Gov. Deval Patrick Declares State of Emergency

Governor Deval Patrick has declared a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in response to approaching Hurricane Irene.

The declaration of a State of Emergency will enable the Governor to take the appropriate steps to

mobilize many of the Commonwealth’s assets, such as the National Guard, and conduct other emergency business to assist local communities in their response to and recovery from the many impacts of thispotentially devastating storm.

In addition, Governor Patrick has requested a Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration from President Obama. This declaration would expedite federal assistance to the Commonwealth to prepare for and recover from the impact of Hurricane Irene.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, famlies, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made.

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