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.