Mass Receiving is the ability to take care of a large number of evacuees. Through a multi-phased project, the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council has been studying the region’s capacity and capabilities to accommodate people who may evacuate to the area. The project will also identify ways that WRHSAC can assist to improve any identified gaps in capacity and capabilities.
Phase I of the project analyzed the number of people living within a three hour drive radius of western Massachusetts, and how many of those people might both pass through and seek accommodations inĀ the region in the event of a mass evacuation due to a hazards event, either natural or human made. The study found that region’s capacity falls short of what may be needed in a large scale evacuation. The report for phase I is available for download and review.
Phase II explored the development of Evacuation Service Centers or ESC. ESCs can provide short term, immediate services for evacuees rather than long term sheltering. These locations can provide gasoline, food and other temporary resources to aid evacuees traveling through western Massachusetts. The Phase II report defines Evacuation Service Centers, identifies services, staffing and security, messaging and other safety considerations. The report identifies potential ESC sites in western Massachusetts. None of these sites have been designated as such at this time. The Phase II report can be utilized by any town or state seeking to establish an ESC.
The following video provides further detail about the project.