What is Mutual Aid?

 

When a natural disaster or emergency situation causes damage to utility infrastructure, extraordinary efforts may be necessary to restore service. If a storm hits and the lines are down or the treatment plant is damaged, the utility contacts MPUA and a call is put out for assistance from participating cities. Cities that are able then send crews to assist with recovery efforts and/or equipment needs. The Mutual Aid program covers water, sewer, natural gas, and electric services.

• Mutual Aid Brochure

Contact Cathy Susa (csusa@mpua.org) or Ewell Lawson (elawson@mpua.org) with questions on how to sign up.

 

Why should my utility participate?

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that cities have a mutual aid agreement in place before a disaster occurs. Without it, FEMA will not reimburse for the first 8 hours of recovery costs.

 

Moreover, Mutual Aid assistance helps your utility restore service quickly after a natural disaster or emergency. Round-the-clock recovery efforts are taxing; assistance provides relief to your municipal utility staff. Participation in Mutual Aid shows your customer-owners that you are committed to service reliability.

• List of Participating Cities

 

How do I participate?

1. The city or utility governing board adopts an ordinance authorizing participation in the MPUA mutual aid program
2. Sign the MPUA Mutual Aid Agreement form and return it to MPUA
3. For cities with an electric utility: Include participation in the APPA-FEMA mutual aid program in your ordinance, sign the APPA-NRECA agreement, and return it to APPA with a copy sent to MPUA
4. Download the MPUA mutual aid policy and review protocols with your staff

 

Item Name		Posted By	Date Posted
APPA-FEMA Sample Ordinance PDF (7.51 KB)		Administration	8/1/2016
APPA-NRECA Mutual Aid Agreement PDF (15.13 KB)		Administration	8/1/2016
FEMA 2017 Equipment Rate Schedule PDF (190.94 KB)		Administration	1/5/2018
Mutual Aid Agreement Form PDF (12.92 KB)		Administration	8/1/2016
Mutual Aid Policy PDF (191.99 KB)		Administration	8/1/2016
Sample Ordinance PDF (7.47 KB)		Administration	8/1/2016