Reference Image | Courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Tristan D. VigliancoThe Town of Shrewsbury was awarded a $9,999 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) to enhance the community’s emergency readiness.
The award, provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), will support improvements to the emergency sheltering services for all Shrewsbury residents.
“We are thankful to have been awarded this grant as it will allow us to provide improved sheltering equipment to those in need during an emergency,” Fire Chief James Vuona said in a press release submitted on September 6th, 2019. “The funding will have a significant impact on our operational readiness and will help us address the needs of the community that were identified by the risk assessment.”
The grant comes after a Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment by the Shrewsbury Fire Department where the need for increased preparedness and logistical support for emergency sheltering operations was identified. The assessment recognized gaps in emergency sheltering capabilities for individuals requiring additional assistance, such as those with mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges.
The funds will be used to obtain vital emergency sheltering equipment and a mobile trailer unit to allow for “rapid deployment and logistical support in the event emergency sheltering services are needed,” the Fire Agency explained. And also, to obtain equipment and supplies that will improve emergency shelters for individuals requiring additional assistance.
New and existing emergency sheltering locations will also undergo a review of their suitability to ensure compliance with the standards outlined within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The EMPG provides funds to assist local and tribal governments with emergency management departments in preparing for all hazards and to obtain the resources required to support FEMA’s National Preparedness Goal’s Mission Areas and Core Capabilities.
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Great news for the Town of Shrewsbury Having served on the Sheltering committee under MEMA in 2005, one of the big issues that came up was how to serve persons with disabilities in emergency shelters as opposed to going to nursing homes. I hope the grant allows individuals to bring their personal care attendants with them in the shelters as well.