2025 Mutual Aid for Building Departments Region 5

This fact sheet provides local officials and community stakeholders in FEMA Region 5 with guidance on mutual aid agreements for building departments following disasters. It explains the mechanisms and legal frameworks for interstate (EMAC) and intrastate (IMAS) mutual aid, including eligibility, protections, and reimbursement for public and private sector personnel involved in post-disaster building inspections and code enforcement. The document highlights relevant state laws, liability protections, and funding options for temporary staffing under the Disaster Recovery Reform Act Section 1206. It is intended to support rapid deployment of qualified personnel to assist with post-disaster building safety and recovery operations.