emergency preparedness

Town of Dighton Asks Residents to Participate in Survey on Disaster Preparedness

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Town of Dighton
Mallory Aronstein, Town Administrator
979 Somerset Ave.,
Dighton, MA 02715

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019

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

Town of Dighton Asks Residents to Participate in Survey on Disaster Preparedness

DIGHTON — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein would like to encourage residents to participate in a survey on public disaster preparedness to assist the town in the development of its disaster planning strategy.

The Town of Dighton is currently engaged in a planning process to become less vulnerable to disasters caused by natural hazards, and public participation is essential. Residents are encouraged to complete the Public Preparedness Survey here.

The survey provides an opportunity for residents to share opinions and participate in the mitigation planning process. The information the town receives from residents will help officials to better understand the public’s hazard concerns and assist in developing mitigation planning that can help lessen the impact of possible future disasters.

The town is working with the state on developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan and a Municipal Vulnerability Plan, which is partly funded by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This is an intergovernmental, multidisciplinary initiative that will assist the town in identifying and assessing the community’s natural hazard risks and determining how to best minimize and manage those risks.

The town was previously part of a multi-jurisdictional plan developed in 2004 by the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District.

Upon completion, the plan will be submitted to MEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and approval. A FEMA-approved plan makes Dighton eligible for future federal and state mitigation grant funding.

“The development of these plans is a great opportunity for our town to examine how we prepare for and respond to natural disasters,” Town Administrator Aronstein said. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their thoughts so that we can use the responses to help guide the process of creating a local disaster strategy.”

The development of the Hazard Mitigation Plan is being led by Jamie Caplan Consulting LLC, a Northampton-based firm. Bill Guenther and Arnold Robinson of Fuss and O’Neill, a Quincy-based civil and environmental engineering consulting firm, are working with the town on the development of the Municipal Vulnerability Plan.

Questions about the survey can be directed to Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein at 508-669-6431 or [email protected].

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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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