Mutual Aid Resources Available in Northern Mariana Islands
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 While data is reviewed for accuracy, NEMA is not responsible for out of date information.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 the Northern Mariana Islands
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.
The Northern Mariana Islands has no known significant statewide program between public entities.
Currently there are also no known significant policies related to deployment of private or volunteer entities to carry out building department functions after disasters or emergencies
To learn more about how this works in your territory, contact your state 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.
It helps states manage large-scale emergencies that exceed their individual capacities. Northern Mariana Islands has been a member of EMAC since 2019 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
International Options: Mutual aid from Other Countries
Northern Mariana Islands is not a member of one of the international mutual aid agreements (PNEMA, IEMAC, nor NEMAC).
Step 2: Mutual Aid Contacts in Northern Mariana Islands
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
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM)
CNMI 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 shown below.
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.
Contact your state hazard mitigation officer
Northern Mariana Islands SHMO Elizabeth Balajadia
Email: [email protected]
Floodplain Coordinator
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
Northern Mariana Islands NFIP Administrator
Edwin Tmarsel
Phone: 670-234-2296
Email: [email protected]
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. Learn more about EMAC.
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
Regional Manager
Karyn Beebe
Email: [email protected]
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
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.
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.