emergency preparedness month

Whitman Fire Department Offers Tips to Make a Family Emergency Plan During Emergency Preparedness Month

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Whitman Fire Department
Timothy J. Grenno, Fire Chief
56 Temple St.
Whitman, MA 02382

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 20, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Whitman Fire Department Offers Tips to Make a Family Emergency Plan During Emergency Preparedness Month

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department would like to offer residents tips about making an emergency plan to prepare your family for an emergency during Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Governor Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for an emergency or natural disaster.

Families should have an emergency plan prepared for all members of the household to know what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate during an emergency situation.

Emergency plans should include everyone in your household including individuals with access and functional needs, seniors and children. Consider familiarizing yourself with the emergency plans that are in place at your workplace, children’s school or daycare or other places where your family spends time.

“In the midst of Emergency Preparedness Month, we would like to remind everyone to make and practice a family emergency plan and know what emergency plans exist in places where your family spends time,” Chief Grenno said. “In case of an emergency, it’s crucial to have a thorough and rehearsed plan in place.”

MEMA offers several tips to make an emergency plan for your family:

Establish Meeting Locations and Emergency Contact Plans

  • Select two family meeting locations where your family can reunite after a disaster. Choose one close to home and one farther away in case you are asked to evacuate or cannot return to the area.
  • Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as your family’s emergency contact. After a disaster, it may be easier to call long distance to unaffected areas.
  • Provide every family member with the name, address and phone number of the emergency contact and make sure each family member has a cellphone or a prepaid phone card.
  • Inform your emergency contact of any family member’s special needs or medical issues.
  • List emergency contacts in cellphones as “ICE” (in case of emergency), which will make it easier for emergency management personnel to contact the right person in case an emergency responder needs to make a call on your behalf.
  • Identify alternative communication methods: texting or social media can also be effective tools to let friends and family know your location and status during an emergency.

Plan How to Evacuate

  • Identify and practice how you will exit your home.
  • Establish possible evacuation routes to ensure you are able to get to your designated meeting location(s).
  • Identify available modes of transportation. Make arrangements with family, neighbors or friends if you don’t have personal transportation.
  • Review tips to safely evacuate.

Plan How to Shelter in Place

  • Designate safe room(s) within your home. They should have as few windows or doors as possible and access to television, radio and telephones or cell service.
  • Make sure you have necessary supplies and can access your emergency kit.
  • If you receive medical treatments or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time.
  • Review tips to safely shelter in place.

Practice Your Plan

  • Practice your emergency plan at least two to three times a year with all members of your family.
  • To practice your plan, test your emergency communications plan, assemble at your meeting locations and practice your evacuation routes. Update your plan with any changes, if necessary, after you practice.

Emergency Preparedness for Pets and Animals

  • Your evacuation plan should include pets. Since you will not know how long you will be gone, you must take your pets with you.
  • Be sure necessary pet supplies are included in your emergency kit. This may include: collars, leashes, harnesses, cages and/or carriers to transport and house your pets; medications and medical records; food, water and bowls; familiar items for comfort such as toys, treats or blankets; cat litter, litter pan and litter scoop; updated photo of your pet in case you are separated; and information on medical conditions, behavior problems and veterinarian contact information.
  • Your plan should identify possible pet-friendly locations, including: a friend or relative’s home; temporary shelter facilities in your community; pet-friendly hotels, motels, campgrounds or boarding/kennel facilities both inside and outside your local area; or veterinarians or local animal shelters which may provide emergency shelter for pets in a disaster.
  • Large animals and exotic pets may require additional preparedness steps. Consider transport, personnel and other supplies or equipment that may be needed to care for these animals.
  • Make sure your pets wear collars with their current license and rabies tags. Attach your telephone number and/or the address of your evacuation site. If your pet has a microchip, be sure that the information is updated to reflect your current phone number and address.
  • During or after an emergency leash your pets when they go outside and keep them close. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused or lost.

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Berkley Fire Department Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips During Emergency Preparedness Month

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Berkley Fire & Rescue
Scott Fournier, Chief
5 N Main St.
Berkley, MA 02779

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: [email protected]

Berkley Fire Department Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips During Emergency Preparedness Month

BERKLEY — Chief Scott Fournier and the Berkley Fire Department are recommending a series of precautions in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane during Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Governor Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1 and will end on November 30. Historically, hurricanes and tropical storms in August and September have had the greatest impact on New England communities, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near normal hurricane season this year, which could produce between nine and 15 storms. Between two and four of those storms are predicted to be major hurricanes.

“Hurricane Dorian is a reminder of the damaging effects of a hurricane,” Chief Fournier said. “Preparing ahead of time can often help to minimize the risks and damages to your family and property.”

MEMA has several safety tips for residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm in our area:

Before a Hurricane:

  • Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts.
  • Know if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone. Hurricane evacuation zones are areas where evacuation may be necessary due to dangerous storm surges.
  • Develop a family emergency plan by establishing meeting locations, creating an emergency contact plan, planning how to evacuate and learning how to shelter in place. Practice your plan with your entire family, and make sure the plan accounts for individuals who have access needs, seniors, children and pets.
  • Acquaint yourself with the emergency plans at places where your family spends considerable time, such as your workplace or your children’s school.
  • Those receiving medical treatment or home health services can work with a medical provider to learn how to maintain care in the event of a hurricane that requires evacuation.
  • Create an emergency kit. Make sure your emergency kit is specific to your family’s needs.
  • Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Prepare for power outages. Consider purchasing a generator. If you do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions to use it safely. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
  • Take photos or videos of your possessions to create a record for insurance purposes.
  • Prepare your home if a storm is coming by securing outdoor objects, clearing rain gutters, covering windows with shutters or plywood (do not use tape), turn off propane tanks that aren’t being used, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, clear nearby catch basins, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood and remove boats from the water.

During a Hurricane:

  • Do not go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible. Do not walk through flowing water. Never drive through flooded roads.
  • Monitor local media for updated weather information.
  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take only essential items, and bring pets if possible.
  • If told to shelter in place, stay indoors and away from windows and listen to local television or radio for updates. Conditions may change quickly, so be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

After a Hurricane:

  • Follow instructions from public safety officials. If you have evacuated, return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
  • If your power is out, follow power outage safety tips. Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
  • Stay out of damaged buildings and away from affected areas and roads until authorities deem them safe.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.

 

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Whitman Fire Department Offers Tips to Build an Emergency Kit During Emergency Preparedness Month

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Whitman Fire Department
Timothy J. Grenno, Fire Chief
56 Temple St.
Whitman, MA 02382

For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 9, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Whitman Fire Department Offers Tips to Build an Emergency Kit During Emergency Preparedness Month

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Grenno and the members of Whitman Fire Department would like to offer residents tips about how to build a kit of essential supplies for use in the event of an emergency during Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Governor Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

“Emergency kits should contain items that can help you in all types of emergencies, large or small,” Chief Grenno said. “Hurricane Dorian’s impact in the south is an important reminder that residents should do everything they can to prepare.”

MEMA recommends that emergency kits include essential items that will provide your family members with basic necessities for up to three days in an emergency event.

Essential Items to Include in an Emergency Kit

  • Water: Bottled water (one gallon per person/per day for at least three days), water purification tablets
  • Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking (ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits or vegetables, or juices, protein or granola bars, cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, baby food and comfort foods)
  • Tools and Supplies: Manual can opener, radio (powered by battery or hand crank), flashlight or lantern, extra batteries, cell phone with charger, wrench, pliers and other basic tools
  • Personal Items: Prescription medications (two-week supply), personal hygiene items, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, extra batteries or supplies for medical equipment, change of clothes, sturdy shoes
  • Documents: Insurance policies, bank account records, identification cards (IDs), medical information and other copies of important documents
  • Money: Extra cash and traveler’s checks (ATMs may not work during a power outage)
  • Other Items:  First-aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches/lighter, local area maps, sleeping bags or blankets, comfort items such as books or games
  • Also consider: A watch or clock, disposable kitchenware, duct tape, plastic sheeting or tarp to protect against the elements

Residents should also ensure their emergency kit is specific to their needs. Families with unique needs such as infants, pets, family members with disabilities or family members with specific medical needs should consider any additional supplies needed for basic survival.

MEMA also offers an Emergency Kit Checklist to assist families in building a kit of their own.

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Randolph Fire Department Offers Tips to Build an Emergency Kit During Emergency Preparedness Month

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Randolph Fire Department
Chief Richard Donovan
952 North Main St.
Randolph, MA 02368

Randolph Fire PatchFor Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 9, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Randolph Fire Department Offers Tips to Build an Emergency Kit During Emergency Preparedness Month

RANDOLPH — Chief Richard Donovan and the members of the Randolph Fire Department would like to offer residents tips about how to build a kit of essential supplies for use in the event of an emergency during Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Governor Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

“Most people likely already have a number of these items in their home,” Chief Donovan said. “Taking a few moments to gather the supplies and pack them into an easily accessible kit is a simple and important step in preparing your family for a disaster.”

MEMA recommends that emergency kits include essential items that will provide your family members with basic necessities for up to three days in an emergency event.

Essential Items to Include in an Emergency Kit

  • Water: Bottled water (one gallon per person/per day for at least three days), water purification tablets
  • Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking (ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits or vegetables, or juices, protein or granola bars, cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, baby food and comfort foods)
  • Tools and Supplies: Manual can opener, radio (powered by battery or hand crank), flashlight or lantern, extra batteries, cell phone with charger, wrench, pliers and other basic tools
  • Personal Items: Prescription medications (two-week supply), personal hygiene items, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, extra batteries or supplies for medical equipment, change of clothes, sturdy shoes
  • Documents: Insurance policies, bank account records, identification cards (IDs), medical information and other copies of important documents
  • Money: Extra cash and traveler’s checks (ATMs may not work during a power outage)
  • Other Items:  First-aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches/lighter, local area maps, sleeping bags or blankets, comfort items such as books or games
  • Also consider: A watch or clock, disposable kitchenware, duct tape, plastic sheeting or tarp to protect against the elements

Residents should also ensure their emergency kit is specific to their needs. Families with unique needs such as infants, pets, family members with disabilities or family members with specific medical needs should consider any additional supplies needed for basic survival.

MEMA also offers an Emergency Kit Checklist to assist families in building a kit of their own.

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