Overview

The Emergency Services Sector (ESS) is a system of preparedness, response, and recovery elements that form the Nation's first line of defense for preventing and mitigating the risk from physical and cyber attacks, and manmade and natural disasters. The sector consists of emergency services facilities and associated systems, trained and tested personnel, detailed plans and procedures, redundant systems, and mutual-aid agreements that provide life safety and security services across the Nation via a first-responder community comprised of Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners. The ESS is a primary "protector" for other critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) sectors. The loss or incapacitation of ESS capabilities would notably impact the Nation's security, public safety, and morale.