“Responding to Incidents of National Consequence,” a report released by the Department of Homeland Security in May, provides guidance to fire departments and emergency services to prepare for, respond to and recover from major multi-jurisdictional local incidents that have national consequences and may involve national resources.

The guidance is based on information gathered about the responses to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism incidents in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania; the anthrax incident in Boca Raton, Fla., in fall 2001; the 2002 Winter Olympics preparations in the Salt Lake City area; and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Developed by the National Fire Programs Division of the USFA, it includes a prioritized checklist of recommended actions for emergency response agencies and other support information.

“This report is important for those emergency response leaders who coordinate or support local incident management at major or complex emergencies and disasters,” said Michael D. Brown, undersecretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “The guidance will help them function efficiently and effectively under the National Incident Management System.”

The report can be downloaded from www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-282.pdf.