Mutual Aid Resources
There is a range of resources available organized into three categories: Funding and Reimbursement, which provides guidance on financial processes and support after disaster deployments; Disaster Response Planning, which includes tools and best practices to help jurisdictions prepare for emergencies; and Professional Organizations, which connects users with networks and associations that support collaboration and information sharing across the emergency management community.
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.
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Assistance: Training & Education
Details: IAEM is a global organization dedicated to advancing the profession of emergency management. It provides training, certification, networking, and advocacy for emergency managers worldwide.
Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA)
Assistance: Training & Education
Details: IMTA is the association of incident management, emergency management and public safety professionals from all disciplines, seeking to promote, support, and enhance the profession of incident management by establishing standards and promoting the cooperation of federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in all phases of incident management.
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 Policy & EMAC Administration
Details: NEMA is an association dedicated to improving emergency management capabilities. Resources and networks provided by NEMA can enhance disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR)
Assistance: Search and Rescue
Details: The State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR) was founded in 2005 to support and strengthen the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) community through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and training. It unites responders from all levels—local to national—to enhance all-hazards search and rescue capabilities. SUSAR promotes innovation, partnerships, and communication to improve preparedness, operational standards, and life-saving response efforts.
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.
Mission Ready Packages
Assistance: Preparedness & Response Organization
Details: Mission Ready Packages (MRPs) are pre-identified, standardized response capabilities that are organized, trained, and equipped to deploy quickly through mutual aid agreements like EMAC. Each MRP includes detailed information about personnel, equipment, deployment logistics, and costs—making it easier and faster for requesting states to get the help they need. By streamlining coordination and ensuring readiness, MRPs help deliver the right resources at the right time.
Funding & Reimbursement
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.