Featured Announcement from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

As we enter the 2011 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 stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency, regardless of the time of year,” states MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Everyone should keep certain items around the house and workplace in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power”

Each kit will be unique to each family, but should include the essentials: a portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, and extra prescription medication, if necessary.

 “All families should develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ to help ensure everyone is safe. You should contact your local authorities to learn about your community’s potential evacuation routes and the location of emergency shelters,” said Schwartz. “It is important to familiarize yourself with your Community’s Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs.”

Develop a Disaster Supply Kit ‘Go Bag’, with essentials in case you must evacuate quickly.

SUGGESTED HURRICANE SUPPLIES:

* Canned goods and nonperishable foods, particularly those that do not need cooking:

• Canned meats and fish                        
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Bread, cookies and crackers                
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Peanut butter and jelly                     
• Canned soups and puddings
• Coffee and tea                       
• Canned fruit juices

* Manual can opener

* Bottled water (1 gallon per person/per day)

* Prescription medication (2-week supply)

* Extra eyeglasses

* Pet food/supplies

* Water purification tablets (halazone)

* Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

* Infant care items:

• Disposable diapers           
• Baby food
• Baby wipes                   
• Formula

* First aid supplies

* Masking and duct tape

* Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries

* Battery operated radio, with extra batteries

* Cell phone with charger

* Watch or battery operated clock

* Ice chest

* Matches

* Canned heat (sterno)

* Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply

* A certain amount of cash

* Important documents (Such as wills, deeds, prescriptions, passports, birth certificates, health record, proof of address, Social Security number)

* Emergency generator

* Plastic trash bags

* Plastic sheeting or tarp

* Chlorinated bleach

* Personal hygiene items

* Other useful items:

• Work gloves             
• Screwdriver
• Sun lotion                  
• Hammer
• Insect repellent             
• Handsaw
• Pliers                   
• Wrenches
• Ax or chainsaw             
• Razor knife
• Rope caulking            
• Rope and wire
• Nails and screws             
• All-purpose cleaner
• Broom, mop and bucket             
• Sandbags
• Ladder                
• Shovel, rake and wheelbarrow
• Tree pruner     
• Sheets of plywood

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 manmade.

For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.