EMERGENCY MANGAMENT

PRINCIPLES OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Effective emergency management is guided by eight core principles:

• Comprehensive: Consider all hazards, phases of emergency management, stakeholders, and potential impacts.
• Progressive: Anticipate future disasters and take steps to build resilient communities.
• Risk-driven: Use hazard and risk assessments to prioritize actions and resources.
• Integrated: Bring together all levels of government and community partners.
• Collaborative: Build trusted relationships that support teamwork and communication.
• Coordinated: Align the efforts of agencies and partners toward shared goals.
• Flexible: Use creative and adaptable approaches to address changing situations.
• Professional: Apply training, experience, ethical practices, and continuous improvement.

WHAT EMERGENCIES COULD OCCUR IN NEBRASKA?

Nebraska communities may experience a variety of natural, technological, and human-caused hazards, including:

• Blizzard and severe winter storms
• Tornadoes and severe summer storms
• Flooding
• Pipeline leaks
• Train derailments
• Hazardous materials spill or release
• Disease outbreaks and pandemics
• Earthquakes
• Terrorism and other intentional threats
• Wildfires

HOW DISASTER RESPONSE WORKS

Disaster response begins locally, with additional assistance provided as needed.

Local Emergency Management

Local emergency management coordinates response efforts with first responders, agencies, and community partners. When local resources are overwhelmed, local officials may request assistance from the state.

State Emergency Management

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) coordinates state assistance when local needs exceed available resources. The governor may declare a state emergency or disaster when warranted.

Federal Emergency Management

When a disaster exceeds state capabilities, the governor may request a presidential disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If approved, federal assistance may become available to support response and recovery efforts.

Emergency Support Functions (ESFs)

Nebraska coordinates state-level disaster response through Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). These functions bring together state agencies, local partners, and private-sector organizations to provide personnel, equipment, supplies, and specialized support.

During major incidents, ESF representatives may work through the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate assistance for communities whose response capabilities have been exceeded.

Nebraska's ESFs are organized into the following areas:

1. ESF 1: Transportation
2. ESF 2: Communications
3. ESF 3: Public Works and Engineering
4. ESF 4: Firefighting
5. ESF 5: Emergency Management
6. ESF 6: Mass Care, Housing and Human Services
7. ESF 7: Resource Support
8. ESF 8: Public Health and Medical Services
9. ESF 9: Search and Rescue
10. ESF 10: Hazardous Materials and Environmental Response
11. ESF 11: Agriculture and Natural Resources
12. ESF 12: Energy
13. ESF 13: Public Safety and Security
14. ESF 14: Long-Term Recovery and Mitigation
15. ESF 15: Military Support

ESFs support a coordinated response under the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides a common framework for managing emergencies. NIMS incorporates the Incident Command System (ICS), a standardized approach to incident management used by emergency response organizations nationwide.

Emergency Management Training

FEMA offers free online training through the Emergency Management Institute's Independent Study Program. Visit FEMA Emergency Management Institute – Independent Study to explore available courses.