Welcome To The Emergency Management Department

	Dennis Ball | Director Michael J. Halley | Director (h) 781-596-7137 | (c) 978-532-9292 emergencymanagement@nahant.org
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Our mission is to provide the Town of Nahant with an effective and efficient emergency management plan that, when applied, will deliver the highest levels of protection available for life and property during a disaster or an emergency and is acceptable to all members of the community.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins
Start of Hurricane Season is a Reminder to Prepare

June 1st, generally marks the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which runs through November 30th.  While historically the majority of tropical storms and hurricanes that have impacted our region occurred during the months of August and September, it remains important to begin preparing yourself, your family, your home and your business now.  Over the next few months the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will share important preparedness information to help residents be aware of and prepare for the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seasonal outlook predicts an above-normal number of hurricanes this season. Regardless of how many storms develop this year, it only takes one storm to severely impact an area.  In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene produced devastating flooding in Central and Western Massachusetts.  Irene was a reminder that hurricanes and tropical storms can impact the entire Commonwealth, not just coastal regions and all Massachusetts residents need to prepare for the possibility of hurricane impacts this season. To learn more about the hazards associated with hurricanes and tropical storms, visit the MEMA’s hurricane webpage.

“MEMA urges all residents of the Commonwealth to prepare for the impacts of a tropical storm or hurricane,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz.  “As hurricane season begins, residents should learn if they live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, make an emergency plan, assemble and emergency kit, and stay informed.”

Know Your Evacuation Zone
Massachusetts has defined hurricane evacuation zones, designated as Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, for areas of the Commonwealth at risk for storm surge flooding associated with tropical storms or hurricanes. If evacuations are necessary because of a tropical storm or hurricane, local or state officials will use the hurricane evacuation zones to call for people living, working or vacationing in these areas to evacuate. It is important to note that even areas not directly along a coastline may be at risk for storm surge flooding during a tropical storm or hurricane. Find out if you live, work or vacation in a hurricane evacuation zone by visiting the ‘Know Your Zone’ interactive map located on MEMA’s website.

Make an Emergency Plan
Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in a tropical storm or hurricane. An emergency plan should include:
• Meeting Locations
• Emergency Contact Plan
• Evacuation Plans
• Shelter in Place Plans
• Consideration for Family Members with Access and Functional Needs, and Pets

For more information click here.

Build an Emergency Kit
Build an emergency kit of items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store. Emergency kits are particularly important during hurricane season, as there is the threat of extended power outages, flooding, and impassable debris-covered roads. While it is important to customize your kit to meet the unique needs of you and your family, every emergency kit should include bottled water, food, a flashlight, a radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, sanitation items, and clothing. Depending on your family’s needs, emergency kits should also include medications, extra eyeglasses, medical equipment and supplies, children’s items such as diapers and formula, food and supplies for pets and service animals, and other items you or your family members might need during a disaster. For a complete emergency kit checklist here.

Stay Informed
Receiving advance warnings, timely emergency alerts, and information during a disaster is critical to staying safe during a tropical storm or hurricane. Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including Massachusetts Alerts Smartphone App, the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems. For more information, please visit our website.

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Emergency Preparedness.

Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.

Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the free Massachusetts Alerts app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone.

House Numbers for Emergency Personnel...
Can We Find You in an Emergency?

In an emergency, police, fire and rescue workers depend on house numbers to find YOU as quickly as possible. Finding your home - especially at night - can be challenging if address numbers are unreadable, hidden, unlighted or have missing numbers and may delay emergency responders from getting to you as quickly as possible.

Are your house numbers visible from the street? Are they set on a background of contrasting color? If your house is hidden from the street, are your numbers attached to a visible fence, mailbox or gate? If you live on a corner, does your house number face the street named in your address?

If you've answered "no" to any of these questions, please follow the guidelines below to make sure your house number is easy to read:

1. Numbers must be visible from the street. Residential home numbering must be at least four inches high with stroke width of one half inch.  If your house number is painted on the curb, it is best to have the number displayed in two places so that if one is obstructed (snow, vehicles, etc.) responders can view the other.  

2. Numbers should be placed on a contrasting background, with a reflective coating on the numbers for easy visibility at night.

3. Repair or replace aging address number placards, especially on mailboxes that are a distance from the front of the residence.

4. Prune any bushes, tree limbs or other growth that has covered your house numbers.

5. Numbers should be placed on or beside the front door. If your door is not easily seen from the street, put the numbers on a post, fence or tree at the driveway entrance so they can be clearly seen from the street. In addition to numbers on the front door of your house, if you have a rural-style mailbox, reflective and contrasting numbers should be placed on both sides of the box so they can be seen by an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction.

In an effort to enhance awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness for individuals and families, Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed September to be ‘Emergency Preparedness Month’ in the Commonwealth. Working with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will promote public preparedness and safety throughout the month. These efforts are in conjunction with a nationwide effort to encourage all Americans to take simple steps to better prepare themselves and their families for emergencies at home, work and school.

“During the month of September, individuals and families are urged to better prepare themselves and their communities for disasters and other types of emergencies.  Before the next disaster strikes, learn how to receive emergency alerts and critical information, take time to build emergency plans and kits, and get involved in community efforts to build resilience,”  said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “Preparedness reduces casualties, property damage and the economic impact of disasters, and speeds up recovery.”

To help the public better prepare themselves and their families, MEMA will promote four preparedness messages during Emergency Preparedness Month: 1) Be Informed, 2) Develop a Plan, 3) Build a Kit, and 4) Get Involved. Throughout the month, MEMA will encourage all residents of the Commonwealth to: learn the hazards and risks that may affect their communities; find out how to receive emergency warnings and critical information from local and state emergency managers and public safety officials; prepare comprehensive family emergency plans; build emergency kits that are stocked with supplies that will help sustain individuals and families during disasters; and become involved in community efforts to build resilience.

Governor Baker’s Proclamation states, “Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every resident of the Commonwealth, and families and individuals are urged to make preparedness a priority…” All residents of the Commonwealth are encouraged to participate in citizen preparedness activities and to enhance preparedness by using the  resources at http://www.mass.gov/mema.

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.

For additional information about MEMA and Hurricane Preparedness, go to http://www.mass.gov/mema. Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.

Nahant's Emergency Operations Center

Our Emergency Operations Center, or EOC, is the direction and control facility where government at any level can coordinate response and recovery activities during a major emergency or disaster in Nahant. The Nahant EOC is located at the Nahant Police Department at 198 Nahant Road. The Emergency Management Department is responsible for coordinating the readiness of the EOC and providing direct support in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Operations Center Activities Include:
- Activation When A Disaster Occurs Or Is Imminent
- Disaster Event Documentation
- Information Management and Communications
- Resource Management
- Disaster Analysis
- Decision Making
- Response and Recovery Operations

Emergency Operations Center Staffing is Composed of Representative from the following Town Services:
- Emergency Management Director
- Town Administrator
- Board of Selectmen
- Chief of Police
- Fire Chief /Chief of EMS
- Superintendent of Public Works

This group of Town Officials are responsible for all major decisions and overall direction and control in the event of an emergency.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Halley
Emergency Management Director

What Is Emergency Management ?

Emergency Management is the organized community-wide planning, decision making, assignment and coordination of available resources to the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from disasters or emergencies of any kind.

Effective Emergency Management involves four major areas of responsibility:

MITIGATION activities which eliminate or reduce the vulnerability of the community to damage to property or the environment, injury, and loss of life and property resulting from a natural, or technological (man made disaster).

PREPARATION to provide rapid, efficient and coordinated response and recovery actions to protect life, property and the environment.

RESPONSE to emergencies or disasters using all systems, plans and resources available in the community. These activities help reduce casualties and damage, and speed recovery.

RECOVERY from emergencies or disasters by providing rapid and coordinated restoration and rehabilitation services.

Recovery is both a short-term and long-term process. In the short-term, recovery operations seek to restore vital services to the community and provide for the basic needs of the public. Long-term recovery focuses on restoring the community to its normal, or improved, state of affairs.

The recovery period is also an opportunity to institute mitigation measures to lessen the vulnerability of future disasters. The phases are cyclical - all activities and experiences lead back to the mitigation phase. We learn to prevent or lessen the impact of future emergencies by what we learn from past occurrences.

The Emergency Management Team
When disaster strikes, the various resource providers in the Emergency Management Team share the responsibility for utilizing resources to effectively respond to and recovery from its effects. This team includes federal, state and local government agencies, disaster relief organizations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and private sector organizations such as hospitals and utilities. While state and federal governments have emergency response capabilities and resources, initial response in an emergency or disaster is the responsibility of local government.

Nahant's Emergency Management Plan


Emergency Management Planning is an ongoing process. We would like to take this opportunity to begin sharing some of the basic information that will help you in case of an emergency here in Nahant.

Visit the pages on the left and watch for new updates as we add other material. Our complete EM Plan will be published here at a later date.

Hazard Mitigation Plan
Nahant has been working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to complete an update to its 2005 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Completion of the plan allows the Town to apply for federal hazard mitigation programs offered  by FEMA.  

The draft plan has been presented at publicly held and advertised Planning Board and Board of Selectmen meetings to raise awareness of the plan and the Town welcomes your input into the draft plan.  Please take a look at the plan and send your comments directly to: Sam Cleaves, AICP, Sr. Regional Planner scleaves@mapc.org, 617-451-2770 x2013.

Download the Town of Nahant's Harzard Mitigation Plan 2014 (PDF)
Adopted | January 7, 2016

About the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

MEMA's role is to coordinate all resources of the Commonwealth to avert or combat the effects of disaster, either natural or man-made.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has an extensive website with information on both the local and state levels. Topics range from Emergency Information and Preparedness to Training and Event News. Click on the image to visit their website.

Emergency Levels Explained

Level 1: Day-to-Day Emergency: Local response capability can handle the situation. No assistance is required. Situation is being monitored by the State.

Level 2: Minor Emergency: Situation intensifies. Some State assistance may be required. The Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) and the Governor's Office are notified.

Level 3: Major Emergency: Local response capabilities are inadequate. Situation requires State response assistance and possible Federal assistance. State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated. The Governor declares a State Of Emergency.

Level 4: Catastrophic Emergency: Widespread threats to public safety exist. Large scale State and Federal response and recovery assistance is required.

Stay Alert and Stay Informed

MEMA's "Be Prepared" Homepage MEMA's Press Release Website

Using the emergency alerting capabilities of your cellphone to be informed during emergencies is an important component of emergency preparedness.  Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts, including at least one with an audible alert to wake you in the middle of the night.

“The tornado that struck Concord in the overnight hours on August 22nd while residents were sleeping was a reminder of the importance of receiving emergency alerts,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. “Residents in the tornado warning area received alerts through the Wireless Emergency Alerts system on their cellphones.  Additionally, alerts were sent to cellular devices loaded with MEMA’s free Massachusetts Alerts app.  These warnings allowed residents to take shelter before the tornado struck.”

Wireless Emergency Alerts – Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short text-like messages sent to cellphones in an affected area. WEAs are generated automatically when the National Weather Service issues warnings for the most severe weather conditions, including tornados, flash floods, and hurricanes. WEAs also are issued for other types of emergencies, including AMBER alerts.  In Massachusetts, MEMA has the ability to issue WEAs for all types of imminent threats and hazards. You do not need to subscribe to any service to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts; the alerts are sent to all WEA-enabled devices in an impacted or threatened area, and most newer cell phones are automatically enabled to receive WEAs. MEMA encourages residents to check their cellphone settings to ensure that WEAs are enabled to be able to receive emergency alerts.

Additional Resources

Visit The MEMA Website for more alerting and information tools

Be Prepared

We are exposed to a variety of natural and man-made hazards. The best defense against these are knowledge and preparedness. Here are some simple items you can put together that will help you be prepared.

Personal Items

• Identification, Valuable Papers, Policies and Photographs in a Waterproof Container
• Personal Hygiene Items; Soap, Deodorant, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Washcloth, Towels, Sanitary Items, etc.
• Medication; Prescriptions, Aspirin and Antacids etc.
• Specific Medical Information
• Personal Aids; Eyeglasses, Hearing Aids, Canes, etc.
• Infant Care Items; Diapers, Formula etc.
• Sleeping Bag or Blanket, Sheet and Pillow
• Change of Clothing
• Rain-wear
  
  Food and Water

• Foods; Canned Goods and Nonperishable Foods that do not need cooking
• Utensils; Manual Can Opener, Disposable Plates, Cups, Forks, Spoons, etc.
• Drinking Water in Non-breakable Containers (One gallon per person/day)
• Special Dietary Food (If required)
• Portable Outdoor Camping Stove or Grill with Fuel Supply
• Pet Food/Care Items
  

  Other Items

• First Aid Kit
• Toolkit
• Battery-operated Radio
• Flashlight
• Extra Batteries
• Matches
• Books, Magazines, Toys etc.
• Waterproof Container for your all your items
• Trash Bags

Courtesy of the MEMA website

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Snow Ice and Extreme Cold Safety Bulletins

THERE ARE NO ANNOUNCEMENTS AT THIS TIME

Additional Resources

Preparedness and Safety Information and Links
  *   Safety and preparedness tips for extreme cold:
  *   Winter storm preparedness and safety information
  *   Power outage preparedness and safety information

Stay Informed:
For additional information and updated forecasts National Weather Service Taunton and National Weather Service Albany.

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone.

Utilize MEMA's real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times.

Utilize MEMA's live weather radar and forecasting tools, including the live snowfall forecast map.

Online Resources:
For additional information and resources, visit:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
MEMA's Facebook Page
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Weather Service/Taunton
National Weather Service/Albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center
Northeast River Forecast Center
Mass211 at www.mass211.org

Snow and Ice Safety | National Grid

NATIONAL GRID CAUTIONS PUBLIC, WORKERS OF POTENTIAL DANGERS FROM SNOW AND ICE BUILD UP

Clear Snow, Ice from Roofs and Around Gas Meters and Vents

Stay Away from Large Snow Piles and Steer Clear of High-Voltage Equipment 

Waltham, Mass. – As snow piles quickly become snow mountains, and ice and snow continue to fall and accumulate, National Grid urges everyone to take precautions to avoid the potential hazards the wintry weather may present.

Ice and Snow Build Up Poses Risk to Gas Equipment:

The build up of ice and snow around or over gas meters and vents for natural gas appliances can pose a serious safety risk.  Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers’ homes or businesses, resulting in potential gas leaks.  Ice and snow blocking vents have the potential to cause carbon monoxide (CO) to back up into a building, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning to those inside.

To avoid these dangers, National Grid advises natural gas customers to closely inspect areas around and over gas meters, service hook-ups and vents, for ice and snow. Customers are also encouraged to test CO detectors in the home to ensure that they are in working order.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, go outside immediately and breathe deeply; if symptoms are severe, call 911 immediately. 

After calling 911, call the following emergency National Grid contact number in Massachusetts: (800) 233-5325

Snow Mountains Make Electric Wires/Equipment Difficult to See Electric lines and equipment may be covered by snow, but remain live and can be hazardous.  Always stay at least ten feet away from wires, poles or other company equipment.  Don’t climb snow piles below or near overhead lines, and keep pets and children clear of the area.  National Grid cautions the public that snow plows, blowers, roof rakes, shovels and other equipment easily become conductors if they come into contact with energized equipment.

Consider any downed wire to be live and dangerous.  If you see any fallen lines, broken poles or trees touching wires, keep people and animals away, and please contact National Grid immediately.

Who to Call In New England
In New England, National Grid customers should report electric-related incidents or concerns by contacting the company’s Customer Service Contact Center at 800-322-3223.

EMS Resources

National Grid Assistance | In New England, National Grid customers should report electric-related incidents or concerns by contacting the company’s Customer Service Contact Center at 1- 800-322-3223.

National Grid also provides real-time outage information 24 hours a day, including the option to report an outage, in the Outage Central section of the company web page at www.nationalgridus.com

Verizon Assistance | The telecommunications network, like your home, requires power to function properly. If commercial power goes out, backup batteries and generators in Verizon’s central switching offices or field facilities keep power flowing so customers’ phones ring even when the lights go out. Verizon contact numbers will help residents and your municipality deal with telecommunications related issues. Verizon's toll free number 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) and website is www.verizon.com/support