Public Comment Period Extended

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it has extended the public comment period on the draft National Response Framework (NRF) until October 22, 2007. The extended comment period provides additional time for interested parties to provide feedback on the draft document. The NRF was posted on the DHS Web site for public comment on September 10, 2007. The current comment period was scheduled to expire on October 11, 2007. The draft National Response Framework is the successor to the National Response Plan, which was issued on January 5, 2005. The National Response Framework, which focuses on response and short-term recovery, articulates the doctrine, principles and architecture by which the U.S. prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities. The National Response Framework is responsive to repeated federal, state and local requests for a streamlined document that is shorter, less bureaucratic and more user-friendly. Individuals who wish to submit comments can obtain instructions for submission online at www.fema.gov/nrf or www.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 www.regulations.gov. 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 November 10, 2007.