FEMA releases recommendations for emergency response to major incidents.

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a report, Responding to Incidents of National Consequence, which includes recommendations for fire and emergency services based on the events of September 11, 2001, and other similar incidents. The report was developed by the National Fire Programs Division of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and includes a prioritized checklist of recommended actions for emergency response agencies and other support information.

"This report is important for those emergency response leaders who coordinate or support local incident management at major or complex emergencies and disasters," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "The guidance will help them function efficiently and effectively under the National Incident Management System."

The report provides guidance to fire departments and emergency services across America in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from major multi-jurisdictional local incidents that have national consequences and may involve national resources. The issues and recommendations in the report were identified in various after-action reports and interviews with the leaders of the organizations that responded to, participated in, and managed these events.

The report is based on information gathered about the responses to the September 11, 2001, terrorism incidents in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; the anthrax incident in Boca Raton, Florida, in fall 2001; the 2002 Winter Olympic preparations in the Salt Lake City area; and the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. The report will be provided to students who enroll in certain National Fire Academy courses and can be downloaded from www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-282.pdf.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program, and the U.S. Fire Administration.