Convergence is the result of unstructured response to an incident. Convergence can come from several sources, and may severely hamper incident response activities, as well as place an enormous logistical burden on an already burdened system. It may also provide unexpected benefits, especially in the period of time between the occurrence of the incident and the arrival of State and Federal resources.

Convergence issues may include any or all of the following:

• Local resources (requested resources, and also well-intentioned freelancing and unrequested, self-dispatched emergency responders)
• State and Federal agency resources (requested resources, as well as unrequested, self-dispatched resources from field offices close to the incident)
• Donations and volunteer assistance
• VIP visits