Fwd: Emergency Alerts To Keep You Safe

Emergency Alerts To Keep You Safe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2016

Christopher Besse, MEMA PIO
christopher.besse@state.ma.us<mailto:christopher.besse@state.ma.us>
508-820-2039


Emergency Alerts To Keep You Safe

Alerts Before Concord Tornado Allowed Residents to Take Shelter



FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) encourages all residents of the Commonwealth to use their cellphones to receive emergency alerts and warnings about imminent severe weather and other threatening situations.  This past Monday morning, many residents of the Concord, Massachusetts neighborhood that was hit by a tornado were awoken fifteen minutes before the tornado hit by emergency alerting systems on their cellphones.  The advance warning allowed those residents to move to safety within their homes before the tornado hit.

Using the emergency alerting capabilities of your cellphone to be informed during emergencies is an important component of emergency preparedness.  Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts, including at least one with an audible alert to wake you in the middle of the night.

"The tornado that struck Concord in the overnight hours on August 22nd while residents were sleeping was a reminder of the importance of receiving emergency alerts," said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. "Residents in the tornado warning area received alerts through the Wireless Emergency Alerts system on their cellphones.  Additionally, alerts were sent to cellular devices loaded with MEMA's free Massachusetts Alerts app.  These warnings allowed residents to take shelter before the tornado struck."

Wireless Emergency Alerts - Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short text-like messages sent to cellphones in an affected area. WEAs are generated automatically when the National Weather Service issues warnings for the most severe weather conditions, including tornados, flash floods, and hurricanes. WEAs also are issued for other types of emergencies, including AMBER alerts.  In Massachusetts, MEMA has the ability to issue WEAs for all types of imminent threats and hazards. You do not need to subscribe to any service to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts; the alerts are sent to all WEA-enabled devices in an impacted or threatened area, and most newer cell phones are automatically enabled to receive WEAs. MEMA encourages residents to check their cellphone settings to ensure that WEAs are enabled to be able to receive emergency alerts.



For iPhones:

*       Go to Settings > Notifications

*       Scroll to the bottom in the "Government Alerts" section and make sure that "AMBER Alerts" and "Emergency Alerts" are turned on.



For Androids

*       Go to Messages > Settings OR you may have an "Emergency Alerts" icon

*       Go to the "Emergency Alerts" section and make sure that "Extreme Alert", "Severe Alert" and "AMBER Alerts" are turned on.



For other cell phone models or for technical information, contact your cell phone carrier.


Massachusetts Alerts - The Massachusetts Alerts app provides weather warnings from the National Weather Service and emergency alerts and information from MEMA based on your location, proximity to an event or incident, and the preferences you select. The free Massachusetts Alerts app is available for Android<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ping4.ping4alerts.mass> and iPhone<https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/massachusetts-alerts/id889067062?> devices. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts and frequently asked questions, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp<http://www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp>.

For more information about types of alerting and information tools, visit: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/be-prepared/be-informed/



MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema<http://www.mass.gov/mema>. Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA<http://www.twitter.com/MassEMA>; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA<http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA>; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA<http://www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA>.

Massachusetts Alerts<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/be-prepared/be-informed/massachusetts-alerts.html>: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp<http://www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp>.

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Fwd: MEMA Hurricane Power Outages News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Peter Judge, MEMA PIO
> August 15, 2016 peter.judge@state.ma.us<mailto:peter.judge@state.ma.us>
> (508) 820-2002
>
> MEMA ISSUES POWER OUTAGE SAFETY TIPS
> Extended Loss of Power, During and After a Hurricane, Is a Real Possibility
>
>
> FRAMINGHAM, MA - Throughout this hurricane season the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) continues urges residents to prepare for the possible impacts of a hurricane or tropical storm. These storms can bring strong winds that cause widespread power outages.
>
>
>
> "As we have experienced in recent years with a variety of storms, accompanying strong winds have the capability to topple utility poles and trees, as well as snap tree limbs causing them to fall on power lines and disrupt electrical service," warns MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. "It is important to plan for prolonged power outages and learn the practical steps you can take to keep your family safe."
>
> While power is often restored in a reasonably short time, history has shown that more destructive hurricanes and tropical storms can cause prolonged power outages because restoration is hindered by multiple downed trees and wires, debris blocking roads, and flooding that limits the utility companies' ability to address issues. MEMA offers the following tips for preparing for, and dealing with a longer term power outage:
>
>
> * Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working.
> * A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm.
> * Flashlights are safest for lighting, unlike candles which can be a fire hazard.
> * Fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices before the storm.
> * Ensure that you have extra batteries as part of your family's emergency kit<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/be-prepared/kit/>.
> * If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
> * Download the Massachusetts Alerts<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/be-prepared/be-informed/massachusetts-alerts.html> free app to your smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA.
> * Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using a generator.
>
> * Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors. Carbon Monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly accumulate indoors.
> * Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator directly into household wiring, a practice known as "backfeeding." This is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
>
> * Don't get overheated. If the power goes out when it is hot outside, stay in the lowest level of your home where it will be coolest, put on light-weight, light-colored clothing, and drink lots of water. Remember to give your pets and/or service animals fresh, cool water; and if you need it, see if your community has "cooling centers" or shelters open.
> * Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information; use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Contact your utility company to report the outage and get restoration information.
> * Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.
>
> FOOD AND WATER PREPARATION
>
> * If you have a water supply that could be affected by a power outage, such as a well-water pump system, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water.
>
> * Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water.
> * Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
>
> * Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
> o Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).
>
> MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
>
> * Find out about individual assistance that may be available in your community if you need it.
>
> * Register in advance with the local emergency management agency, the local fire department, other government agencies or non-profit groups.
>
> * If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
> * If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices.
> * If you have life-support devices that depend on electricity, contact your local electric company about your power needs for life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, breathing machines, etc.) in advance of an emergency. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list.
>
> * Talk to your equipment suppliers about your power options.
> * Let the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices.
>
> TRAVELING DURING A POWER OUTAGE
>
> * Keep the gas tank in your car at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
> * Know where the manual release lever for your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so you might need help to lift it.
> * If a traffic light is out, treat all intersections as a four-way stop.
>
> SAFE RESTORATION OF POWER AND RECOVERY
>
> * In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereos, microwave ovens, computers, cordless telephones, answering machines and garage door openers.
> * Leave one light on so that you will know when your power returns.
> * Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris. Never attempt to touch or moved downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
> * Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem such as downed wires.
> * Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 or more hours or if it has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
>
> MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.
>
> For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema<http://www.mass.gov/mema>. Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA<http://www.twitter.com/MassEMA>; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA<http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA>; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA<http://www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA>.
>
> Massachusetts Alerts<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/be-prepared/be-informed/massachusetts-alerts.html>: To receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp<http://www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp>.
>
>
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>
>
>
> Peter W. Judge
> Public Information Officer
> Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
> 400 Worcester Road
> Framingham, MA 01702-5399
>
> Direct: 508.820.2002
> 24 hr.: 508.820.2000
> Fax: 508.820.2030
> peter.judge@state.ma.us
>
>
> ---------
> This message has been sent from MEMA's Listserv.
> To unsubscribe from this listserv, call MEMA Region 1 at (978) 328-1500.

Fwd: Situational Awareness Statement: Excessive Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Subject: Situational Awareness Statement: Excessive Heat and Heavy Rainfall

[MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT][cid:image003.jpg@01D1F2FC.3E8D8F00]

DATE:              August 10, 2016
TIME:              11:30 AM
SUBJECT:         Situational Awareness Statement: Excessive Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Situation:  Today and tonight showers and scattered strong thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are possible.  Thursday through Saturday hot and very humid weather expected.  Heat watches/warnings will likely be issued.  Friday through Monday rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected with at least locally heavy rainfall at times.  There will be the risk for localized urban flooding with the highest risk this weekend (despite the current drought conditions).

Heat/Humidity:
·   Heat Advisory issued for much of eastern MA Thursday, where we are most confident in the Heat Index reaching 100 to perhaps 105 degrees Thursday afternoon.
·   Afternoon heat indices could reach 100 degrees elsewhere, with the exception of the immediate South Coast, Cape Cod, and the Islands.
Localized Heavy Rainfall:
·   Highest risk Sunday - Monday.
·   Periods of on/off showers and thunderstorms could yield localized heavy rain.
·   Urban flooding is the primary concern.
·   There is still uncertainty as to where the heaviest rain will fall. It could end up north or south of our area.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

·   Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.

·   Check with your local authorities or Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.

·   Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.

·   Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.

·   For more heat safety tips, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/heat<http://www.mass.gov/mema/heat>
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[cid:image005.jpg@01D1F2FC.3E8D8F00]
[cid:image006.jpg@01D1F2FC.3E8D8F00]
MEMA Operations:
The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring).  MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.

Stay Informed:
For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston<http://www.weather.gov/boston> (National Weather Service Taunton) and www.weather.gov/albany<http://www.weather.gov/albany> (National Weather Service Albany)

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp<http://www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp>.

Utilize MEMA's real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Online Resources:
For additional information and resources, visit:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema<http://www.mass.gov/mema>
MEMA's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA<http://twitter.com/massema>
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov<http://www.fema.gov>
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston<http://www.weather.gov/boston>
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany<http://www.weather.gov/albany>
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center:  http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Northeast River Forecast Center: http://www.weather.gov/nerfc/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org<http://www.mass211.org>


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To unsubscribe from this listserv, call MEMA Region 1 at (978) 328-1500.