“The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Department of Public Health and other public safety agencies work closely with our communities in Massachusetts and across all levels of government to strengthen our preparedness for the next disaster,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Emergency Preparedness Month is a great time for us to reinforce those ties within our communities and to continue to remind them of the importance of preparing for the unexpected.”
Officials are out with a number of emergency preparedness tips to keep safe in all kinds of hazards.
Massachusetts sees a number of natural dangers including flooding, hurricanes and tropical storms, we're no stranger to harsh winters, that bring coastal storms, thunderstorms, and most recently the state has seen a number of tornadoes. There are also a number of others risks outside of the weather including infectious diseases and man-made disasters such as nuclear power plant incidents, power outages, and acts of terrorism.
Officials say it's best to prepare for every scenario, even those that may seem unlikely. Make a plan with your family or community and make sure everyone knows where to go and more importantly how to stay in contact.
“Preparedness is essential to recovery and resilience. Emergency Preparedness Month offers an important reminder about proactive steps individuals can take to protect loved ones and minimize the impacts of an emergency or disaster,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I’d also like to commend MEMA and our many partner agencies for their commitment to our Commonwealth’s readiness and for providing Massachusetts residents with essential preparedness planning resources.”
Officials said if you don't already have one, September is the perfect time of year to construct an emergency kit for the entire family. Make sure you have enough supplies for at least three days, including water, non-perishable foods, flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, any medications you may need, eye-glasses, and copies of any important documents. These kits don't cost a lot and are essential when it comes to staying safe in an emergency situation.
“During Emergency Preparedness Month, we want to stress the importance of considering the unique preparedness needs of children, pets, seniors and people with disabilities,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The best way to prepare is to develop an emergency plan that accounts for the needs of everyone in your family, build a kit of essential supplies, and connect with resources that can help you stay informed during an emergency.”