Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS)
Number
011
Lead
Illinois Dept of Transportation Division of Highways Bureau of Operations
Status
Existing
Description
A group of innovative fire captains and chiefs seeking to automate mutual aid in their regions have created the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, known as MABAS, in Illinois in 1970. From its inception in the Chicago suburbs, MABAS has grown to a statewide, non–discriminatory mutual aid response system for fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and specialized incident operational teams. Other states are adopting MABAS procedures and structure because, quite simply, it works well — every day, for all hazards, and in disasters near and far. The system is well–tested, standardized and refined by experience.
To become a MABAS Division/agency, all that is required is a resolution or ordinance being enacted by the governing body and signing of the MABAS contract. Most MABAS agencies are comprised of a number of geographically co–located municipalities or districts. However, one community can also be its own MABAS division such as the City of Chicago, which is MABAS Division 9. Some MABAS divisions have 30 or more, member departments or districts. All it takes is discussion, agreement and political commitment. There is no cost to join MABAS, however once joining MABAS an annual dues requirement exists on a sliding schedule based on a member departments annual operating budget. Local MABAS Division dues may be self–imposed by and at the control of each individual MABAS division. The MABAS Executive Board meets quarterly and functions as a coordinating agency.
members are municipal police and fire departments.
members http://portal.mabas–il.org/DocumentWarehouse/MABAS%20Documents/MABAS–IL%20Members%20By%20Division%20and%20County.pdf
http://www.mabas–il.org/Pages/WelcomeToMABAS.aspx
Stakeholders
| Municipalities/Townships |
|---|
| Illinois Emergency Management Agency |