Mutual Aid Resources
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
This information is provided with the understanding that FEMA is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services through this website. The laws and regulations discussed and cited herein are based upon best available public records and sources at the time of research.
This website provides only a summary of the referenced laws and regulations; those laws and regulations may contain additional criteria, restrictions, or other qualifiers which are absent from the summary provided in this website. This website also may or may not be up-to-date as these laws and regulations can at any time be subsequently changed, updated, or repealed by the corresponding state legislatures and agencies.
Consult the current, official law or regulation and consult with relevant state or territory authorities or a licensed attorney in the relevant state or territory to determine which laws and regulations currently will apply to your situation. Do not rely solely on this website.
Immediate Response
Disaster Response Alliance (DRA)
Assistance: Volunteer database
Details: The DRA is a national database of skilled volunteers ready to assist with post-disaster activities. This resource can be used to quickly access trained professionals for safety assessments, damage inspections, and other code-related functions after a disaster.
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
Assistance: Mutual aid
Details: EMAC is a mutual aid agreement that allows states to share resources during emergencies. This system can be used to request additional personnel, equipment, or resources from other states to support recovery efforts.
FEMA Mutual Aid for Building Departments (MABD) Fact Sheets
Assistance: Mutual aid
Details: These fact sheets explain how mutual aid agreements work for building departments. Understanding this information can help you become familiarized with laws, regulations, benefits, and protections related to mutual aid.
Mission Ready Packages (MRP)
Assistance: Mutual aid, resource packages
Details: MRPs are pre-planned, comprehensive resource packages that streamline the process of obtaining and deploying all necessary resources for particular recovery tasks.
Funding and Reimbursement
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
Assistance: Disaster mitigation
Details: BRIC is a FEMA program supporting hazard risk reduction efforts. Applying for BRIC funding can help implement mitigation measures and improve community resilience during the reconstruction process.
Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, Section 1206 (DRRA-1206)
Assistance: Code standards
Details: This legislation authorizes FEMA funding for local code and floodplain management staffing after disasters. Utilizing this resource can secure additional personnel for up to 180 days, bolstering capacity to manage recovery efforts.
FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program
Assistance: Disaster funding
Details: The FEMA Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, as well as certain private non-profit organizations, to assist in recovery from major disasters or emergencies. This program can be utilized to secure federal funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the permanent restoration of infrastructure after a disaster.
Disaster Response Planning
Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART)
Assistance: Floodplain management
Details: A DART assists communities with floodplain management after natural disasters. Requesting DART support can help manage floodplain-related issues and ensure compliance with regulations during the recovery process.
FEMA’s Building Code Adoption Tracking (BCAT) Portal
Assistance: Code standards
Details: The BCAT Portal provides information on building code adoption status by state and territory. This resource can aid in understanding the regulatory landscape and risks relevant to your area .
Professional Organizations
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Assistance: Code standards
Details: The AIA is a professional organization for architects they offer education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach programs.
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
Assistance: Floodplain management
Details: ASFPM is a nonprofit organization focused on reducing flood losses. Resources and expertise from this organization can be leveraged to implement flood-resistant design and construction practices during recovery.
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
Assistance: Disaster mitigation
Details: FLASH is a nonprofit organization advocating for stronger, safer homes. Resources and guidelines from FLASH can be used to incorporate resilient building practices into reconstruction efforts.
International Code Council (ICC)
Assistance: Code standards
Details: The ICC is a leading source of codes and safety standards. Utilizing ICC resources can ensure that reconstruction adheres to the latest safety standards and best practices.
National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA)
Assistance: Floodplain management
Details: The NCSEA is an organization dedicated to improving the standard level of practice in the structural engineering profession.
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
Assistance: Emergency management
Details: NEMA is an association dedicated to improving emergency management capabilities. Resources and networks provided by NEMA can enhance disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.