Planning for Outside Help

In the aftermath of a major disaster, a community’s resources will be stretched to—or beyond—their limits. Luckily, there may be outside assistance available from the federal government, the Commonwealth, or other communities. A community’s post-disaster plan should do everything it can to incorporate outside help if it is available. Consider creating “mutual aid” regional agreements with nearby communities, especially those out of the coastal zone that may be less likely to be damaged by coastal storms.

Your emergency management coordinator should familiarize him- or herself with Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) resources and procedures (e.g., who to contact with reports of damage or assistance needs as they arise during a storm).

Contact MEMA, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Hazard Mitigation Program, and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management to discuss how they can assist your community after a disaster.