Press Release  Hundreds of Emergency Management Professionals Participate in Inaugural Statewide Hurricane Symposium on Cape Cod

BOURNE — Yesterday, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) convened the state’s first Hurricane Preparedness Symposium at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Conference Center. More than 200 state, local, federal, and private sector emergency managers and public safety officials from across Massachusetts discussed the State’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other tropical storms, as well as available resources and capabilities to aid in the preparation for and response to severe weather events.  
 
The event followed Hurricane Preparedness Week, which Governor Maura Healey declared earlier in July, and the program included expert speakers, demonstrations, and breakout sessions on topics ranging from best practices for evacuations and sheltering to building weather-ready communities.  
 
“Massachusetts’ Statewide Hurricane Symposium illustrates our commitment to engage partners in the shared goals of preparedness, mutual aid, and sustainable recovery,” said Governor Maura Healey. “In the last few weeks alone, the floods affecting Massachusetts families, businesses, and communities have renewed our local and state emergency management leaders’ urgency around these topics. We commend each of them for the work they do to keep our residents safe.” 
 
“We have been fortunate that we have not seen a hurricane make landfall in Massachusetts for over 30 years, but the need for training and preparation like this event is critical to mitigating the substantial impacts a tropical system could have across the entire state – from Pittsfield to Provincetown,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. 
 
Symposium keynote speakers included former FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor and Andy Nash, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service Boston/Norton office. Presenters from various sectors, including non-profits, private enterprises, and government agencies shared real-world experiences and showcased successful preparedness initiatives. 
 
“This Hurricane Symposium provides an important opportunity for partners to share information about emerging serious weather trends and develop responsive mitigation strategies,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I commend Director Brantley and the MEMA team for assembling a diverse group of participants focused on the shared goal of emergency preparedness and community resiliency.” 
 
“I’m extremely proud of the work our staff is doing to promote hurricane preparedness and appreciative to Mass Maritime for welcoming us into their beautiful new conference facility,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “Former FEMA Administrator Gaynor led the federal response to the most active Atlantic hurricane season in history and we can’t thank him enough for sharing his expertise with us here in Massachusetts.” 
 
Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. Visit MEMA’s website for hurricane preparedness tips and resources. 

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