If the President declares an emergency or major disaster, a Joint Field Office (JFO) will be established as a central location for the coordination of response and recovery efforts by the various entities involved.

A Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) will be assigned to coordinate Federal assistance, and the Governor will appoint a State Coordinating Officer (SCO). In the case of Indian Tribal governments, the Tribal Chief Executive will appoint a Tribal Coordinating Officer (TCO).