The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is a national compact among almost all states which provides form and structure to interstate mutual aid. It establishes procedures whereby a disaster-impacted state can request and receive assistance from other member states quickly and efficiently. EMAC resolves two key issues up front: liability and reimbursement. The requesting State agrees to (1) assume liability for out-of-state workers deployed under EMAC and (2) reimburse assisting States (once proper, EMAC-specific, documentation is provided) for deployment-related costs.
To the extent the specific agreement between States meets the requirements of the FEMA policy on mutual aid agreements and the work meets FEMA eligibility requirements, costs may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement (see Mutual Aid Agreement) and would be subject to the Federal/non-Federal cost share for that disaster.
References: Mutual Aid Agreements for Public Assistance and Fire Management Assistance, FEMA Policy 9523.6, dated August 13, 2007
Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, page 51
