Emergency and Disaster Management in reference to 9/11

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I just wanted to make sure they are current and in use across the US. Now, in order to complete this task, we needed to include information of current practice. I suggest using this simple outline:

1. Local Disaster Response since 9-11
a. overview - 100 words
b. examples of responses - 150 words
c. nature (coordinated, uncoordinated, reason) - 100 words
2. Incident Command system
a. overview - 100 words
b. application - 150 words
c. impact - 100 words
3. Lessons learned
a. Overview - 100 words
b. local & state - 150 words
c. federal - 100 words
4. Key Strategic Management Lessons since 9-11
a. overview - 100 words
b. FEMA - 150 words
c. Local application - 150 words

This outline should cover the important elements for each of the questions posed. As you can see, I have drawn from available materials currently in-use. It is important to cite from them to exemplify response. Overall this outline should yield around 1,450 words. You can further expound on your work by providing a section that provides your own opinion, including that from your profession (military). Just let me know if you need further clarification.

Local Disaster Response

When we talk of local disaster response, we refer to the manner by which towns, cities and counties prepare for and ultimately response to incidences of danger and disaster.9-11 was one of the most profound examples of disasters that cities and counties have to deal with, emphasizing the need for preparedness and disaster mitigation. Examples of these abound with 2 very recent ones showcasing the different kinds of disasters that local governments must respond to with the purpose of preventing further tragedy as well as protecting lives and livelihood. The terror brought on by the shooting at the elementary school of Sandy Hook in December 14, 2012 for example sent Emergency Response Unit and the Law Enforcement Department of Newtown, Connecticut into overdrive, putting into practice training and resources put in place to respond to such a disaster. Meanwhile, the city of Moore, Oklahoma and neighbouring counties Grady, McClain and Cleveland bore the brunt of an EF5 tornado on May 20, 2013 causing devastation of up to $2 billion and a high list of fatalities and injuries. The local governments of these affected areas looked to training, preparation and emergency response to limit the damage, save lives and help those affected in the aftermath. The nature of disasters and emergencies affecting localities are manifold ranging from terrorism to natural disasters. The responsibility of protecting and serving those impacted lies first and foremost in the local government and as such, local disaster response and concepts and practices related to it are of utmost importance.

To prepare and get the local governments and agencies ready for various emergencies, their staff and organizations regularly undergo training. After 9-11, response to terrorism in its many forms has also been included in the repertoire. Law enforcement officers have been trained to respond to terrorists through a series of scenario training which include elements of culture, defense, bio-medical response and counter-terrorism planning, coordination and execution. This is done under the management and directive of the Federal Emergency and Management Agency (FEMA), which itself is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - the primary Federal arm responsible for ensuring the security of the American homeland which means that it is also the central coordinator for any and all tragedy and emergency responses across the US.

Meanwhile, FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery (ORR) is FEMA's central response coordination unit as it is tasked to provide - "...leadership to build, sustain, and improve the coordination and delivery of support to citizens and State, local, tribal and territorial governments to save lives, reduce suffering, protect property and recover from all hazards." This office works ...