Mutual Aid Resources Available in California

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 While data is reviewed for accuracy, NEMA is not responsible for out of date information.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.

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 a statewide opt-in program. This means:

• Local jurisdictions are not automatically enrolled and must actively choose to participate in the state’s mutual aid agreement
• Participating jurisdictions, such as cities and counties, can share resources and personnel to perform building department functions following disasters and emergencies
• Your state might also let cities and counties get help from private companies or volunteers for building department work after disasters

To learn more about how this works in your state, contact your state emergency management agency.

EMAC is an agreement among U.S. states, territories, and the district that allows them to share resources and personnel during disasters or emergencies.

It helps states manage large-scale emergencies that exceed their individual capacities. California has been a member of EMAC since 2005 which covers:

• Sharing of resources and personnel from other EMAC Members to perform response and recovery functions
• Tort liability and immunity protections when acting in good faith
• Guarantee of reimbursement for mission related, eligible, documented expenses

California is not a member of one of the international agreements (PNEMA, IEMAC, or NEMAC).

The next step is to connect with emergency management agencies and staff in your state, local, tribal or territorial location.

• Start at the local level by reaching out to your county emergency manager
• They are often your first point of contact for disaster response and recovery coordination
• A local emergency manager is often aware of the unique regulations for their community and may have connections to quickly mobilize regional mutual aid networks

• 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

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.

Contact your state hazard mitigation officer

California SHMO Robyn Fennig

Email: [email protected]

How can they help

• If your community has experienced flooding, you should also consider reaching out to a local floodplain manager.

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinators can provide valuable assistance for flood-related mitigation and recovery efforts.

• State floodplain coordinators are responsible for statewide coordination of floodplain management and flood prevention activities including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Contact your state floodplain coordinator

California NFIP Coordinator Anntonette Duncan

Phone: 916-217-4684

Email: [email protected]

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. Learn more about EMAC.

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.

Visit the ICC Homepage

Contact Information

Regional Manager

Karyn Beebe

Email: [email protected]

Assistance provided:

• floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, National Flood Insurance Program, and flood preparedness, warning, and recovery

Group details:

• The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and nearly 40 state chapters can provide communities with expert assistance in handling floodplain management responsibilities, conducting damage assessments, and offering guidance on code-compliant reconstruction after a natural disaster.

Visit the ASFPM homepage

Northwest Regional Floodplain Management Association (NORFMA)

State chapter of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)

How they can help:

• State ASFPM chapters are a very good resource after a major event.
• In some cases, the state chapters themselves can provide and/or coordinate mutual aid assistance.

Learn more about your state ASFPM chapter