How many emergency support functions (ESFs) are outlined in the NRF?

The National Response Framework (NRF) identifies 15 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). Each ESF is designed to provide specific capabilities and resources needed to support response efforts during emergencies and disasters. These functions involve various federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners working together to address different aspects of disaster response.

Each ESF is geared toward managing a specific type of resource or service, such as transportation, communications, public health, and housing. This framework allows for a coordinated and efficient response that can be tailored to the unique needs of each incident, ensuring adequate support and assistance can be provided in a timely manner. The establishment of 15 ESFs reflects a comprehensive approach to emergency management and highlights the complexity and diversity of disaster response in the United States.

The other options do not accurately represent the number of ESFs outlined in the NRF, as they either underestimate or overestimate the structured functions within the framework. This number is central to understanding how the federal response is organized and how various agencies can collaborate effectively.