What role do local governments play in the NRF?

Local governments play a crucial role in the National Response Framework (NRF) by serving as the first line of defense and primary responders to emergencies. This position is essential because they are closest to the affected communities and can assess and address the immediate needs of their residents more effectively than other levels of government.

Local governments are equipped with the necessary resources and are familiar with the unique challenges and infrastructure of their areas, which enables them to respond quickly to crises. They coordinate local resources, engage community partners, and utilize local knowledge to implement response strategies that meet the specific needs of their population during disasters.

The NRF emphasizes a whole-community approach, where all forms of government, private sector, non-profits, and citizens contribute to disaster response efforts. Within this framework, the primary responsibility of local governments is to manage initial response efforts, ensuring public safety and restoring basic services as rapidly as possible.