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The following tips are republished from a press release issued by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) on July 6, 2007. For more information about this press release or about MEMA please contact Peter Judge at 508-820-2002.
Framingham, MA – As we enter the 2006 Hurricane Season, which experts are predicting to be very active, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is offering personal preparedness tips for the all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“Every home and business should have a basic supply kit that could be used for any emergency,” states MEMA Acting Director Ken McBride. “Everyone should keep certain items around the house in the event of a hurricane or other severe weather. A portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and extra non-perishable food and water are all essential to help your family weather the storm.”
Every household should have a supply of canned goods and other non-perishable foods that do not need cooking, along with bottled water, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets. A manual can opener and a basic first aid kit are also essential.
“Every family should develop a ‘Family Communication Plan’ to help ensure everyone is safe. You should call your local authorities learn about potential evacuation routes and the location of emergency shelters in your community,” said McBride. “It is important to familiarize yourself with your Community’s Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs.”
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness Month, go to www.mass.gov/mema .
Develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ in case family members are separated from one another during an emergency (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work or traveling and children are at school, camp or a friend’s home). You can then develop a have a plan for safely getting back together. This will help assure everyone that all family members are safe.