How are Federal Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) activated?

Federal Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) are activated primarily in response to requests from state and local governments after a disaster occurs. This reflects the framework's emphasis on a cooperative approach to emergency management, where federal resources are made available to support state and local efforts once they have assessed their own capabilities and determined that additional assistance is needed. Local and state governments are often the first on the scene during a disaster, and their requests for federal support initiate the activation process for the relevant ESFs.

The activation process ensures that federal resources are deployed in alignment with the needs of affected communities, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the response. It highlights the collaborative nature of disaster response, where federal aid supplements local and state efforts rather than replacing them.

This model reinforces the principle that responsibility for emergency response primarily resides at the local level, with federal assistance activated as a secondary measure to enhance and support ongoing action. Hence, this choice accurately captures the intent and operation of the ESF system within the National Response Framework.