Emergency Support Function (ESF)

ESF #3 establishes the framework and procedures for mobilizing and coordinating state resources to support response, recovery, and restoration efforts following emergencies or disasters. It covers debris removal and disposal, engineering, construction, and utility restoration essential to safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) serves as the State Coordinating Agency for ESF #3 under the National Response Framework (NRF), liaising with federal partners including FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to integrate state and federal public works and engineering assistance.

Federal support through ESF #3 may include technical evaluations, engineering services, construction management and inspection, emergency contracting, repair of water and wastewater infrastructure, emergency power supply, temporary housing solutions, provision of ice and water, debris management, and other humanitarian support related to life safety.

The purpose of ESF #4 is to provide for the coordination of firefighting activities both in wildland and urban environments. ESF 4 ensures the efficient use of state, local, tribal, federal, and mutual aid resources to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and natural resources from fire related emergencies.

The purpose of  ESF #5 is to support the overall incident management activities by collecting, analyzing, and sharing information, facilitating planning efforts, and maintaining situational awareness to support decision-making during emergencies or disasters.

The purpose of ESF #6 is to coordinate the provision of life-sustaining service and support to individuals and families affected by emergencies or disasters, including mass care, emergency assistance, housing, and human services.

The purpose of ESF #7 is to establish effective procedures to coordinate support response and/or resources of state departments, and agencies and preserve the continuity of their respective departmental and agency functions. It also provides for the emergency operations by ensuring the coordination, management, and provision of resources and logistical support during disasters or emergency incidents.

The purpose of ESF #8 is to establish procedures for response to the health and medical needs of the State of Oklahoma in the event of a man-made, technological, or natural emergency. The Department of Health will coordinate with the federal government for assistance provided in the National Response Framework’s (NRF) Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8, Public Health and Medical Services.

In accordance with the Oklahoma Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act (O.S. 63:6101), the Oklahoma Catastrophic Health Emergency Plan was developed as an addendum to ESF #8. Its purpose is to prepare for (1) acts of terrorism, (2) resurgent infectious diseases, (3) mass casualty incidents, and (4) foreign animal diseases. Copies of the plan are maintained by the Health Department and support agencies.

The purpose of ESF-9 is to provide for the rapid, coordinated deployment of state resources to conduct life-saving search and rescue (SAR) operations in the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters. It is recognized that ESF-9 addresses situations involving lost or missing persons which is primarily a law enforcement function as well as the search and rescue of individuals trapped in damaged or collapsed structures or water. Oklahoma has established a robust Regional Response System (RRS). These RRS SAR assets are strategically located across the state. The teams include Oklahoma Task Force One Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) made up of OKTF-2 OKC and OKTF-3 Tulsa Type 3 USAR teams. And Ten Technical Rescue Teams located in different regions around the state. This annex establishes the framework for coordination among state agencies, local jurisdictions, volunteer organizations, and federal partners in conducting SAR operations.

The purpose of ESF #10 is to ensure a coordinated and effective effort is made to remove or reduce the threat to public health and safety resulting from an incident involving hazardous materials. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will coordinate with the federal government for assistance provided through the National Response Framework’s (NRF) Emergency Support Function (ESF) #10, Oil and Hazardous Materials Response.

The purpose of this ESF #11 is to coordinate State agencies, OKVOAD, Federal and other response entities in efforts to control and eradicate, as appropriate, any outbreak of a highly contagious or economically devastating animal/zoonotic Foreign Animal Disease (i.e. transmitted between animals and people) or any outbreak of an economically devastating plant pest or disease; ensure the safety and security of the commercial food supply; protect natural resources; and provide for the safety and well-being of household pets during an emergency response or evacuation situation. [See FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy DAP9523.19 Title: “Eligible Costs Related to Pet Evacuation and Sheltering” for definition of “Household Pet”.]

The purpose of ESF #12 is to facilitate the restoration and protection of Oklahoma’s energy infrastructure during emergencies. This annex outlines procedures for assessing energy system damage, forecasting energy needs, and coordinating public and private sector partners to restore utility services.

The purpose of ESF #13 is to establish responsibility for public safety and security during periods of natural or man-made emergencies. Responsible agencies will prepare appropriate internal plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to cover all phases of emergency management. The Department of Public Safety is the State Coordinating Agency for ESF #13 and serves as the primary liaison with the federal government for assistance under the National Response Framework (NRF).

The purpose of ESF #14 is to facilitate the coordination of cross-sector business and infrastructure partners during emergencies and disasters. This annex outlines roles, responsibilities, and processes for supporting private sector operations, protecting critical infrastructure, and expediting recovery of lifeline sectors.

The purpose of ESF #15 is to provide and maintain operational consistency throughout the regions of the State of Oklahoma in emergency information and legislative and congressional affairs. With one shared philosophy and mission, Public Information Officers (PIOs) for State, County and Municipal entities will be able to provide information to Oklahoma residents in a responsive, well-managed manner during emergencies and disasters.

For this annex, PIOs will represent their own agency and speak about their agency's involvement in response and recovery operations in an event driven environment. The Governor's communications staff shall be kept informed about all participating agency news and information releases throughout response and recovery operations.

This annex provides for public information, education, and media relations functions incorporating a Joint Information System (JIS) as the information source and Joint Information Center (JIC) operations, either from the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), an external location near incident, a Joint Field Office, or virtually, as the contact point for information delivery.

In addition to the JIS and JIC, information may be provided to or from one or more disaster sites.

Resource requirements, including staffing, equipment, office supplies, and office facilities required will be tailored to the type and magnitude of each specific disaster and full, or partial activation of this plan will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. JIC logistics, job descriptions and training requirements for each function are outlined in a separate document "Emergency Public Information Plan." It is recommended that all Public Affairs elements be integrated into the JIS daily where possible. In the event of an emergency or disaster other entities should be added as the event demands. PIOs for all agencies participating in the disaster should be integrated into a JIC if one is established.