Which party can participate in mutual aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)?

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is a mutual aid agreement that enables states to provide assistance to one another during emergencies and disasters. This compact is designed specifically for states, allowing them to share resources, personnel, and support in response to incidents that exceed their capacity to manage effectively.

States participate in EMAC by sending and receiving assistance, making it an effective tool for emergency management across state lines. This collaboration can include various forms of aid such as firefighters, medical assistance, equipment, and logistics support. The compact ensures that states can rely on one another during times of crisis, promoting a network of cooperation and mutual support.

While local governments and federal agencies play crucial roles in emergency response, they do so within the framework established by state authorities, and the EMAC specifically facilitates inter-state partnerships rather than direct local or federal action. International organizations may engage in humanitarian assistance, but they are not participants in the EMAC framework, which centers strictly on the agreement among U.S. states.