Resident Resources
Plan & Prepare
Be sure to sign up for the emergency alert system used by your local municipality.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Learn how to create one.
Persons with Access and Functional Needs are those individuals with function-based needs (related to a restriction or limited ability to perform activities normally considered routine) that may require assistance before, during, and /or after a disaster or an emergency. Be sure your preparedness plan includes specific medical support and/or transportation your family members may require.
Access to communication networks, power, and tech devices could be disrupted in an emergency. Creating an emergency communication plan in advance will help ensure all members of your household know how to reach each other and meet up in an emergency.
Pets are family members, too! Learn how include them in your emergency planning.
Recover
Speaking to children after a disaster can be difficult. For some guidance, read tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and this brochure about helping children cope with disaster from FEMA and the American Red Cross.
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor (TTY 800-846-8517).
Mass 2-1-1 was created and is staffed by the United Way. This 24/7 service was created as a resource to connect callers to information about critical health and human services programs. Call 211 for information about available disaster services, shelter information, or referrals for social services.
Read some FAQs from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) about repairing and rebuilding after a disaster.
Additional Resources
Ready.gov a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower people to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. Access Ready.gov for resources, plans and templates, videos, and more.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) provides Massachusetts residents and visitors emergency preparedness resources, emergency alerts, and information during and after emergencies and disasters. MEMA coordinates with federal, state, and local government agencies, non-profits and businesses to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies and disasters.
The mission of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
The American Red Cross aims to meet the immediate disaster-caused needs of individuals, families, and communities.