Which choice below is the correct definition of a Mutual Aid Agreement?

A.
A management-level analysis that identifies the impact of losing an entitys resources

B.
An appraisal or determination of the effects of a disaster on human, physical, economic, and
natural resources

C.
Activities taken to eliminate or reduce the degree of risk to life and property

D.
A prearranged agreement to render assistance to the parties of the agreement

Explanation:
Amutual aid agreement is used by two or more parties to provide for assistance if one of the parties
experiences an emergency. It is expected that the other parties will assist the affected party in

various ways, perhaps by making office space available, or computing time or resources, or supplying
manpower if needed. While mutual aid agreements may be a very cost-effective solution for disaster
recovery, it does not provide for full operations redundancy. An example of a problem with a total
reliance on mutual aid would be the event that affects all parties to the agreement, thereby
rendering the agreement useless. While they are an effective means to provide some resources to
the organization in an emergency, they in themselves are not a replacement for a full disaster
recovery plan, including alternate computer processing sites. *Answer “A management-level analysis
that identifies the impact of losing an entitys resources” describes a business continuity plan.
*Answer “An appraisal or determination of the effects of a disaster on human, physical, economic,
and natural resources” describes a damage assessment *answer “Activities taken to eliminate or
reduce the degree of risk to life and property” describes risk mitigation. Source: NFPA 1600 Standard
on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity, National Fire Protection Association,
2000 edition, and Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, August 1998.