MEMA — Emergency Management



MEMA — Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

MEMA Preparedness Series

Winter Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness


Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH)

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the nation's first hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling.   The toll-free Helpline operates 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.
This free, confidential and multilingual, crisis support service is available via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (Text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746) to U.S. residents who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters.   Callers are connected to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the network.   The helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services.
For more info, contact:
Ashley Pearson. B.S., MPA, CBCP, CTR, Director of Emergency Management Services, State Disaster Behavioral Health Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health-CO, 25 Staniford Street, Boston MA 02114
Phone: 617.626.8145  /  Blackberry: 617.997.1295  /  Fax: 617.626.8077
Email : Ashley.Pearson@state.ma.us
Co-Chair, Multi-state Disaster Behavioral Health Consortium   http://www.sdbhc.us.com/

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Summary Elder Resource Sheet

Link to the Emergency Preparedness Resource Guide

The new MCOA Emergency Preparedness Resource Guide (2007) provides you with an overview of the emergency planning process and basic operations procedures for specific emergency response roles that COAs may perform.

RED CROSS — General Disaster Preparedness

Homeland Security's "Ready America" video

Massachusetts H1N1 Flu Situation Weekly Reports

Earthquake Preparedness


Tornado Assistance

WGGB ABC Channel 40 provides an excellent recap of the damage, narrated by David Madsen, that can be viewed at:
Aerial photos of the aftermath can be reviewed at:

EM for People with Disabilities or Special Needs


The 2011 Emergency Homeowners Loan Program

Massachusetts was awarded $61 million from the HUD program to assist homeowners who are 3 or more months behind on mortgage payments due to either unemployment of their income falling by more than 15%.   Owners might qualify for an up to 2 year no interest, forgivable loan to prevent foreclosure.   The state anticipates assisting 1,260 owners.
July 22nd, 2011 is the deadline for homeowners to file pre-applications;   there will be a lottery of applicants after the July 22 application closing date.

— 2010 —


PREPAREDNESS IS KEY FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Threat of Hurricane Earl Reminds Families of Importance of Preparedness
FRAMINGHAM, MA -- The potential threat of Hurricane Earl reinforces the importance that everyone take the proper preparedness steps.   Now is a good time to take to heart the three steps being reinforced by the President, as he proclaimed September as 'National Preparedness Month': Prepare a Kit, Have a Plan and Be Aware.
"Every home and business should have a stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency, regardless of the time of year," states MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz.   "Everyone should keep certain items around the house and workplace in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power."   Each kit will be unique to each family, but should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets.
"All families should develop a 'Family Emergency Communication Plan' with an 'outside the area' contact to help ensure everyone is safe.   You should reach out to your local authorities to learn about your community's potential evacuation routes and the location of possible emergency shelters," said Schwartz.   "It is always important to familiarize yourself with your Community's Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs."
Also, develop a Disaster Supply Kit 'Go Bag', with essentials in case you must evacuate quickly.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  MEMA provides leadership to:   develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats;   train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry;   and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made.   For additional information about MEMA and National Preparedness Month, go to www.mass.gov/mema and www.Ready.Gov.   Continue follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Peter W. Judge, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, 400 Worcester Road, Framingham MA 01702-5399 Direct: 508.820-2002 — 24 hr.: 508.820.2000 — Fax: 508.820.2030 — peter.judge@state.ma.us


Download Adobe ReaderDocuments on this page require Adobe Reader for viewing.
You may download the program here or on the Reader icon at left.





MCOA Logo   Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging

    116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton MA 01027-2781
    Phone:   413-527-6425       Fax:   413-527-7138

    webmaster — peter@mcoaonline.com