FRAMINGHAM, MA – Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed September 2017 to be Emergency Preparedness Month to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and planning for individuals, families and communities.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) will promote public preparedness throughout the month. These efforts are part of a nationwide preparedness campaign to encourage all Americans to take simple steps to better prepare themselves, and their friends and families, for emergencies at home, work and school, and in their communities.
“Events like Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana and the disasters we have experienced here in the Commonwealth over the last decade are reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness and public safety,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Preparedness reduces casualties, property damage and the economic impacts of disasters, and helps improve the recovery process for our families and communities.”
“The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Department of Public Health and other public safety agencies work with our communities in Massachusetts and partners from all levels of government to strengthen our preparedness for the next emergency,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We encourage residents take steps to prepare their families and homes well in advance to best ensure their safety.”
“Emergency Preparedness Month in September is a time to focus on preparedness” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Before the next disaster strikes, individuals and families should ensure that they will receive emergency alerts and information, build emergency plans and kits, and get involved in community efforts to build resilience.”
To help individuals and families prepare during Emergency Preparedness Month, MEMA will promote four key preparedness messages: 1) Be Informed, 2) Develop an Emergency Plan, 3)Build an Emergency Kit, and 4) Get Involved in community preparedness and resilience. MEMA will also stress the importance of considering the unique preparedness needs of children, pets, seniors and people with access and functional needs.
MEMA’s website, www.mass.gov/mema, features resources to help prepare for emergencies and information about the hazards common in Massachusetts. MEMA will also share emergency preparedness tips on Twitter and Facebook and will support various emergency preparedness events across the state.
Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.
