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Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

What is IPWMAN

The Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) provides a formalized systemfor government agencies to enter into a written mutual aid agreement to provide and receiveemergency assistance in the event of natural or man-made disasters or other situations that require action or attention beyond the normal capabilities of an agency. This organization embodies the concept of “community helping community” by providing an organized process for response to an emergency. An agency requesting assistance receives the type of equipment, materials and personnel services that are needed to react to the event.
What can belong to IPWMAN?

This organization was formed to coordinate resources for local municipal public worksdepartments, public water agencies, public waste water agencies, township road districts, unit road districts, county highway departments and any other governmental entity that performs a public works function as they respond to emergency situations.
Does my agency have the legal authority to become a member?

The Illinois Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, 5 ILCS 220/1 et seq., provides the basiclegal authority for units of local government to contract with other units of government.Please consult your agency’s legal counsel for detailed legal advice.
What are the benefits to belonging to this organization?

 Members of IPWMAN –

  1. In an emergency, members receive assistance from other members with appropriate resources. There is no cost for the first five days of assistance.
  2. Provide a network of responding agencies with more diverse resources.
  3. Have access to various resources for all areas within the state, not just limited to the areas in close proximity to the event.
  4. Promote educational workshops and training to prepare agencies for emergencies and disasters
  5. Have a membership agreement that provides reimbursement protocols after the first five days or if the disaster becomes eligible for FEMA or IEMA aid.
  6. Have a defined operation plan that expedites the arrival of aid.
  7. Have access to a list of emergency contacts.
  8. Have added peace of mind knowing that your community

Mutual Aid

What is the purpose of the Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement?

The formation of IPWMAN complies with criteria established by the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) for recognizing the eligibility of costs under the PublicAssistance Program incurred through mutual aid agreements between applicants and other entities. (FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy Number DAP9523.6, August 13, 2007)IPWMAN provides a network to help others with personnel, equipment, materials and other resources for natural and man-made disaster response.
How does an agency request aid?
  • In the event of major incident disaster:
    1. The requesting agency assesses the extent of the event to determine what type of assistance is needed.
    2. The requesting agency contacts its accredited Emergency Management Agency Coordinator to request needed assistance.
    3. The Emergency Management Agency Coordinator will contact member agencies to secure the requested resources.
  • In the event of a local emergency:
    1. The requesting agency assesses the extent of the event to determine what type of assistance is needed.
    2. The requesting agency contacts the organization’s Call Center to request assistance.
    3. The organization’s Call Center sends the request to member agency and coordinates response.