2000-139A - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

40) 13. Discussion of Mutual Aid Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding a. Mutual aid agreements and memorandum of understandings are an essential component of emergency management planning, response and recovery activities. These agreements for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance, in case of emergencies, can increase resources and improve response and recovery efforts. b. Chapter 252, Florida Statues, authorizes FDEM to make available any equipment, services, or facilities owned or organized by the state or its political subdivisions for use in the affected area, upon request by the Emergency Management Director. The FDEM is authorized to reinforce emergency management agencies in areas stricken by emergencies. C. The Statewide Mutual Aid Compact will have the participating political subdivision communicate requests for mutual aid through the FDEM; any responses from assisting parties will be directed from and coordinated by the FDEM. Municipalities will coordinate requests through the County Division of Emergency Management. This will ensure t,iat the County and State are aware of and coordinates all resources that are mobilized. DEM's coordination of mutual aid agreements is critical to the direction and control of the overall response and recovery efforts. Without DEM as the control point, severely impacted political subdivisions may not receive the type and amount of assistance needed if each political subdivision independently requests and executes agreements. In accnrdance with Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, Florida also has mutual aid agreements and memorandum of understanding with other states and private organizations. These agreements provide additional resources for FDEM to have access to if needed. Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 68