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This project developed regionally inclusive evacuation maps that take into account conditions that would initiate evacuation flow out of the area, and conditions that might initiate evacuation flow into the region. The research, data compilation and map development were completed by the three regional planning agencies, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Critical infrastructure data layers were incorporated into the maps. Primary, secondary and alternate routes were plotted on the maps. The maps have been distributed to each municipality in the four counties of western Massachusetts. If any town official is interested in these maps please contact Susan Brown, Homeland Security Program Manager. The project was completed in 2012.
Reference: Evacuation
September is National Preparedness Month. In September 2012, WRHSAC conducted an personal emergency preparedness awareness campaign throughout western Massachusetts. Awareness events were held throughout the region and WRHSAC had information booths at regional events such as the Tri County Fair, the Franklin County Fair, the Big E and Pittsfield’s Third Thursday. The month long campaign also served to raise awareness of WRHSAC’s emergency preparedness website Western Mass Ready, which was revised and updated in the summer of 2012.
Reference: personal emergency preparedness
The Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council purchased twenty-eight Harris Unity XG-100P multi-band radios. Seven radios are located in four caches in the region, one in each county. The radios have the ability to be used on any public safety communication system in the region and are available for use by public safety agencies throughout Western Mass. To locate the radio cache closest to you and learn how to borrow the radios, please see the WRHSAC Resource Guide.
Reference: Interoperability, Multi band radios, Public Safety Communications
This report provides a summary of current emergency communication practices, including communication with the public and between response agencies, identifies communication gaps, and provides recommended actions to address those gaps. Click here to download the PDF.
Reference: personal emergency preparedness, Public Emergency Communciation Strategies
Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council funded the purchase of the online reporting system created by “Coplogic.” Coplogic can be used by the community to report incidents and submit complaints via a secure browser connection. It can help save time reporting many non-emergency occurrences, such as traffic complaints, vandalism to a motor vehicle, or an anonymous tip.
This user friendly program is available 24/7 with the option to file a report in either English or Spanish. Coplogic online reporting is available through the websites of the police departments in the following towns:
Reference: Coplogic, Information Sharing
WRHSAC has purchased a total of five Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) Trailers. The trailers are stocked with necessary equipment to run a pet friendly shelter. Each trailer is associated with a specific DART in western Massachusetts. The Teams and trailers respond throughout western Massachusetts as needed. See the Resource Guide for trailer location and contact information.
Reference: Disaster Animal Response Team, Pet Friendly Shelters, Sheltering Equipment
WRHSAC continues its efforts towards educating the public on steps to take towards personal emergency preparedness, by coordinating with municipalities and REPCs in public outreach, outreach education campaign including billboards, movie slides, public service announcements, etc., and Council sponsored websites: www.westernmassready.org and www.wrhsac.org.
Reference: personal emergency preparedness, Public Emergency Communciation Strategies
This project focused on improving all-hazards emergency preparedness and response capacity for IRAA students, faculty and staff in public elementary and secondary schools. Tools established in early IRAA projects were utilized as a basis for this school readiness program. The project coordinated will be with parent organizations, school faculty and staff, first responders and students. Individual emergency preparedness plan tools for students, parents/guardians, and teacher where developed in the project. These are available for anyone to use. To learn more visit the project page.
Reference: Functional Needs, Indivduals Requiring Additional Assistance, Schools
Emergency preparedness for Individuals Requiring Additional Assistance (IRAA) Functional Needs is an area of ongoing focus for the WRHSAC. Accomplishments of the project to date include: “Let’s Make A Plan” emergency preparedness education for IRAA individuals and support agencies; continuing operation planning for CBOs that support IRAA; first responder awareness training; IRAA sheltering considerations and emergency response strategies specific to the deaf and hard of hearing. To learn more and access documents visit the project website page.
Reference: Functional Needs, Indivduals Requiring Additional Assistance, personal emergency preparedness, Shelter Planning
The WRHSAC purchased, in 2010, four mobile attack foam trailers, one for each county. These special trailers each hold and pump 500 gallons of foam specifically formulated to attack ethanol fuel based fires. They respond via mutual aid to fuel fires in the region. The Council established a foam cache to resupply expended foam within a 24-hour period. This cache was secured through a certified vendor. The cache is resupplied through the insurance reimbursement received by the hosting fire department for the expended foam. Since this reimbursement process can be time consuming, the foam cache allows immediate resupply and keep the trailers in ready response. The cache was established in 2011
Reference: Ethanol, Fire, Foam Trailers, hazmat equipment
