State Agency Contacts
MEMA
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is the first point of contact for local emergency management directors navigating recovery operations. Your MEMA Local Coordinator is an excellent resource if you have any outstanding needs or requests for state assistance.
MEMA West Regional Office: 413-750-1400
MEMA East Tewksbury Office: 978-328-1500
MEMA East Franklin: 774-613-5400
Office of Dam Safety
Municipalities that have concerns related to area dams should contact the DCR Office of Dam Safety: 617-719-1942
Department of Transportation
Concerns related to state-owned bridges and roadways should be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Cleanup & Assessments
Debris Removal/Home Cleanup
Home Cleanup Hotline
The Home Cleanup Hotline is open to help individuals affected by flooding in Massachusetts. Residents can call 978-219-6107 to be connected with volunteers who can assist with fallen trees; drywall, flooring and appliance removal; tarping roofs; and mold mitigation. All services are free and the hotline will remain open through Friday, Sept. 29.
Damage Assessments
Local public safety officials can utilize MEMA's live damage assessment form to record damage caused by this flooding incident. EMDs can contact their MEMA Local Coordinator for a link to the form.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is initiating an effort to determine whether the Commonwealth and any of its counties may be eligible to receive federal disaster assistance under a Presidential declaration as a result of the September 11-13, 2023 Severe Storms and Flooding. The determination of eligibility is a multi-step process, and we are engaging in the first step – initial damage assessments (IDAs).
Under this process, MEMA is seeking information to determine eligibility for individual assistance (IA) and business recovery programs. Additional information about Public Assistance IDAs will be forthcoming.
Local emergency management officials should distribute the survey link below to impacted residents and business owners. This information will be used to determine whether the Commonwealth may be eligible to request federal disaster assistance and whether there is a basis for engaging in the second step of the eligibility process – formal FEMA/State Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs).
The form can be accessed at the following link:
https://forms.office.com/g/XZXP1mUVXg
For assistance with the form, to submit by phone, or for access in multiple languages, residents and businesses should call Mass 2-1-1 (x 20). The link will be available for form submission through Friday, September 29, 2023.
Volunteers
If you have residents who would like to volunteer during recovery efforts, visit: https://voadma.wpengine.com/
Financial Assistance
MA Division of Local Services
In light of the recent flooding events in the Commonwealth, the Division of Local Services (DLS) would like to direct municipal managers to the DLS resources regarding emergency declarations and emergency spending procedures under MGL 44 § 31.
DLS has a document on how to account for insurance proceeds.
Local officials with questions should contact their Bureau of Accounts field representative.
If local counsels have any questions, they can utilize DLS’ “Attorney of the Day” service by emailing DLSlaw@dor.state.ma.us.
USDA Rural Development
Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants
What it is: Funding for essential community facilities in rural areas
Eligibility Details: Cities, villages, townships, and towns with no more than 20,000 residents
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
What it is: Funding to recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water
Eligibility: Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less
Educational Resources
Volunteer and Donations Management
Managing Spontaneous Volunteers | FEMA
Access and Functional Needs
Access and Functional Needs Toolkit | CDC
Shelter and Housing
Sheltering Handbook | Red Cross
Emergency Housing Vouchers | HUD.gov