National Response Plan on Homeland Security - Research Paper Example

National Response Plan on Homeland Security of Learning The National Response Plan was launched on December 2004 and was fully implemented five months later. The key elements in this plan involved the management of all incidents happening domestically. This plan complimented the key missions of the homeland security of preventing or intervening in all cases of security breach that could lead to injuries, loss of lives and damage to properties (Miskel, 2006). Therefore, it offered mechanisms to facilitate the prevention of terror attacks, reducing the risks of man-made and natural hazards, minimizing the resultant damages and assistance in recovery process.

The plan emphasized on the handling of all incidents on the lowest jurisdictional and organizational levels where possible. Thus, the local government had the role of coordinating of incident response at the local level. It also had the mandate of communicating the level of the incident to the Department of Homeland Security for determination whether it is of National Significance. An incident of National Significance required the combined effort of the State, Federal, tribal, local, non-governmental entities and private sector to minimize loss of lives, damage and fast track the recovery process (Miskel, 2006).

The three major components in this plan were the Emergency Support Function, incident and Support Annexes. To start with, the Emergence Support Function Annexes clearly stated the Federal Agencies responsibility in the coordination of support and management of resources in an emergency situation. Secondly, the Support Annexes highlighted the administrative requirements and functional processes required for the efficient and effective implementation of the Plan. Lastly, the Incident Annexes indicated the hazard situations that call for specialized treatment of the Plan (Jenkins & United States, 2008).

In essence, the three components offered a clear mechanism for guiding the response towards an incident at Federal and Local level. ReferencesJenkins, W. O., & United States. (2008). National Response Framework: FEMA needs policies and procedures to better integrate non-federal stakeholders in the revision process. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Accountability Office.Miskel, J. F. (2006). Disaster response and homeland security: What works, what doesnt. Westport, Conn: Praeger Security International.