When an incident expands or has the potential to expand beyond the capability of a local jurisdiction and responders cannot meet the needs with mutual aid and assistance resources, local officials contact the state.

State governments supplement local efforts by applying in-state resources first. If additional resources are required, states can request assistance from other states through interstate mutual aid and assistance agreements such as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). If a state anticipates that its resources may be exceeded, the governor may request assistance from the Federal Government through a Stafford Act declaration.

EMAC is:

• Administered by the National Emergency Management Association
• An interstate mutual aid agreement
• A way to streamline the interstate mutual aid and assistance process

States support their local governments, which are closest to those impacted by incidents.

State government key players include (click on each photo to see the key player's roles and responsibilities):

Other State Departments and Agencies

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