Every emergency response entails an element of science; successful emergency response requires the latest science.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) ensures those charged with protecting the nation have the latest scientifically-backed best practices at hand, allowing them to make critical decisions confidently and in a timely manner. These best practices are maintained in the Science Advisory Guide for Emergencies (SAGE), a supplemental tool that provides up-to-date scientific and technical support for homeland security threats, emergencies, and major disasters. SAGE accomplishes this through a robust network of subject matter experts (SMEs) who, during times of need, are ready to provide the DHS Secretary with a current and reliable assessment of how to respond to the threat at hand, as well as to recommend the most appropriate preparedness measures and post-event recovery steps.