Montana Emergency Response Framework
The overall objective of the MERF is to ensure the effective management of emergency efforts in responding to and recovering from situations associated with disaster emergencies through aligning, collaborating and integrating local, Tribal and state agency emergency operations plans (EOPs). The operation strategies provided in the MERF are illustrated through Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) which are used to organize resources and capabilities through identification and coordination of primary and support agencies based on authorities and availability of resources in a given functional area.
2025 Montana Emergency Response Framework Draft and ESF Annexes Open Comment
Emergency Support Functions
Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) provide the structure for coordinating State interagency support for a State response to an incident. They are a way to group functions that provide state support to county and tribal jurisdictions, both for Stafford Act declared disasters and emergencies and for non-Stafford Act incidents.
Individual ESFs
Describes how the State of Montana supports transportation needs during a time of emergency including assessing damage to and restoring and maintaining transportation networks, specifically roads and bridges.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Transportation
Describes how the State of Montana supports communications and information technology needs during times of emergency.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Administration
Describes how the State of Montana supports emergency public works and engineering needs with state resources during a time of emergency.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Describes how the State of Montana supports detecting and suppressing urban, rural, and wildland fires resulting from, or occurring coincidentally with, a significant disaster condition or incident.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Describes how the State of Montana compiles, analyzes, and coordinates overall information planning activities in the State Emergency Coordination Center (SECC).
Primary Agency – Montana Disaster and Emergency Services
Describes how the State of Montana supports the efforts of local and tribal governments, and nongovernmental organizations to address the mass care, emergency assistance, temporary housing, and human services needs of people impacted by disasters.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Describes how the State of Montana provides logistical and resource support during a time of emergency.
Primary Agency – Montana Disaster and Emergency Services
Describes how the State of Montana coordinates plans, procedures, and resources to support health and medical care during a time of emergency and/or a developing potential health and medical situation.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Describes how the State of Montana supports to local and tribal governments and to coordinate deployment of resources in both urban and non-urban search and rescue during a major disaster or incident.
Primary Agency – Montana Disaster and Emergency Services
Describes how the State of Montana supports local and tribal governments in response to an actual or potential discharge or release of hazardous materials resulting from a natural, human-caused, or technological disaster and coordinate the appropriate response to other environmental protection issues.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Describes how the State of Montana coordinates state response for animal and agricultural issues and protection of the state’s natural resources in case of an emergency or disaster.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Livestock
Describes how the State of Montana coordinates plans, procedures, and resources to support response to and recovery from shortages and disruptions in the supply and delivery of utilities during a major disaster or incident.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Describes how the State of Montana supports public safety and security activities during a time of emergency.
Primary Agency – Montana Department of Justice
COMING SOON!
Describes how the State of Montana coordinates with local and private sector entities in the planning and utilization of state, local, and private resources to support stabilization of key supply chains and community lifelines.
Primary Agency – TBD
ESF #15 (External Affairs) is currently under review for revision and updating.
