Governor Healey Proclaims September “Emergency Preparedness Month”
Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed September 2023 to be Emergency Preparedness Month to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage planning for disasters and other types of emergencies. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) will promote public preparedness through various outreach initiatives throughout the month.
These efforts are part of a month-long nationwide preparedness campaign to encourage residents – particularly older adults who may be more vulnerable to disaster impacts – to take simple steps to better prepare themselves, their homes, their businesses, and their communities.
“The destructive floods and severe weather across Massachusetts this summer, as well as the recent natural disasters across the country, are reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness,” said Governor Healey. “As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to be proactive in protecting our families, properties, and businesses. I encourage all Massachusetts residents to evaluate your emergency readiness and take proactive steps to stay informed, make an emergency kit, and develop a plan for your family.”
“The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Department of Public Health and other public safety agencies work closely with our communities in Massachusetts and across all levels of government to strengthen our preparedness for the next disaster,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Emergency Preparedness Month is a great time for us to reinforce those ties within our communities and to continue to remind them of the importance of preparing for the unexpected.”
Massachusetts is susceptible to many natural hazards, including floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, severe winter weather, tornadoes, coastal storms, thunderstorms, earthquakes, lightning, extreme temperatures, infectious diseases, and man-made disasters, including hazardous materials incidents, nuclear power plant incidents, power outages, transportation accidents, water supply problems, terrorism and more.
Read Governor Healey’s Release in its entirety at Governor Healey Proclaims “Emergency Preparedness Month” | Mass.gov.
