Massachusetts Launches Emergency Preparedness Campaign in September

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has officially designated September as “Emergency Preparedness Month” to emphasize the critical need for individuals and families to plan for various emergencies. This initiative, part of a national campaign titled “Preparedness Starts at Home,” seeks to improve readiness for natural and manmade disasters. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and other organizations, will engage in a series of outreach efforts throughout the month.

The campaign will include a range of activities aimed at educating residents about emergency planning, including how to build an emergency kit, prepare for disasters, and engage with local community preparedness initiatives. MEMA plans to share valuable information via its social media platforms, covering essential topics that affect all Massachusetts residents. Local coordinators and outreach staff will participate in community events designed to strengthen preparedness in various regions.

In a statement, Healey remarked, “Emergencies come in many forms, from severe flooding to structure fires and wildfires, which is why it is essential to be prepared.” She cited the previous year’s historic wildland fire season, which saw over 4,500 acres scorched across communities such as Great Barrington and Middleton, as a stark reminder of the importance of readiness. With the current dry conditions in the region, the potential for further wildfires remains a significant concern.

This month’s preparedness checklist aligns closely with the guidelines issued during the state’s “Hurricane Preparedness Week” in July, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance in the face of natural disasters. Residents are encouraged to create a family emergency plan, assemble a 72-hour emergency kit, sign up for local alerts, and stay informed through reliable sources such as NOAA Weather Radio.

Resources are available on the state’s official website, Mass.gov/ready, which provides tips in multiple languages, along with safety guidelines pertinent to specific threats and hazards.

As students return to academic institutions, September also marks College Fire Safety Month. Jon M. Davine, the State Fire Marshal, urges students and parents to ensure their living spaces are equipped with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. He emphasizes the importance of knowing at least two exit routes in case of a fire emergency.

Recent statistics reveal that between 2020 and 2024, Massachusetts fire departments responded to 2,491 fires in student dormitories, fraternities, and sororities, resulting in five civilian injuries and damages estimated at approximately $3.7 million. The majority of these incidents were related to unsafe cooking practices, particularly unattended cooking.

“Always stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop,” Davine advised. “Set a timer if you’re using the oven, and if you’re feeling drowsy or impaired, it’s safer to order takeout.”

Fire safety is especially crucial in off-campus housing, where two college students tragically lost their lives in separate incidents in 2013. Davine noted that September sees the highest number of fires on college campuses, followed closely by October. To minimize risks, he recommends that fire-safety measures, such as keeping windows, doors, and stairways clear of obstructions, be maintained throughout the year.

“Landlords are legally required to provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, so if your rental doesn’t have them, insist on their installation,” Davine stated.

Awareness of safety measures and clear exit strategies can significantly reduce injuries and property damage during fires. Students are encouraged to adopt preventive practices, ensuring they remain safe while enjoying their college experience. For further information on fire safety for both on-campus and off-campus living, individuals can visit www.mass.gov/fds.

As Massachusetts embarks on this emergency preparedness initiative, the focus on proactive planning seeks to equip residents with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate unexpected challenges effectively.