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Stay Aware. Be Prepared.

Preparedness starts with you.

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Table of Contents

Stay aware

Sign up for emergency alerts

  • Massachusetts resource: Be Informed and Receive Emergency Alerts
  • Check with your local city or town to see if it uses its own alert system and what you might need to do to sign up.
  • If you speak languages other than English, find places to get alerts in your language. This could be a friend, family member, or a news organization.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing learn more about how to receive emergency warnings in an accessible form
  • Check with community, faith-based, and cultural groups to see if they have ways to help keep people informed.

Communicate with family

Communicating with family members is essential to make sure everyone is okay. Have a simple plan that accounts for limited cell phone service, texting, or e-mails. Make sure everyone in your family has a mutual contact out of the region or state. This person can act as a contact point for you and your loved ones.

Stay engaged through social media

Visit MA 211 for information on essential community services

Plan ahead

Make an emergency preparedness plan

Think about your household's health needs, vulnerabilities, and capabilities when you make your emergency preparedness plan. Whether you are sheltering-in-place or evacuating to a different location, a plan will help keep you and your family safe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, use the COVID-19 Household Checklist to make a plan that will protect you and your family in case of illness.

    Customize your plan to fit your needs

    Make a plan for:

    Consider any event

    Be prepared

    Create an emergency preparedness kit

    Every home should have a basic emergency preparedness kit that can be used for any emergency. Store your kit in an area that is dry and easy to get to. Review your kit every six months to identify and replace outdated supplies. While some items should be in everyone’s kit, it is important to adapt the kit for the needs of you and your family.

    Find a training

    Online Emergency Preparedness Training Courses

    Download a checklist

    Download a free emergency kit checklist and customize to your specific needs:

    COVID-19 resources

    Stay informed about COVID-19 in Massachusetts: sign up for text message alerts or call hotlines and other resources.

      Resources for families

      Resources for individuals

      Resources for individuals with access or functional needs

      Resources for pets

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