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A CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO DISASTER ASSISTANCE
In some instances, Federal personnel
representing some or all the ESFs may be
activated even before a disaster occurs. The
advance element of the Emergency Response
Team, called the ERT-A, is headed by a
FEMA team leader and is composed of
FEMA program support staff and ESF
representatives. In predictable disasters, such
as hurricanes, ERT-A teams may be sent into
the area before the storm strikes to set up
emergency communications equipment and
help coordinate early response efforts. An important role of the ERT-A is to obtain
information on the impact of the event and identify the types of short and long-term
assistance that may be needed.
When a major disaster occurs (or before, for predictable events), the Regional Support Team
(RST) staff is activated to the ROC by the Regional Director of the FEMA regional office.
The RST staff is the initial coordination organization for Federal activity. Other elements of
the initial Federal response may include the Emergency Support Team (EST) and the
Emergency Response Team (ERT).
The ERT is the Federal interagency team which is activated following a Presidential disaster
or emergency declaration. The ERT coordinates the overall Federal response and recovery
activities and provides assistance and support to the affected State and local governments.
The ERT is headed by a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and operates from a Disaster
Field Office (DFO). The size and composition of the ERT can range from one that includes
only FEMA regional staff, to an interagency team with representation from ESF primary and
support agencies.
The EST is an interagency group that operates from the National Interagency Emergency
Operations Center (NIEOC) located at FEMA Headquarters. Its role is to coordinate and
support the Federal response by serving as an information source and by helping access and
coordinate needed resources.
Meanwhile, local and State responders are fully committed as they attempt to respond to a
major disaster. Local first responders work closely with voluntary agencies; the Mayor or
County Executive activates the local EOC. Upon a request from the local executives, the
TERM TO REMEMBER
Emergency Support Function
(ESF)
One of the 12 areas in which the
Federal government is organized
to provide support to State and
local responders in a disaster.