Response and recovery efforts will proceed more smoothly through effective coordination among various levels of governments. In addition, most state governments have resources that may be made available to assist with response and recovery at the local level. State resources will be made available and may be expanded through interstate agreements called Emergency Management Assistance Compacts (EMACs). If state and local or tribal resources are insufficient, the Governor or Indian Tribal Government Chief Executive can request federal disaster assistance.

Because most major roadways belong to the state highway system, evacuations require close coordination between local, tribal, and state officials. Local or tribal public works agencies may be called upon to assist in evacuations, through activities such as dispatching barricades and signs.

After-action review of any large incident should include state, tribal, and local officials working together, including public works representation. Many lessons learned include issues that will either affect both levels of government or issues that can be improved only through cohesive, coordinated efforts.