Three important elements when planning for an emergency are:

1. Identify hazards that may impact a municipality,
2. Identify risks from these hazards,
3. Identify resources available to respond to the hazards.

Planning may show that a municipality has insufficient resources for an effective response. Therefore mutual aid can be invaluable part of the emergency response plan

Fire and police professionals have used mutual aid for decades in their response to emergencies. Public Works can benefit as well.

The NH Mutual Aid for Public Works Program can assist municipalities when responding to many situations. They can utilize Mutual Aid in any emergency situation where their own personnel cannot handle the event. This includes natural and man-made emergencies. The program enables municipalities to borrow equipment and personnel to guarantee a more effective response.

The New Hampshire program for Public Works Mutual Aid is the only statewide program in the country. Currently 27% of NH municipalities are taking advantage of this program. Each has made it a meaningful part of their community emergency management plan.

Created in 1998, the governing board includes representatives of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Management, Road Agents Association, NH Public Works Municipal Engineers, Fire Chiefs Association, Police Chiefs Association, New Hampshire Municipal Association, Municipal Managers Association, and the UNH T² Center.

Since the program’s inception, many others have taken notice. Notably the Governor has included it in her recent report on Assessment of New Hampshire‘s Preparedness and Security. The New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management has awarded a grant to the program.

Emergency Management officials throughout the country have asked the UNH T² Center for information. There has been increased national interest in this program since the events of September 11, 2001.

Road managers might be reluctant to bring the adoption of mutual aid to the Selectmen or City Council. Recently it came to the attention of the UNH T² Center that selectmen in one town had been waiting for their Road Agent to bring the adoption of this program forward. The new Road Agent was pleased to see the enthusiasm of the selectmen for the program.

Municipalities liking more information may contact Kathy at the UNH T² Center. She will send an informational package and can arrange an informational session on request.

To see towns that are currently enrolled go to the Mutual Aid page.