Emergency Preparedness Month


9/2/2016 • 8 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 8 years ago.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 1, 2016

CONTACT
Christopher Besse, MEMA Public Information Coordinator

christopher.besse@state.ma.us

Governor Baker Proclaims September

‘Emergency Preparedness Month’

Individuals & Families Urged to Prepare for Disasters and Emergencies

 

FRAMINGHAM, MA – In an effort to enhance awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness for individuals and families, Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed September to be ‘Emergency Preparedness Month’ in the Commonwealth. Working with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will promote public preparedness and safety throughout the month. These efforts are in conjunction with a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take simple steps to better prepare themselves and their families for emergencies at home, work and school.

“During the month of September, individuals and families are urged to better prepare themselves and their communities for disasters and other types of emergencies.  Before the next disaster strikes, learn how to receive emergency alerts and critical information, take time to build emergency plans and kits, and get involved in community efforts to build resilience,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Preparedness reduces casualties, property damage and the economic impact of disasters, and speeds up recovery.”

To help the public better prepare themselves and their families, MEMA will promote four preparedness messages during Emergency Preparedness Month: 1) Be Informed, 2) Develop a Plan, 3) Build a Kit, and 4) Get Involved. Throughout the month, MEMA will encourage all residents of the Commonwealth to: learn the hazards and risks that may affect their communities; find out how to receive emergency warnings and critical information from local and state emergency managers and public safety officials; prepare comprehensive family emergency plans; build emergency kits that are stocked with supplies that will help sustain individuals and families during disasters; and become involved in community efforts to build resilience.

Governor Baker’s Proclamation states, “Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every resident of the Commonwealth, and families and individuals are urged to make preparedness a priority…” All residents of the Commonwealth are encouraged to participate in citizen preparedness activities and to enhance preparedness by using the  resources at http://www.mass.gov/mema.

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.

For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to http://www.mass.gov/mema. Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.

Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: http://www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.