The Shrewsbury Emergency Management Agency has added a link to the web site of the Taunton office of the National Weather Service. There is a wealth of timely information on this site including: Their current forecast; current radar; hazardous weather outlooks; special weather statements, watches and warnings; fire weather; tropical storm and hurricane conditions; emergency preparedness information; scientific forecast discussions; river and flood information; long range forecasts; outreach and educational programs; information about the exciting Storm Ready program and much, much more. Please access and surf this site, you will not be disappointed.

What is the weather forecast? What is the hazardous weather outlook? What is the current radar showing? Click here for the National Weather Service Site

To help increase public awareness of the effects hurricanes can have on the Commonwealth and the Preparedness steps we all must take, Governor Deval L. Patrick has proclaimed July as "Massachusetts Hurricane Preparedness Month". Please follow the links below to see all topics discussed in this important series, and also click on the “Hurricane Season” button on the left of the SEMA home page for additional information.

• July is 'Hurricane Preparedness Month' in Massachusetts
• Hurricanes

Heading to a Southern New England South Coast beach? Check the National Weather Service’s Surf Zone Forecast first!

Atlantic Hurricane Season

Experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above normal this year—showing the ongoing active hurricane era remains strong. With the start of the hurricane season upon us, NOAA recommends those in hurricane-prone regions to begin their preparation plans. Click on this link for the full story: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/s2864.htm

• June 1st Marks the Start of the 2008 Hurricane Season

The Director and the Deputy Director are appointed annually by the Chief Executive. They are an agent for, and report directly to, the Chief Executive.

The Agency is linked to the state through Area III of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and takes direction from the Area III Sector Director. The Shrewsbury Local Emergency Planning Committee is fully certified by MEMA.

The director is responsible for preparing and updating the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Utilizing the plan, the Exercise Design Committee is responsible for developing and executing various training exercises for natural and man made disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards and hazardous materials incidents.

We are responsible for the operation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and for training the EOC staff (training shown above).

The EOC is staffed by the Department Heads of all Public Safety Departments and other critical managers as needed to manage the disaster. There are four operating areas of the EOC: Executive; Operations; Communications and Damage Assessment.

The Primary EOC is the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Town Hall. The alternate EOC is Fire Headquarters on Church Rd.

Additionally, SEMA is responsible for the activation and operation of any Emergency Shelter required at the time of a local disaster. The operation of the shelter will be taken over by the American Red Cross as soon as possible after its activation. . The primary shelter is Oak Middle school, 45 Oak Ave. and the alternate shelter is the new high school on Holden St.

There are four phases of Emergency Management:

• Preparation
• Mitigation
• Response
• Recovery

We are involved in all of these areas. The Director serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The Agency also coordinates the availability of the Radiation Detection Instruments and the training of personnel in the use of these devices. The assets are held by the Fire Department in each fire station and at the agency’s office.

MEMA REVISITS ICE SAFETY TIPS

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has reissued information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our lakes, rivers and ponds.

“The tragic and near-tragic events that have taken place over the weekend around the Commonwealth are a grim reminder of the dangers presented by the ice on our lakes, ponds and rivers. With the unusual rising and falling temperatures we have seen this winter, ice conditions on even the smallest pond remain uncertain,” stated MEMA Director Cristine McCombs. “We continue to emphasize the importance of exercising precautions and using common sense.”

Ice Safety Tips

• Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
  
• Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, go for help.
  
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As it ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
  
• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.
  
• Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
  
• Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.
  
• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.
  
• Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
  
• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

By following safety procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter activities offered by the great outdoors.

(Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Colorado State Parks Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)