The Department of Homeland Security has extended the public comment period on the draft National Response Framework from Oct. 11 to Oct. 22.

"It is important to make sure that we provide ample opportunity within reason for those who wish to make comments in the development of the National Response Framework," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "While we have already engaged in extensive outreach to our stakeholders on the development of this vital Framework, we would like to offer our partners more time to provide final feedback and input."

The draft National Response Framework is the successor to the National Response Plan, which was issued on Jan. 5, 2005. The National Response Framework, which focuses on response and short-term recovery, articulates the doctrine, principles and architecture by which our nation prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities. The National Response Framework is a response to repeated federal, state and local requests for a streamlined document that is shorter, less bureaucratic and more user-friendly.

During the comment period, the existing National Response Plan remains in effect. The comment period on the associated documents and annexes of the draft National Response Framework remains open until Nov. 10.

Those who wish to submit comments can obtain instructions for submission online at fema.gov/nrf/ or regulations.gov. All public comments received by DHS will be posted on the Federal Docket Management System. Comments may be viewed online by searching for docket number FEMA-007-0007 at regulations.gov.