The IAFC Emergency Management Committee (EMC) provides strategic leadership on emergency management and mutual aid issues affecting the fire and emergency service. The committee serves as the IAFC’s primary point of contact for national fire service emergency management issues and helps strengthen coordination among fire departments, states, and emergency management partners.
Established as a standing IAFC committee in 2006, the EMC supports effective mutual aid systems, provides guidance to states, and advances education and collaboration to improve preparedness and response across jurisdictions.
Core Responsibilities
Support State Mutual Aid Planning
Provide guidance and assistance to states as they develop, exercise, and maintain mutual aid plans.
Advise IAFC Leadership
Evaluate emerging emergency management issues and provide information, guidance, and recommendations to the IAFC Board of Directors.
Strengthen Emergency Management Education
Develop educational opportunities that help chief fire officers better understand emergency management, mutual aid, and interagency coordination.
Build National Partnerships
Maintain relationships with national emergency management organizations and government partners, including coordination related to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
Represent the Fire Service
Bring the fire service perspective to national emergency management discussions and help ensure the operational needs of local fire departments are represented.
Strengthening Emergency Management & Mutual Aid
Large-scale emergencies often cross jurisdictional and state boundaries, requiring fire departments and emergency management agencies to work together effectively. The EMC helps strengthen the systems, relationships, and planning necessary to coordinate resources when local capabilities are exceeded.
Through mutual aid planning, education, national partnerships, and policy guidance, the committee supports a more coordinated, prepared, and resilient fire and emergency service.
Making a Difference
The Emergency Management Committee connects local fire service experience with state and national emergency management efforts. Its work helps improve resource coordination, strengthen mutual aid capabilities, and prepare fire service leaders to respond effectively to complex and large-scale emergencies.
By advancing collaboration before disasters occur, the committee helps ensure departments and communities are better prepared when assistance is needed across jurisdictions.
