and considerate closing of the Red Cross presence when the disaster relief operation
begins to close down
• Remember that relationships may have been forged before you, and will exist after you demobilize.
Nurture each relationship as if it were your own and support your team mates by leaving the
relationship in better shape than you found it.
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Changing Shifts
When changing shifts:
• Allow time to brief the person coming in to replace you
• Review the log, identifying significant events, issues, problems
• Review status of offers and requests
Closing the Red Cross Presence in the Emergency Operations Center
Be sure to transfer responsibility for:
• Relationships
• Activities
o
Request
o
Offers
o
Commitments
• Contacts
• Information
• Responsibility for unmet requests, offers and commitments
Indicators of Success
• Effectively represented the American Red Cross
• Initiated, developed and maintained strategic relationships
• Managed internal (Red Cross) and external (partner agencies) operational expectations
• Established and monitored environmental awareness
• Sought, collected, evaluated and communicated critical information
• Assembled, organized and employed the tools and resources needed
• Enhanced community trust in, appreciation for, and good will toward the American Red Cross
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Your commitment to the Red Cross in staffing an emergency operations center is a critical component of our
ability to successfully ensure our clients get the assistance they need.
Suggestions for continuing professional development as a Government Liaison:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Take additional required and recommended training
Participate in drills and exercises
Review your chapter’s Disaster Response Plan
Ask to be mentored
Attend briefings and “hot washes” (after-action reviews)
Identify additional opportunities to collaborate within your community
Thank you!
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Glossary
This Attachment provides definitions for terms used in the Government Operations Handbook. It also
introduces terms and concepts that while not part of the handbook, you may encounter while working in an
emergency operations center.
A
Action Request Form: This is a standard federal form that is also used by state and federal Emergency
Support Function 6 staff to consider requests for assistance originating from local and state government (as
well as non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross) to the federal government. The ARF document:
• Documents the request on behalf of its stakeholders
• Initiates the mission assignment process, when approved by state and federal authorities
• Establishes a tracking mechanism for each request
• Creates a budget trail for the federal assistance provided
Agency Representative: A person assigned by a primary, assisting, or cooperating federal, state, tribal, or
local government agency or private organization that has been delegated authority to make decisions affecting
that agency’s or organization’s participation in incident management activities following appropriate
consultation with the leadership of that agency.
B
Branch: The organizational level having functional or geographical responsibility for major aspects of incident
operations. A branch is organizationally situated between the Section Chief and the Division or Group in the
Operations Section, and between the Section and Units in the Logistics Section. Branches are identified by the
use of Roman numerals or by functional area.
C
Catastrophic Incident: A catastrophic incident is any natural or manmade incident, including terrorism,
resulting in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption that severely affects the population,
infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, and/or government functions. A catastrophic incident
could result in sustained national impacts over a prolonged period of time; almost immediately exceeds
resources normally available to local, state, tribal, and private sector authorities in the impacted area: and
significantly interrupts government operations and emergency services to such an extent that national security
could be threatened. All catastrophic events are Incidents of National Significance.
Chief Elected Official (CEO): The highest elected official, responsible for the general welfare of the
community they serve. It may be township, city, county or parish, state or commonwealth, tribal or federal
government(s).
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Common Operating Picture: A continuously updated overview of an incident compiled throughout an
incident's life cycle from data shared between integrated systems for communication, information
management, and intelligence and information sharing. The common operating picture allows incident
managers at all levels to make effective, consistent, and timely decisions. The common operating picture also
helps ensure consistency at all levels of incident management across jurisdictions, as well as between various
governmental jurisdictions and private-sector and nongovernmental entities that are engaged.
Commonwealth: An alternative term for “state”. It is an administration signifying government by the common
good of the people. States that are commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Constituents: The residents of a community who select government leaders through an election process.
Critical Infrastructure: Systems, assets, and networks, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United
States that the incapacity or destruction of such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on
security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination of those matters.
D
Declarations: Declarations may be declared at the local, state, of federal level of government. The President
can make two declarations, either an Emergency Declaration or a Major Disaster declaration.
• An Emergency Declaration is when a local government determines that effects of the emergency are
beyond the capability of local resources to mitigate effectively.
• A Major Disaster Declaration includes long-term federal recovery programs. Generally, federal assistance
and funding are provided to meet a specific emergency needs or to help prevent a major disaster from
occurring. The situation is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond capabilities of the
state and affected local governments.
Federal assistance under the Stafford Act is necessary to supplement the efforts and available resources of
the state, affected local governments, disaster relief organizations and compensation by insurance.
Demobilization: The orderly, safe, and efficient return of a resource to its original location and status.
Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA): Support provided by U.S. military forces (Regular, Reserve,
and National Guard), Department of Defense (DOD) civilians, DOD contract personnel, and DOD agency and
component assets, in response to requests for assistance from civilian federal, state, local, and tribal
authorities for domestic emergencies, designated law enforcement support, and other domestic activities.
Disaster Operations Center (DOC): The central location at Red Cross National headquarters where the
coordination of a national response occurs.
Disaster Relief Operation (DRO): A temporary administrative organization created to focus resources on and
accomplish service delivery for a specific disaster event. Acceptable abbreviated terms are: “relief operation”
and “disaster operation.”
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC): A facility established in a centralized location within or near the disaster
area at which disaster victims (individuals, families, or businesses) apply for disaster aid.
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Diverse populations: The full range of ethnic, cultural and racial groups, including but not limited to people
with disabilities, socially and economically depressed persons, senior citizens and undocumented aliens.
Domestic Readiness Group (DRG): An interagency body convened on a regular basis to develop and
coordinate preparedness, response, and incident management policy. This group evaluates various policy
issues of interagency importance regarding domestic preparedness and incident management and makes
recommendations to senior levels of the policymaking structure for decision. During an incident, the DRG may
be convened by the Department of Homeland Security to evaluate relevant interagency policy issues regarding
response and develop recommendations as may be required.
E
Emergency Management (EM): A program that organizes analysis, planning, decision making, and
assignment of available resources to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of a
disaster.
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC): A congressionally ratified organization that
provides form and structure to interstate mutual aid. Through EMAC, a disaster-affected State can request and
receive assistance from other member States quickly and efficiently, resolving two key issues up front: liability
and reimbursement.
Emergency Management Director (EMD): The person in state or local governments assigned with
emergency management responsibilities.
Emergency Operations Centers (EOC): The physical location at which the coordination of information to
support domestic incident management activities normally takes place. An EOC may be a temporary facility or
may be located in a more central or permanently established facility, perhaps at a higher level of organization
within a jurisdiction. EOCs may be organized by major functional disciplines (e.g., fire, law enforcement, and
medical services), by jurisdiction (e.g., federal, state, regional, county, city, tribal), or by some combination
thereof.
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): A document containing the plans and procedures for
jurisdictional response to a variety of identified, potential hazards.
Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV): A vehicle used on a disaster relief operation to provide mobile or fixed
feeding, and as necessary, to be used as a casework, command or communications center, or to transfer
supplies. Many states have adopted an ESF structure to facilitate state response.
Emergency Support Functions (ESFs): Used by the federal government and many state governments as the
primary mechanism at the operational level to organize and provide assistance. ESFs align categories of
resources and provide strategic objectives for their use. ESFs utilize standardized resource management
concepts such as typing, inventorying, and tracking to facilitate the dispatch, deployment, and recovery of
resources before, during, and after an incident.
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Emergency Support Function (ESF) Annexes: Present the missions, policies, structures, and
responsibilities of federal agencies for coordinating resource and programmatic support to states, tribes, and
other federal agencies or other jurisdictions and entities when activated to provide coordinated federal support
during an incident.
Emergency Support Function (ESF) Coordinator: The entity with management oversight for that particular
ESF. The coordinator has ongoing responsibilities throughout the preparedness, response, and recovery
phases of incident management.
Emergency Support Function (ESF) Primary Agency: A federal agency with significant authorities, roles,
resources, or capabilities for a particular function within an ESF. A federal agency designated as an ESF
primary agency serves as a federal executive agent under the Federal Coordinating Officer (or Federal
Resource Coordinator for non-Stafford Act incidents) to accomplish the ESF mission.
Emergency Support Function (ESF) Support Agency: An entity with specific capabilities or resources that
support the primary agencies in executing the mission of the ESF.
Environmental Awareness: Possessing functional knowledge of the present physical, temporal,
emotional, cultural, and political elements of one’s environments.
Essential Elements of Information (EEI): A comprehensive list of impact related information needed in order
to expedite the decision-making progress. In general, the EEI represents information elements about what has
happened and does not address response elements of information. The 15 high levels are: Boundaries of
Disaster Area: Socio-Economic/Political Impacts; Jurisdictional Boundaries; Status of Transportation; Status of
Communications; Status of Power/Electricity; Status of Water and Sewer Systems; Status of Natural Gas
Service; Status of Critical Facilities; Hazard Specific Information; Weather and Environmental
Concerns/Issues; Historical Information; Demographics; Hazardous, Toxic, and Radiological Issues; and
Status of Emergency Operations Centers.
Executive Staff: Within government entities, such personnel may have the titles of Chief of Staff, Special
Assistant, or other similar name.
F
Family Assistance Center (FAC): A facility established by private carriers to provide a safe and private place
for survivors and families to grieve and/or wait for information regarding victims or survivors of an aviation or
any transportation disaster.
Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO): The official appointed by the President to execute Stafford Act
authorities, including the commitment of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources and
mission assignment of other federal departments or agencies. In all cases, the FCO represents the FEMA
Administrator in the field to discharge all FEMA responsibilities for the response and recovery efforts
underway. For Stafford Act events, the FCO is the primary Federal representative with whom the State
Coordinating Officer and other state, tribal, and local response officials interface to determine the most urgent
36
needs and set objectives for an effective response in collaboration with the Unified Coordination Group.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): An executive agency of the federal government that
serves as a single point of contact within the federal government for emergency management activities –
including planning, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.
Federal Resource Coordinator (FRC): Official who may be designated by the Department of Homeland
Security in non-Stafford Act situations when a federal department or agency acting under its own authority has
requested the assistance of the Secretary of Homeland Security to obtain support from other federal
departments and agencies. In these situations, the FRC coordinates support through interagency agreements
and memorandums of understanding. The FRC is responsible for coordinating timely delivery of resources to
the requesting agency.
Fusion Center: Facility that brings together into one central location law enforcement, intelligence, emergency
management, public health, and other agencies, as well as private-sector and nongovernmental organizations
when appropriate, and that has the capabilities to evaluate and act appropriately on all available information.
G
Government/Emergency Management Liaison (LG): Formerly known as Government Liaison – LG.
Establishes and maintains relationships with federal, state and local government authorities/agencies and
elected officials; assists in meeting the information needs of the disaster relief operation and government
agencies regarding disaster relief activities; ensures coordination of efforts
Government Emergency Management (Activity) Manager: Supervises all Government Emergency
Management Liaisons assigned to a Disaster Relief Operation.
H
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA): A process to identify hazards and associated risk to
persons, property, and structures and to improve protection from natural and human-caused hazards. HIRA
serves as a foundation for planning, resource management, capability development, public education, and
training and exercises.
Homeland Security Council (HSC): Entity that advises the President on national strategic and policy during
large-scale incidents. Together with the National Security Council, ensures coordination for all homeland and
national security-related activities among executive departments and agencies and promotes effective
development and implementation of related policy.
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP): A capabilities and performance-based
exercise program that provides a standardized methodology and terminology for exercise design,
development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.
Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN): The primary reporting method (common national network)
for the Department of Homeland Security to reach departments, agencies, and operations centers at the
federal, state, local, and private-sector levels. HSIN is a collection of systems and communities of interest
37
designed to facilitate information sharing, collaboration, and warnings.
HSPD-5: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5, “Management of Domestic Incidents”
HSPD-7: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7, “Critical Infrastructure, Identification, Prioritization, and
Protection”
HSPD-8: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, “National Preparedness”
Hurricane Liaison Team (HLT): A small team designed to enhance hurricane disaster response by facilitating
information exchange between the National Hurricane Center in Miami and other National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration components, as well as federal, state, tribal and local government officials.
I
Incident Action Plan (IAP): A plan, verbal or written that lists general objectives reflecting an overall strategy
for the management of an incident. The Incident Action Plan is usually written for the upcoming 12 or 24 hour
planning period.
Incident Advisory Council (IAC): The IAC is a tailored group of senior federal interagency
representatives that adjudicates matters that cannot be resolved by the NOC-NRCC and provides
strategic advice to the Secretary of Homeland Security during an actual or potential incident
requiring federal coordination. Activated at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, or his
representative, the core group of the IAC includes representatives from federal departments and agencies,
DHS components, and other organizations as required. Affected states may be represented on the IAC either
through the DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination (OSLGC) or, if needed, through a state
liaison to the IAC.
Incident Command Post (ICP): A location in the field where the primary tactical-level, on-scene incident
command and management functions is performed. It may be co-located with other incident facilities.
Incident Command System (ICS) [Direction/Control/Coordination/ Response Management]: A standardized
on-scene operational structure specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an integrated organizational
structure reflecting the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents. It can be used for all kinds of
emergencies and applicable to both small and large events. It is also can be implemented by various
jurisdictions and functional agencies (public and private) for the organization of field level incident management
operations.
Incident Commander (IC): This is the individual responsible for all incident activities, including the
development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. The IC has the overall
authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of all
incident operations at the event site.
Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT): An interagency national- or regional-based team composed
of subject-matter experts and incident management professionals from multiple federal departments and
agencies.
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Incident Management Team (IMT): An incident command organization made up of the command and general
staff members and appropriate functional units of an Incident Command System organization. The level of
training and experience of the IMT members, coupled with the identified formal response requirements and
responsibilities of the IMT, are factors in determining the “type,” or level, of IMT. IMTs are generally grouped in
five types. Types I and II are national teams, Type III are state or regional, Type IV are discipline- or large
jurisdiction-specific, and Type V are ad hoc incident command organizations typically used by smaller
jurisdictions.
Individual Assistance (IA) Program: This refers to FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) that
includes Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance (ONA), as well as a wide range of individual
assistance from all other agencies of the federal government.
J
Joint Field Office (JFO): A temporary federal facility established locally to provide a central point for federal,
state, local, and tribal executives with responsibility for incident oversight, direction, and/or assistance to
coordinate protection, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities. When incidents impact
multiple states or localities, multiple JFOs may be established. In these situations, one of the JFOs may be
identified (typically in the most heavily impacted area) to serve as the primary JFO and provide strategic
leadership and coordination for the overall incident management effort, as designated by the Secretary.
Joint Information Center (JIC): A facility established to coordinate all incident-related public
information activities. It is the central point of contact for all news media at the scene of an incident. Public
information officials from all participating agencies should co-locate at the Joint Information Center.
Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander: Individual who exercises operational control of Federal military
personnel and most defense resources in a federal response. Some Department of Defense (DOD) entities,
such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, may respond under separate established authorities and do not
provide support under the operational control of a JTF Commander. Unless federalized, National Guard forces
remain under the control of a state governor. Close coordination between federal military, other DOD entities,
and National Guard forces in a response is critical.
L
Liaison: “Liaison” comes from the Latin word ligare (pronounced li-ga-re) meaning “to bind,” as in to link
together. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language further defines liaison as
“communications between groups or units” and as “a channel or means of communications.”
Liaison Officer (LNO): Generally, the point of contact for representatives of other governmental agencies,
non-governmental organizations, and/or private non-profits.
Long-Term Recovery: A process of recovery that may continue for a number of months or years, depending
on the severity and extent of the damage sustained. For example, long-term recovery may include the
complete redevelopment of damaged areas.
M
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Mission Assignment: A mission assignment is an Action Request Form which has been approved by the
FEMA Operations Chief and given a budget by the Mission Assignment Coordinator. It is a fast, effective
method to meet unmet needs in a timely fashion using other federal agencies and their resources. Pre-scripted
Mission Assignments (PSMAs) are completed prior to an event, enabling requests to be processed more
quickly.
Mitigation: Activities designed to reduce or eliminate risks to persons or property or to lessen the actual or
potential effects or consequences of an incident. National Response Plan December 2004 Mitigation measures
may be implemented prior to, during, or after an incident. Mitigation measures are often developed in
accordance with lessons learned from prior incidents. Mitigation involves ongoing actions to reduce exposure
to, probability of, or potential loss from hazards. Measures may include zoning and building codes, floodplain
buyouts, and analysis of hazard-related data to determine where it is safe to build or locate temporary facilities.
Mitigation can include efforts to educate governments, businesses, and the public on measures they can take
to reduce loss and injury.
Multiagency Coordination (MAC) Group: Typically, administrators/executives, or their appointed
representatives, who are authorized to commit agency resources and funds, are brought together and form
MAC Groups. MAC Groups may also be known as multiagency committees, emergency management
committees, or as otherwise defined by the system. A MAC Group can provide coordinated decision making
and resource allocation among cooperating agencies, and may establish the priorities among incidents,
harmonize agency policies, and provide strategic guidance and direction to support incident management
activities.
Municipal: A term to refer to a city/town having the right of administering local government.
N
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC): The primary federal organization for integrating and analyzing all
intelligence pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism and for conducting strategic operational planning by
integrating all instruments of national power.
National Disaster Medical System (NDMS): A federally coordinated system that augments the Nation's
medical response capability. The overall purpose of the NDMS is to establish a single, integrated national
medical response capability for assisting state and local authorities in dealing with the medical impacts of
major peacetime disasters. NDMS, under Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical
Services, supports federal agencies in the management and coordination of the federal medical response to
major emergencies and federally declared disasters.
National Exercise Program: A Department of Homeland Security-coordinated exercise program based upon
the National Planning Scenarios contained which are the National Preparedness Guidelines. This program
coordinates and, where appropriate, integrates a 5-year homeland security exercise schedule across federal
agencies and incorporates exercises at the state and local levels.
National Incident Management System (NIMS): System that provides a proactive approach guiding
40
government agencies at all levels, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work seamlessly
to prepare for, prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause,
size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss of life or property and harm to the environment
National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC): As part of the National Operations Center, monitors the
Nation’s critical infrastructure and key resources on an ongoing basis. During an incident, the NICC provides a
coordinating forum to share information across infrastructure and key resources sectors through appropriate
information-sharing entities.
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP): Plan that provides a coordinated approach to critical
infrastructure and key resources protection roles and responsibilities for federal, state, tribal, local, and privatesector security partners. The NIPP sets national priorities, goals, and requirements for effective distribution of
funding and resources that will help ensure that our government, economy, and public services continue in the
event of a terrorist attack or other disaster.
National Joint Terrorism Task Force (NJTTF): Entity responsible for enhancing communications,
coordination, and cooperation among federal, state, tribal, and local agencies representing the intelligence, law
enforcement, defense, diplomatic, public safety, and homeland security communities by providing a point of
fusion for terrorism intelligence and by supporting Joint Terrorism Task Forces throughout the United States.
National Military Command Center (NMCC): Facility that serves as the Nation’s focal point for continuous
monitoring and coordination of worldwide military operations. It directly supports combatant commanders, the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and the President in the command of U.S.
Armed Forces in peacetime contingencies and war. Structured to support the President and Secretary of
Defense effectively and efficiently, the NMCC participates in a wide variety of activities, ranging from missile
warning and attack assessment to management of peacetime contingencies such as Defense Support of Civil
Authorities activities. In conjunction with monitoring the current worldwide situation, the Center alerts the Joint
Staff and other national agencies to developing crises and will initially coordinate any military response
required.
National Operations Center (NOC): Serves as the primary national hub for situational awareness and
operations coordination across the federal government for incident management. The NOC provides the
Secretary of Homeland Security and other principals with information necessary to make critical national-level
incident management decisions.
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): A facility located in Boise, Idaho, that is jointly operated by several
federal agencies and is dedicated to coordination, logistical support, and improved weather services in support
of fire management operations throughout the United States. www.nifc.gov/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): The lead federal agency that is
concerned with all issues related to weather, marine, and oceanic matters. Within NOAA are: Oceanic and
Atmospheric, National Oceanic Services, National Weather Service, National Marine Fisheries, and Marine
and Aviation Operations. www.noaa.gov/
41
National Preparedness Goal: Establishes measurable readiness targets that appropriately balance the
potential threat and magnitude of terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies with the resources
required to prevent, respond to and recover from them. The goal will include readiness targets, priorities,
standards for preparedness assessments and strategies and a system for assessing the Nation’s overall level
of preparedness.
National Response Coordination Center (NRCC): As a component of the National Operations Center,
serves as the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency primary operations
center responsible for national incident response and recovery as well as national resource coordination. As a
24/7 operations center, the NRCC monitors potential or developing incidents and supports the efforts of
regional and field components.
National Response Framework (NRF): Guides how the Nation conducts all-hazards response. The
Framework documents the key response principles, roles, and structures that organize national response. It
describes how communities, states, the federal government, and private-sector and nongovernmental partners
apply these principles for a coordinated, effective national response. It describes special circumstances where
the federal government exercises a larger role, including incidents where federal interests are involved and
catastrophic incidents where a state would require significant support. It allows first responders, decision
makers, and supporting entities to provide a unified national response.
National Response Plan Catastrophic Incident Annex/Supplement (NRP-CIA/CIS): These address
resource and procedural implications of catastrophic events to ensure the rapid and efficient delivery of
resources and assets, including special teams, equipment, and supplies that provide critical lifesaving support
and incident containment capabilities. These assets may be so specialized or costly that they are either not
available or are in insufficient quantities in most localities. The Secretary of Homeland Security may choose to
activate and deploy assets prior to or immediately following any incident, to include those with catastrophic
ramifications. For no-notice or short notice catastrophic events when there is little or no time to assess the
requirements of the state and local authorities, all federal departments and agencies and the American Red
Cross initiate actions to mobilize and deploy all resources as planned for in the NRP-CIS.
National Security Special Event (NSSE): When an event is designated a National Special Security Event,
the Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead federal agency for the design and implementation of
the operational security plan and coordinator for all federal resources deployed to maintain the level of security
needed for the designated events. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) serves as the lead agency
responsible for intelligence and law enforcement operations as well as statutory federal criminal investigations.
The goal of such an operation is to prevent terrorist attacks and criminal acts. This is the highest level of
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) special event designation meeting specific threat assessment criteria
for a significant national event, the disruption of which would impact the nation. Examples include, the
Inauguration, State if the Union address by the President, the G-8 Summit, and the national political
conventions.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): This independent federal agency is charged by Congress
with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States. Also, the NTSB is similarly charged in the
event of significant accidents in other modes of transportation: railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline.
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http://www.ntsb.gov/.
National Weather Service (NWS): The National Weather Service (NWS) is one of several units within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). www.nws.noaa.gov/.
Non-governmental Organization (NGO): An entity with an association that is based on interests of its
members, individual, or institutions and that is not created by a government, but may work cooperatively with
government.
P
Physical Environmental Element: Refers to location (state, city, town, etc.), conditions (weather and
landscape), people, structures and physical resources.
Political Environmental Element: Refers to the power dynamics between two or more individuals or
organizational entities. Consider differences, history and factors that complicate the normal dynamics between
those involved.
Preparedness: Actions that involve a combination of planning, resources, training, exercising, and organizing
to build, sustain, and improve operational capabilities. Preparedness is the process of identifying the
personnel, training, and equipment needed for a wide range of potential incidents, and developing jurisdictionspecific plans for delivering capabilities when needed for an incident.
Prevention: Actions taken to avoid an incident or to intervene to stop an incident from occurring. Prevention
involves actions taken to protect lives and property. It involves applying intelligence and other information to a
range of activities that may include such countermeasures as deterrence operations; heightened inspections;
improved surveillance and security operations; investigations to determine the full nature and source of the
threat; public health and agricultural surveillance and testing processes; immunizations, isolation, or
quarantine; and, as appropriate, specific law enforcement operations aimed at deterring, preempting,
interdicting, or disrupting illegal activity and apprehending potential perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Professional Preparedness: Involves building functional operational knowledge of the self and others in
professional relationships to maximize the potential for desired results.
Principal Federal Official (PFO): May be appointed to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s primary
representative to ensure consistency of federal support as well as the overall effectiveness of the federal
incident management for catastrophic or unusually complex incidents that require extraordinary coordination.
Public Assistance (PA) Program: The program administered by FEMA that provides supplemental federal
disaster grant assistance for debris removal and disposal, emergency protective measures, and the repair,
replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private
nonprofit organizations.
R
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Readiness: American Red Cross disaster readiness is the ongoing process of
identifying, obtaining, developing, managing and maintaining the human and material
resources and community relationships necessary in order to respond to a disaster. Red
Cross readiness activities at the chapter, regional and national headquarters levels ensure
that resources for any type of disaster response are available with proper speed, scale and
quality.
Recovery: The development, coordination, and execution of service- and site-restoration plans
for impacted communities and the reconstitution of government operations and services through individual,
private-sector, nongovernmental, and public assistance programs that: identify needs and define resources;
provide housing and promote restoration; address long-term care and treatment of affected persons;
implement additional measures for community restoration; incorporate mitigation measures and techniques, as
feasible; evaluate the incident to identify lessons learned; and develop initiatives to mitigate the effects of
future incidents.
Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs): Located in each Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) region, these multiagency agency coordination centers are staffed by Emergency Support
Functions in anticipation of a serious incident in the region or immediately following an incident. Operating
under the direction of the FEMA Regional Administrator, the RRCCs coordinate federal regional response
efforts and maintain connectivity with state emergency operations centers, state fusion centers, federal
executive boards, and other federal and state operations and coordination centers that have potential to
contribute to development of situational awareness.
Response: Activities that address the short-term, direct effects of an incident. Response includes
immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and meet basic human needs. Response also includes the
execution of emergency operations plans and of incident mitigation activities designed to limit the loss of life,
personal injury, property damage, and other unfavorable outcomes. As indicated by the situation, response
activities include: applying intelligence and other information to lessen the effects or consequences of an
incident; increased security operations; continuing investigations into the nature and source of the threat;
ongoing public health and agricultural surveillance and testing processes; immunizations, isolation, or
quarantine; and specific law enforcement operations aimed at preempting, interdicting, or disrupting illegal
activity, and apprehending actual perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
S
Scaling: An organizational approach to Red Cross disaster operations to increase and decrease
personnel, equipment and financial resources as needed. A graduated means to regulate and
estimate what resources are needed and when. In this scheme the chapter retains responsibility for a disaster
even when national resources (i.e. a National Director) are assigned. In a disaster response, the need for
additional resources grow (scaling up) and then diminish (scale down) as the relief operations closes.
Senior Federal Law Enforcement Official (SFLEO): An official appointed by the Attorney General during an
incident requiring a coordinated federal response to coordinate all law enforcement, public safety, and security
operations with intelligence or investigative law enforcement operations directly related to the incident. The
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SFLEO is a member of the Unified Coordination Group and, as such, is responsible to ensure that allocation of
law enforcement requirements and resource allocations are coordinated as appropriate with all other members
of the Group. In the event of a terrorist incident, the SFLEO will normally be a senior Federal Bureau of
Investigation official who has coordinating authority over all law enforcement activities related to the incident,
both those falling within the Attorney General’s explicit authority as recognized in Homeland Security
Presidential Directive 5 and those otherwise directly related to the incident itself.
Service Delivery Strategy/Plan (SDP): This document provides a road map for disaster relief operations. The
focus is on collaboration and coordination, and the SDP specifically describes the impact to clients, their needs
and the assistance necessary. The plan is designed to ensure that clients are provided with the right
assistance at the right time using the appropriate resource.
Strategic Information Operations Center (SIOC): The FBI SIOC is the focal point and operational control
center for all federal intelligence, law enforcement, and investigative law enforcement activities related to
domestic terrorist incidents or credible threats, including leading attribution investigations. The SIOC serves as
an information clearinghouse to help collect, process, vet, and disseminate information relevant to law
enforcement and criminal investigation efforts in a timely manner.
Situation Report (SitRep): The Situation Report is a daily summary of the key accomplishments, plans for the
next day, and issues that have been identified for follow-up. Situation Reports are common to local, state and
federal agencies as well as Red Cross.
Small Business Administration (SBA): The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent
agency created to help small businesses develop. The SBA also has a program specifically designed to assist
following disasters. They offer two types of loans for individuals: Personal Property and Real Property.
Personal property loans are for personal items such as clothing, furniture, and cars. Real property loans are
designed to assist in the repair or replacement of a primary residence. http://www.sba.gov/.
Special Event Homeland Security (SEHS) – A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) special event
designation meeting specific threat assessment criteria and categorized into one of four categories from Level
4 (lowest) to Level 1 (highest). These are the next level down from a NSSE and coordinated between DHS and
the state/locale involved.
Stafford Act: The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, P.L. 93-288, as
amended. This Act describes the programs and processes by which the federal government provides disaster
and emergency assistance to state and local governments, tribal nations, eligible private nonprofit
organizations, and individuals affected by a declared major disaster or emergency. The Stafford Act covers all
hazards, including natural disasters and terrorist events.
Stakeholder: Identified as someone internally or externally who has (or holds) a “stake” or vested interest in a
situation. This person depends upon the timeliness, quality and accuracy of the liaison’s information and/or the
resources they can bring to bear to meet the needs in a given situation.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): A set of instructions constituting a directive, covering those features
of operations which lend themselves to a step-by-step process of accomplishment. SOP’s supplement
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Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) by detailing and specifying how tasks assigned in the EOP are to be
carried out.
State Coordinating Officer (SCO): The individual appointed by the governor to coordinate state disaster
assistance efforts with those of the federal government. The SCO plays a critical role in managing the state
response and recovery operations following Stafford Act declarations. The governor of the affected state
appoints the SCO and lines of authority flow from the Governor to the SCO, following the State's policies and
laws.
Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC): The focal point and operational control center for all
federal intelligence, law enforcement, and investigative law enforcement activities related to domestic terrorist
incidents or credible threats, including leading attribution investigations. The SIOC serves as an information
clearinghouse to help collect, process, vet, and disseminate information relevant to law enforcement and
criminal investigation efforts in a timely manner.
T
Target Capabilities List: Defines specific capabilities that all levels of government should possess in order to
respond effectively to incidents.
Territories: Under the Stafford Act, U.S. territories may receive federally coordinated response within the U.S.
possessions, including the insular areas, and within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the
Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Stafford Act assistance is available to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are included
in the definition of "State" in the Stafford Act. At present, Stafford Act assistance also is available to the FSM
and the RMI under the compact of free association.
Tribal: Referring to any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any
Alaskan Native Village as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act (85
Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C.A. and 1601 et seq.], that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
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U
Unified Command (UC): An Incident Command System application used when more than one agency has
incident jurisdiction or when incidents cross political jurisdictions. Agencies work together through the
designated members of the UC, often the senior person from agencies and/or disciplines participating in the
UC, to establish a common set of objectives and strategies and a single Incident Action Plan.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): A partner in the National Response Plan and the lead
agency in engineering and environmental matters. The mission of the USACE is to provide quality, responsive
engineering services. In times of disaster, the USACE takes the lead role in ESF 3– Infrastructure, under the
National Response Plan (NRP). http://www.usace.army.mil/
United States Geological Service (USGS): Through the USGS, reliable scientific information is
developed. Such information may: present information in order to describe and understand the Earth; help to
minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; assist in managing water, biological, energy, and
mineral resources; and enhance and protect the quality of life. http://www.usgs.gov/
V
Voluntary Agencies Liaison: A position within FEMA that develops and maintains liaison with voluntary
nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations involved in disaster response, for the purpose of
ensuring coordination of disaster relief services as well as the potential recruitment of organizational resources
for a relief operation.
Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster (VOAD): Local and national association of many voluntary
organizations with roles and responsibilities in preparing for and responding to disasters. National VOAD http://www.nvoad.org/
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Acronyms / Abbreviations
A
AD 1) Assistant Director (DRO) 2) Area Director
ACP Area Command Post
AEC Agency Emergency Coordinator
AFO Advance Field Office
AG Attorney General
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
ANG Army National Guard
APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
ARC American Red Cross
ARES Amateur Radio Emergency Services
ARF Action Request Form
ATF Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System
B
BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs
BIE Bureau of Indian Education
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BSOC Biomedical Services Operations Center
C
CAN Coordinated Assistance Network
CAP Civil Air Patrol
CAS Client Assistance System
CBO Community Based Organization
CBRNE Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Explosive/Incendiary
CCA Contamination Control Area
CCP Casualty Collection Point
CDC Centers for Disease Control (and Prevention)
CDP Center for Domestic Preparedness
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CIKR Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources
CLS Individual Client Services
CMT Crisis Management Team
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CMU Crisis Management Unit (FBI)
COA Course of Action
COG Continuity of Government
COP Common Operating Picture
COOP Continuity of Operations
CPS Community Partnerships
CR Community Relations
CSG Counter Terrorism Security Group
CUSEC Central United States Earthquake Consortium
CUSI Commonly Used Shelter Items
D
DA Disaster Assessment
DCE Defense Coordinating Element
DCO Defense Coordinating Officer
DDA Detailed Disaster Assessment
DEST Domestic Emergency Support Team
DFCO Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer
DHHS Department of Health and Human Services
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DMAT Disaster Medical Assistance Team
DMH Disaster Mental Health
DMORT Disaster Mortuary Response Team
DOC Disaster Operations Center (ARC)
DOC Department of Commerce
DOD Department of Defense
DOE Department of Energy
DOI Department of the Interior
DOJ Department of Justice
DOS Department of State
DOT Department of Transportation
DRC Disaster Recovery Center
DRO Disaster Relief Operation
DSC Disaster Staff Card
DSCO Deputy State Coordinating Officer
DSCA Defense Support of Civil Authorities
DSHR Disaster Services Human Resources
DSNAP Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
E
EA Emergency Assistance
EAL External Affairs Liaison
EEI Essential Elements of Information
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EM Emergency Manager
EMA Emergency Management Agency
EMAC Emergency Management Assistance Compact
EMI Emergency Management Institute
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EOC Emergency Operations Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
ER External Relations
ESD Emergency Services Director
ESF Emergency Support Function
ESFLG Emergency Support Function Leaders Group
ESF #1 Transportation
ESF #2 Communications
ESF #3 Public Works and Engineering
ESF #4 Firefighting
ESF #5 Emergency Management
ESF #6 Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing and Human Services
ESF #7 Logistics Management and Resource Suppport
ESF #8 Public Health and Medical Services
ESF #9 Search and Rescue
ESF #10 Oil and Hazardous Materials Response
ESF #11 Agriculture and Natural Resources
ESF #12 Energy
ESF #13 Public Safety and Security
ESF #14 Long-term Community Recovery (moved to NDRF)
ESF #15 External Affairs (includes tribal)
ESPM Emergency Services Program Manager
F
FAC Family Assistance Center
FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBO Faith Based Organization
FCO Federal Coordinating Officer
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FNSS Functional Needs Support Services
FOIA Freedom of Information Act
FSI Financial and Statistical Information Management
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G
GAR Governor’s Authorized Representative
GIS Geographical Information System
GLO Government Liaison Officer (federal)
GRR Government Relations Representative
GSA General Services Administration
H
HAZMAT Hazardous Materials
HAZUS Hazards United States
HSAS Homeland Security Advisory System
HSEEP Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
HSIN Homeland Security Information Network (Access limited)
HSPD Homeland Security Presidential Directive
HSGP Homeland Security Grant Program
I
IA Individual Assistance
IAC Incident Advisory Council
IAEM International Association of Emergency Managers
IAP Incident Action Plan
IATAC Individual Assistance Technical Assistance Contract
IC Incident Commander
ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICP Incident Command Post
ICS Incident Command System
IHP Individuals and Households Program
IKD In-Kind Donations
IMT Incident Management Team
IMAT Incident Management Assistance Team
IOF Initial Operating Facility
IOP Interagency Operation Plan
ION Incident of National Significance
ISB Incident Support Base
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J
JAC Joint Assistance Center
JIC Joint Information Center
JOC Joint Operation Center (FBI)
JFO Joint Field Office
JFSOC Join Family Support Operations Center (NTSB)
JTF-CS Joint Task Force-Civil Support (Under DOD)
JTTF Joint Terrorism Task Force
L
LFA Lead Federal Agency
LG Government Liaison
LNO Liaison Officer
LOI/A Letter of Intent/Agreement
M
MA Mission Assignment (FEMA)
MACC Multi-Agency Command Center (System)
MC Mass Care
MD Multi-Site (Disaster Relief Operations) Director
MERS Mobile Emergency Response Support
MMRS Metropolitan Medical Response System
MOA/U Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding
MRC Medical Reserve Corps
N
NASA National Aeronautic and Space Administration
NCS National Communication System
NCTC National Counter Terrorism Center
ND National (Disaster Relief Operations) Director
NDMS National Disaster Medical System
NDRF National Disaster Recovery Framework
NEMA National Emergency Management Association
NEP National Exercise Program
NEST Nuclear Emergency Search/Support Team
NHC National Hurricane Center
NIFC National Interagency Fire Center
NIMS National Incident Management System
NIPP National Infrastructure Protection Plan
NIRT National Incident Response Team
NMCC National Mass Care Council
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NMCS National Mass Care Strategy
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOC National Operations Center
NRCC National Response Coordination Center
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NRF National Response Framework
NSC National Security Council
NSS National Shelter System
NSSE National Special Security Event
NTSB National Transportation Safety Board
NVOAD National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
NWS National Weather Service
O
ODP Office for Domestic Preparedness
OEP Office of Emergency Preparedness (DHHS)
OGC Office of General Counsel
OJP Office of Justice Programs (DOJ)
OM Operations Management
ONA Other Needs Assistance
ORB Online Resource Book
OSC On Scene Coordinator
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
P
PA Public Affairs
PAO/PIO Public Affairs/Information Officer
PDA Preliminary Disaster Assessment
PETS Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act
PFO Principal Federal Officer
PKEMRA Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
POC Point of Contact
PPD Presidential Policy Directive
R
RACES Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services
REACT Radio Emergency Associated Communication Team
RFA Request for Assistance
RFI Request for Information
RMRS Regional Medical Response System
RNAT Rapid Needs Assessment Team
ROI Release of Information
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RRCC Regional Response Coordination Center
RSF Recovery Support Function
S
SAC Special Agent-in-Charge
SAR Search and Rescue
SBA Small Business Administration
SCO State Coordinating Officer
SCT State Coordinating Team
SDP Service Delivery Plan
SEMPM State Emergency Management Program Manager
SEOC State Emergency Operations Center
SFLEO Senior Federal Law Enforcement Officer
SIOC Strategic Information and Operations Center
SITREP Situation Report
SS Staff Services
SNS Strategic National Stockpile
SO Safety Officer
SPC Storm Prediction Center
SRDL State Relations Disaster Liaison
SRR Staff Relations Representative
SWP State Warning Point
T
TAG Threat Advisory Group
TSA Transportation Security Administration
U
UC Unified Command
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USCG United States Coast Guard
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
US&R Urban Search and Rescue
USSS United States Secret Service
V
VAL Voluntary Agency Liaison
VMAT Veterinary Medical Assistance Team
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W
WMD Weapon of Mass Destruction (involves radiological, biological, chemical and/or high yield explosion
release of agents)
WMD/T Weapon of Mass Destruction/Terrorism (Includes cyber-terrorism)
WI Welfare Information
For additional assistance, refer to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FAAT
(abbreviations, acronyms and terms) book.
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