Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

MEMA’s Communications Center operates 24/7. Dispatchers play a critical role in transmitting, receiving, and disseminating messages for 7 state agencies?and?monitoring and reporting significant incidents statewide. #WeAreEM

Over the weekend, MEMA East held a fantastic day of education and networking with community volunteers who play a vital role in strengthening resilience. Thanks to the #CERT volunteers who contribute to making our communities safer and stronger, and to FEMA Region 1 for hosting! Learn more about how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/e_SzvnTi

Recently, the State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA underwent significant renovations to make it fully accessible. During the process, the SEOC floor was raised to a single level, and railings and two small sets of steps were removed to allow better access for all. Last year, MEMA and the Massachusetts Office on Disability signed a memorandum of understanding, formalizing a partnership to strengthen access and equity in emergency management. Learn more about the renovations and the commonwealth’s commitment to accessibility in a conversation with MEMA Director Dawn Brantley and MOD Executive Director Mary Mahon McCauley. https://lnkd.in/eD5UEKsj

Inspiring morning at the quarterly Massachusetts Women in Emergency Management Meeting! More than 100 women attended virtually and in person to share recent successes and lessons learned, and to hear about Massachusetts Task Force 1 (MA-TF1) – one of the nation’s 28 FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Teams. The search and rescue K-9s and their handlers hosted an impressive demonstration using MA-TF1’s engineered rubble pile where they practiced their life-saving skills. #WeAreEM

Last week, MEMA organized a Recovery Resource Center (RRC) with 23 state, local, and nonprofit agencies to support individuals impacted by the 6-alarm fire in the City of Chelsea. The RRC served 52 survivors (and their pets), connecting them with available assistance and providing essential supplies. Thank you to the many partners who supported this effort: American Red Cross - Massachusetts The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Mystic Valley Elder Services Boston Center for Independent Living Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Metro Housing|Boston Massachusetts Department Of Transitional Assistance MSPCA-Angell The Home for Little Wanderers Tzu Chi The Neighborhood Developers First Church of Winthrop La Colaborativa Chelsea Public Schools Chelsea Fire Department Chelsea Police Department Chelsea Office of Emergency Management Chelsea Elder Services Fidel Maltez #ThisisEM

MEMA was proud to take part in the 13th annual Back-to-School Celebration at the TD Garden to help support about 3000 plus Boston-area students. As you begin preparing to send the kiddos back to school, remember that disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere. Talk to your kids about how they can be better prepared as you’re gathering school supplies. Get your whole family involved. A prepared family is a safer family. Think: Do you have a family emergency plan? Do you have an emergency kit? Thank you to all the community partners who participated. We enjoyed discussing the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies with both the kids and parents. For more resources and information click here: https://www.ready.gov/kids.

For #WeAreEM Wednesday, MEMA is highlighting Federal Grants Fiscal Coordinator Darlyne Joseph who works in the Fiscal Unit. As the Federal Grants Fiscal Coordinator Darlyne manages federal funding, processing, and compliance. She is the fiscal liaison to all MEMA federal grant programs.??

Today’s #MitigationMonday topic focuses on FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grants. These grants provide funding to assist communities in implementing mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flooding for properties insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In MA, Home Elevation or Acquisition are the two of the most common project types. The attached photos show a home on the South Shore that was raised and placed on stilts. Since only communities can apply for grant funding for these types of projects on a homeowner’s behalf, it's essential to check with your municipality if you are interested. #MitigationMonday Communities or organizations that are interested can submit an FMA statement of interest and click here: https://lnkd.in/e4HjWdA8

Attention all #MAWomenInEM! The second quarterly meeting of MA Women in Emergency Management will take place on?August 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, and is being hosted by MA Task Force 1 (MA-TF1) in Beverly. Join women emergency managers from all career levels, and regions of Massachusetts for a morning full of impactful learning, networking, and empowerment. To register, click here: https://lnkd.in/eVTdg2tB This quarter's agenda includes a presentation from MA-TF1 Program Manager Janice Corkhum, group networking, a demonstration with MA-TF1's search and rescue K9s, and a tour of the facility.

This week, MEMA is highlighting All Hazards Planner Scott Langlands. As an All Hazards Planner, Scott works to update emergency management plans for the Commonwealth and collaborates with multiple stakeholders to disseminate situational awareness products during incidents. Scott is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Vermont Army National Guard. This month, Scott earned his Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College. As the final step in Scott’s degree program, he and MEMA Assistant Director for Planning and Preparedness David Bryant attended the college’s National Security Seminar for a four-day event during which civilian leaders like David had an opportunity to discuss current national security issues with future military leaders. Congratulations, Scott, and thank you for your service! #WeAreEM