Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

The January issue of MEMA REPORTS, our monthly update of Emergency Management activities and new, now appears at MEMA Monthly Reports at the top of the ‘Publications & Reports’ section.  This month we are highlighting MEMA taking the national lead for the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), activities of the many Statewide Working Groups, exciting Training and Exercise opportunities, as well as a host of other informative articles.

National Weather Service in Taunton: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/

National Weather Service in Albany: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/

Google Public Alert Map

The Department of Homeland Security’s National Cyber Security Division is providing cyber security tips as part of its cyber risk management program.  There are many simple things businesses, schools, and home users can do to keep their systems and private information secure.  Please visit the link below to learn more about online privacy, gaming tips for kids, internet safety for college students, mobile computing safety and social networking tips: 

http://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/ncsam-tip-sheets

In March 2012, MEMA Operations Manager Allen Phillips will begin a one-year term as the Chair of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Executive Task Force, and MEMA will assume the responsibility of serving as the EMAC National Coordinating State (NCS) for one year. 

MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz recently announced that the Resource Management System (RMS) is operational and ready for use throughout the Commonwealth.  The RMS, which was developed with financial support from the state’s Homeland Security Councils and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, is a secure web-based system that may be used by all cities and towns, state agencies and other emergency management partners including public works, public health and emergency medical services, to facilitate emergency and non-emergency mutual aid across the Commonwealth. 

On 11/25/11, MEMA posted its 2012 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Application for Grant Funding (AGF).  At this time MEMA is increasing the planned award amount by $2,000 per applicant for all approved applications received by the original AGF deadline of 1/6/12.  No new or revised applications are being accepted at this time.  Please direct any questions or comments about this notice to Elaine Denniston at 508.820.1447 or via email at Elaine.Denniston@state.ma.us.

Before snow, ice and severe winter weather hit the region, it is important that you take the proper steps to ensure the safety of your family and home,

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “As we enter the time of year when we can expect extremely low temperatures and wind chills, we all must take precautions to minimize the dangers presented by such severe weather,” stated Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “To that end, MEMA presents these cold weather safety tips.”

As temperatures drop, and bodies of water throughout the area begin to freeze over, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our frozen lakes, rivers and ponds. 

If not cleared off, dry, fluffy snow piled on roofs can act as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain, adding weight and stress to structures.” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz.  “Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly.  Additionally, MEMA encourages citizens to clear storm drains in their neighborhoods to minimize local flooding problems from this run-off.

Once the initial impact of a winter storm has subsided, there are still many additional challenges to be faced, from snow removal to power restoration,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “If you have taken the proper precautions, remain cautious and careful, you and your family are more likely to experience a successful outcome

As homeowners begin the clean-up and recovery from the October 29-30 Nor’easter, it is important to understand what you are doing if you are going to safely use a chainsaw. Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. As downed trees and debris are being removed, potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures.

Many across the Commonwealth are faced now with cleaning up debris from the recent October 29-30 Nor'easter. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers some suggestions that may help.

With the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting the first major snow event of the season for late Saturday into Sunday morning, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is offering information to help you deal with the impacts.