“The Scenario- Driven Catastrophic Response Plan Development Process, which will be used in the NMSZ Catastrophic Planning effort, is unique. This process places operators in the same room with planners to develop plans based on real-world modeling. In other words, the people who respond to a disaster are integrally involved in writing the plan that they will eventually use. Representatives from the entire spectrum of emergency management, first responders from the local level, state emergency management officials, and the Federal responders that staff the Joint Field Offices and other field offices, collaborate to develop the plan in a manner similar to the way that they work together in responding to an incident. “The scenario-driven planning concept combines the planning and exercise phases of plan development through a workshop format. Breakout rooms and action rooms are used to develop topic-specific plans. The accelerated process results in functional plans ready for immediate use. Examples of the diverse functional planning areas addressed in the breakout rooms include Direction and Control; Search and Rescue; Temporary Medical Care; Evacuation; Temporary Housing; and Security. The Scenario-Driven Catastrophic Planning process promotes communication and builds stronger relationships between Federal, State, local, and volunteer agencies that ultimately enhances the interoperability of plans. Participants at all levels of government take ownership of the plans, and the operational knowledge and experience captured make those plans more viable”. (FEMA, NMSZ Catastrophic Planning Project Overview, 2007)