Governor Baker Declares State of Emergency Effective Immediately
Governor signs State of Emergency, announces statewide travel ban effective at midnight
Boston - In preparation for the approaching blizzard set to severely impact the Commonwealth, Governor Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency, effective immediately, to ensure statewide resources are available for preparation and quick response for all cities and towns. Speaking at a press conference today at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Governor Baker announced that state offices and MBTA service will be closed on Tuesday and issued a statewide travel ban effective at midnight:
"We have declared a state of emergency for the entire Commonwealth to make sure every city and town is prepared and has access to the necessary resources for the upcoming storm. We encourage the public to make the appropriate preparations, stay alert and make plans to safely commute home this evening. As the storm progresses, we will work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS), Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Guard and local authorities, assuming all necessary precautions to keep people safe."
A statewide travel ban will be effective at midnight. The travel ban will be lifted by county based on road conditions.
"As the storm approaches, the people of the Commonwealth are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and frequently monitor alerts and updates from the MEMA and the NWS, especially through social media in the event of power outages. Our goal is to make sure the Commonwealth safely weathers this storm in every county, which requires preparation and cooperation from all," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.
The citizens of the Commonwealth are encouraged to check www.mass.gov/mema for critical updates and direct general questions to the 24-hour citizen information telephone line by dialing 2-1-1.
The following actions and precautions were announced by the Governor at MEMA Headquarters this afternoon:
STATE OF EMERGENCY – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Governor Baker has signed a Declaration of Emergency for Massachusetts ensuring state resources are available and coordinated for storm preparation and to enable swift response among the state, cities and towns. The state of emergency declaration will allow expedited use of state resources, the ability to request and receive mutual aid assistance from other states or the federal government if needed, the immediate procurement and deployment of goods and services necessary for response and other actions as considered necessary by the Governor. The state of emergency shall remain in effect until notice is given in the Governor’s judgment that it is no longer necessary.
STATEWIDE TRAVEL BAN – EFFECTIVE AT MIDNIGHT: Governor Baker has signed an Executive Order allowing for the enforcement of a statewide travel ban effective at midnight. The following exceptions shall exist for the ban and all drivers are encouraged to remain safe and use their best judgment:
· Essential emergency response professionals
· Medical, healthcare and human service workers, including shelter personnel
· Essential public transit and support workers
· Public and private personnel supporting public works and utility operations
· Essential state employees
· Those traveling for essential medical procedures
· Vehicles and personnel delivering essential supplies to healthcare facilities.
MBTA CLOSURE – TUESDAY, JANUARY 27th: MBTA service will remain open during regular business hours today. Tomorrow, the MBTA will be closed. Services are planned to resume Wednesday, and additional announcements will be made by noon Tuesday.
STATE OFFICE CLOSURES – TUESDAY, JANUARY 27th: The Governor has directed that non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their workplace on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 due to weather conditions. State offices are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Employees should continue to check Mass.gov or call 211 for additional updates and cold weather safety tips.
Travel Ban
Last updated at January 26, 2015 01:27 PM
Governor Baker has signed an Executive Order allowing for the enforcement of a statewide travel ban effective at midnight. The following exceptions shall exist for the ban and all drivers are encouraged to remain safe and use their best judgment:
- Essential emergency response professionals
- Medical, healthcare and human service workers, including shelter personnel
- Essential public transit and support workers
- Public and private personnel supporting public works and utility operations
- Essential state employees
- Those traveling for essential medical procedures
- Vehicles and personnel delivering essential supplies to healthcare facilities.
The travel ban will be lifted on a county by county basis as conditions allow, and exemptions to the travel ban are as follows:
- Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel, including those providing services at correctional facilities, and private sector security personnel
- Public works vehicles and public works personnel, including contract personnel supporting public works operations
- Public transportation vehicles and public transportation personnel, including contract personnel supporting public transportation operations
- Government personnel conducting official business
- Utility company vehicles and personnel, including contract personnel supporting utility response and restoration efforts
- Personnel directly supporting storm response operations, including but not limited to emergency shelter personnel
- Personnel supporting human services facilities, including but not limited to residential housing programs and human services shelter operations
- Healthcare personnel, including home healthcare personnel and personal care assistants
- Personnel delivering or supporting services at healthcare facilities, including those that provide long term care and mental health care, as well as hospitals and other healthcare facilities
- Vehicles and personnel providing critical supplies to healthcare facilities, including those that provide long term care and mental health care, as well as hospitals and other healthcare facilities
- News media
- Private sector snow removal equipment engaged in, or traveling in connection with the removal or clearance of snow and ice from public or private sector facilities
- Patients traveling for the purpose of receiving urgent critical care, and persons traveling with those patients who are necessary to facilitate that urgent critical care
- Travel necessary to maintain critical private sector facilities, services and operations, and to deliver or support critical private sector services and supplies in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, fuel, financial systems, and the provision of critical commodities
- Travel to support business operations that provide critical services to the public, including gasoline stations, pharmacies, food stores and hardware stores
MBTA Closure on Tuesday January 27th
Last updated at January 26, 2015 01:01 PM
MBTA service will remain open during regular business hours on Monday January 26, 2015. Tuesday, January 27, 2015, the MBTA will be closed. Services are planned to resume Wednesday, and additional announcements will be made by noon Tuesday.
State of Emergency Alert
Last updated at January 26, 2015 12:22 PM
Governor Baker has signed a Declaration of Emergency for Massachusetts ensuring state resources are available and coordinated for storm preparation and to enable swift response among the state, cities and towns. The state of emergency declaration will allow expedited use of state resources, the ability to request and receive mutual aid assistance from other states or the federal government if needed, the immediate procurement and deployment of goods and services necessary for response and other actions as considered necessary by the Governor. The state of emergency shall remain in effect until notice is given in the Governor’s judgment that it is no longer necessary.
Tuesday State Office Closures
Last updated at January 26, 2015 12:13 PM
The Governor has directed that non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their workplace on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 due to weather conditions. State offices are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Employees should continue to check Mass.gov or call 211 for additional updates and cold weather safety tips.
Extreme Weather Alert
Last updated at January 26, 2015 09:04 AM
Massachusetts will experience a severe and potentially historic storm Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning, complete with snow measured in feet, damaging winds, and serious coastal flooding. A corridor of heavy, wet snow is expected in southeast MA (east of I-95) where temperatures will near 32 degrees, making for heavy wet snow. Elsewhere, colder temperatures (teens and 20’s) will make for fluffier snow. Snowfall totals are expected to reach over 20 inches across much of the Commonwealth, with pockets of 30+ inches possible. The Cape and Martha’s Vineyard will see 12+ inches.
Timing - Light snow will impact the late afternoon commute on Monday with 1-2” in Boston/Worcester/Springfield. A forecasted 12-18” will fall in a 9-hour period from 1AM to 10AM Tuesday, falling at a rate of 2 or more inches per hour. Thunderstorms will also be occurring in this time window. Snow, with varying intensities will continue through Tuesday night, likely last until daybreak Wednesday morning, potentially bringing up to an additional 10 inches of snow in areas.
MEMA's Tips for Preparing for the Storm
“Before the arrival of the storm this evening, it is important that you take the proper steps to ensure the safety of your family and home,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz.
- Ensure your Emergency Kit is stocked with supplies to enable you to survive on your own for at least three to five days. There should be a first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a manual can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), flashlights and extra batteries along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio, baby-care or pet supplies items, extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.
- Ensure that your Winter Emergency Car Kit is well stocked to keep you and your vehicle safe.
- This storm has the potential to bring widespread power outages, so take the opportunity to fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power outage.
- Those along the coast should be aware of potential flooding. Pay close attention to directives from you local public safety officials.
- Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
- Gas up you automobiles because many local filling stations may also lose their ability to pump gas.
- Download the free Massachusetts Alerts app to your smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
- Trim dead tree branches and limbs close to your home. Ice, snow and wind can combine to snap limbs that can take down power lines or damage your home.
- Clean gutters. Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris. When thawing begins, the water can back up under your roof and eaves causing damage to walls and ceilings.
- Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage.
- Ensure that your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device
- Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have the option of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can safely keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.
- To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
- Know how to safely shut off gas, electric power and water valves.
- If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices.
- If you have life-support devices that depend on electricity, contact your local electric company about your power needs for life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, breathing machines, etc.) in advance of an emergency. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list. Talk to your equipment suppliers about your power options and also let the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices.
- Find out about individual assistance that may be available in your community if you need it. Register in advance with the local emergency management agency, the local fire department, other government agencies or non-profit groups. Tell them of your individual needs or those of a family member and find out what assistance, help or services can be provided.
- If you use in-home support services, Meals-on-Wheels, Life Alert or other support services, work with them to personalize emergency preparedness plans to meet your needs so you can keep in touch with them during and after an emergency. That contact may be your lifeline to other services in a disaster.
- If you have or may have transportation needs, work with local transportation providers and/or disability services (e.g., Paratransit, Independent Living Centers) to plan ahead for accessible transportation.
- Develop back-up plans for personal assistance services, hospice or other forms of in-home assistance.
- Be a good neighbor. Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.
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 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, coordinating response operations, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.
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