Emergency Preparedness
Homeland Security Planning
Western Massachusetts Homeland Security Region.
Project Overview
FRCOG staff work in partnership with the other two regional planning agencies in Western Massachusetts to serve as consultants to the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council in the development of tools to strengthen the region's response to large-scale natural and man-made disasters. These tools include a searchable resource directory with information on the expertise and equipment of public and private agencies and organizations; a regional mutual aid agreement to be used among western Massachusetts municipalities; information on priority critical infrastructure; and evacuation plans for special needs populations.
Current Activities
In 2005, FRCOG staff developed the first phase of a searchable resource directory database, whose purpose is to provide first responders and incident commanders with easy access to information about the location and availability of critical resources needed in emergencies. The first phase includes information on heavy equipment and transportation resources. The directory uses a "click-it" navigation system in Windows using predefined queries to identify the agencies and businesses with the desired equipment and expertise. FRCOG staff also assisted in the review of a model 101-town mutual aid agreement (MAA) to be used to share resources among towns in a large-scale natural or man-made disaster. In addition, FRCOG staff are working to develop a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for use between local officials and businesses, which will provide towns with access to equipment, personnel, and supplies at pre-arranged rates (set by FEMA). Finally, FRCOG has been working to update a geo-database of critical infrastructure and chemical hazard information so that first responders and local, state, and federal government agencies will have access to accurate information regarding the locations and equipment of important buildings, agencies, shelters, etc.
Future Plans
In 2006, FRCOG staff will be working to: 1) update the resource directory with additional information related to other types of businesses that could provide critical capacity in the event of a large-scale disaster; 2) educate local officials about the MAA and MOU and encourage towns to use them; 3) continue to update additional priority critical infrastructure data layers; and, 4) participate in the development of regional and local evacuation plans for special needs populations.
Contact: Cameron Weimar