2-22. For example, a cyberattack on the electric power grid could have cascading effects on other critical infrastructure, or a pandemic disease outbreak could quickly sicken thousands of people. The strategic planning assumption is that the magnitude of requirements in such an event would exceed local and state civil authorities' capabilities to respond from the outset, inhibiting the tiered response. The effect of the emergency on responders (disaster victims themselves) would compound the need. Although a formal request for assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (commonly known as the Stafford Act) would follow the process for mission assignments, the President could commit federal aid, including military forces, simultaneously with a governor's commitment of state resources. Based on initial assessments from DHS and the supported combatant commander, the Secretary of Defense could authorize significant deployments of federal military forces. (See figure 4-2 on page 4-5, and chapter 4 for details on mission assignments and initial military responses.)