What is meant by the "Emergency Management Assistance Compact" (EMAC) in NIMS?

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is a significant aspect of national disaster response and management strategies, specifically designed as a mutual aid agreement among states. This compact allows states to assist one another during emergencies and disaster situations by providing resources, personnel, and other forms of assistance. EMAC facilitates quick and effective collaboration, enabling states to share vital resources when local capacities are overwhelmed.

The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that resources can be mobilized rapidly without the need for cumbersome federal contracts or agreements, which might delay urgent support. By having this compact in place, states can provide immediate and flexible assistance, maximizing the collective capability to respond to disasters efficiently and effectively.

This mutual aid framework supports the NIMS (National Incident Management System) goal of fostering coordinated responses to disasters, promoting cooperation among state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, thereby bolstering the nation's overall emergency management system.