Mutual Aid Resources Available in American Samoa
Disclaimer
This website contains references and contacts. While data is reviewed for accuracy, NEMA is not responsible for out of date information. Please contact us with any suggestions for corrections.
Step 1: Understanding mutual aid options in American Samoa
Intrastate Options: Mutual aid from within your state or territory
Intrastate mutual aid is a way for local governments like cities and counties to help each other during emergencies. It lets them share workers, equipment, and other resources. Some states also allow help from private companies and volunteers.
Your state/territory has no known significant statewide program between public entities nor are there any policies related to the deployment of private or volunteer entities.
To learn more about how this works in your territory, contact your territory emergency management agency.
Interstate Options: Mutual aid from other states or territories through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
EMAC is an agreement among U.S. states, territories, and the district that allows them to share resources and personnel during disasters or emergencies.
American Samoa is not currently a member of EMAC.
International Options: Mutual aid from Other Countries
American Samoa is not a member of one of the international mutual aid agreements (PNEMA, IEMAC, nor NEMAC).
Step 2: Mutual Aid Contacts in American Samoa
The next step is to connect with emergency management agencies and staff in your state, local, tribal or territorial location.
State Emergency Management Agency
How can they help
- Each state has its own emergency management agency that oversees disaster response and recovery efforts
- Coordinating with a state agency can help ensure the response and rebuilding is coordinated, occurs safely, efficiently, and in compliance with codes and regulations
- Many states and territories have laws and agreements in place that provide mutual aid only accessible through the emergencny management agency
Contact your emergency management agency
American Samoa Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM)
ODAPM is the central coordinating agency for emergency management at all levels of government.
Visit your emergency agency's website
If your emergency management agency is not able to assist you with your mutual aid needs, consider reaching out to one of the contacts listed in Step 3: Other mutual aid resources.
State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO)
How can they help
A state hazard mitigation officer can help identify funding opportunities.
SHMOs are key figures in coordinating hazard mitigation efforts and managing related grant programs.
A state hazard mitigation officer can also facilitate connections with other jurisdictions for mutual aid, provide guidance on developing effective agreements and protocols, and offer training and exercise support to improve readiness.
Step 3: Outreach for Education and Information
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is the nation’s premier mutual aid system, providing a legal and operational framework for states to share resources during disasters. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands are members, ensuring rapid, flexible support across jurisdictional lines.
Each EMAC Member has a designated EMAC Coordinator who manages requests and offers of assistance, ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and in compliance with legal, logistical, and reimbursement requirements.
EMAC stands as a proven model of state-to-state cooperation during times of crisis.
While American Samoa is not currently an EMAC Member, they are eligiblie to join by passing law consistent with EMAC Public Law 104-321.
International Code Council (ICC)
Assistance provided:
- Permitting and building code assistance
Group details:
- The International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit association that is focused on building safety worldwide. The ICC can provide skilled volunteers to assist local building department officials with building inspections and code enforcement in the aftermath of a disaster.
Contact Information
Karyn Beebe
Email: [email protected]