Press Release  Governor Healey Proclaims “Emergency Preparedness Month”

FRAMINGHAM — Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed September 2023 to be Emergency Preparedness Month to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage planning for disasters and other types of emergencies. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) will promote public preparedness through various outreach initiatives throughout the month. 

These efforts are part of a month-long nationwide preparedness campaign to encourage residents – particularly older adults who may be more vulnerable to disaster impacts – to take simple steps to better prepare themselves, their homes, their businesses, and their communities. 

“The destructive floods and severe weather across Massachusetts this summer, as well as the recent natural disasters across the country, are reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness,” said Governor Healey. “As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to be proactive in protecting our families, properties, and businesses. I encourage all Massachusetts residents to evaluate your emergency readiness and take proactive steps to stay informed, make an emergency kit, and develop a plan for your family.” 

“The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Department of Public Health and other public safety agencies work closely with our communities in Massachusetts and across all levels of government to strengthen our preparedness for the next disaster,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Emergency Preparedness Month is a great time for us to reinforce those ties within our communities and to continue to remind them of the importance of preparing for the unexpected.” 

Massachusetts is susceptible to many natural hazards, including floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, severe winter weather, tornadoes, coastal storms, thunderstorms, earthquakes, lightning, extreme temperatures, infectious diseases, and man-made disasters, including hazardous materials incidents, nuclear power plant incidents, power outages, transportation accidents, water supply problems, terrorism and more. 

“Preparedness is essential to recovery and resilience. Emergency Preparedness Month offers an important reminder about proactive steps individuals can take to protect loved ones and minimize the impacts of an emergency or disaster,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I’d also like to commend MEMA and our many partner agencies for their commitment to our Commonwealth’s readiness and for providing Massachusetts residents with essential preparedness planning resources.”  

Visitors to Mass.Gov/Ready can access general preparedness tips available in several different languages and learn how to prepare for specific threats and hazards.  

“During Emergency Preparedness Month, we want to stress the importance of considering the unique preparedness needs of children, pets, seniors and people with disabilities,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The best way to prepare is to develop an emergency plan that accounts for the needs of everyone in your family, build a kit of essential supplies, and connect with resources that can help you stay informed during an emergency.” 

“In times of uncertainty and crisis, our strongest tools are knowledge, readiness, coordination, and collaboration. Emergency Preparedness Month serves as a reminder of the essentialness of having thoughtful plans and sound strategies in place to equitably save lives, support those affected, promote resilience, and keep our communities healthy and strong in the face of any challenge,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. 

During September, MEMA and DPH will share information on their respective social media accounts about emergency preparedness topics including emergency planning, building an emergency kit, preparing for disasters, youth preparedness, ways to get involved in community preparedness, and more. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will also feature highway signage to raise awareness of Emergency Preparedness Month. 

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