DHS has named 27 lead federal officials, “with unique expertise and considerable experience” comprising five teams charged with coordinating the federal government’s role in support of state and local governments regarding natural disasters for the 2006 storm season.
Regarding its proposed NRRA, the committee’s report calls for bolstering regional emergency operations with more staff and representation from federal agencies outside DHS that could be called on to respond to disasters, as well as establishing regional “strike teams” each consisting of a designated federal coordinating officer, personnel trained in incident management, public affairs, relief and recovery, and communications support, a defense coordinating officer, and liaisons to other federal agencies.
According to the report summary, NPRA officials would be required to be professionals with experience in crisis management, and possess substantial management and leadership experience — one of 86 recommendations made in the report.
